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Post by 666 Black Panther on Jun 16, 2008 20:47:07 GMT 5
Ok guy's it's been confirmed that there will be NPC this yr, 27 Nov - 1 Dec.
It is the biggest and most prestigious competition that is organized by HQ as it tests every skill the a Scout should know and much more, like orienteering, pioneering, tent pitching, outdoor cooking, cooking, Knowledge of Movement, your physcial n mental toughness, your team spirit and sportsmanship just to name a few.
I hope that the current members of the Scout Unit will step up to represent us in this competition and the ventures and other Senior will step up and share their exp and give their support.
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Post by sillyboi on Jun 18, 2008 14:32:30 GMT 5
Why so early? I think a lot ppl that time will be overseas lorz.,...
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Etheryu
Active Scout Officer 
QM
Posts: 109
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Post by Etheryu on Jun 20, 2008 18:08:15 GMT 5
We aren't the ones who set the date. It is HQ decision.
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Post by 666 Black Panther on Jun 20, 2008 22:04:17 GMT 5
I've deleted several posts fr this thread, reminder to stick to the topic.
P.S. There is an Intro thread and some of you did not read the Forum Rules - Becoming a Member thread again.
P.P.S start a new thread re-accounting your funny experiences in Scouts just not here unless it's regrading NPC.
Back to topic. I think we will have to spend quite some time planning but that should not be a problem if we are just modifying our past designs which some school/Units like Cat High (Current & 4 time champions) and Serangoon Eagles do.
I'll post up past photos and the team size later.
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sillyboi
Active Scout Officer
QM
Posts: 101
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Post by sillyboi on Jun 22, 2008 18:01:25 GMT 5
Dont you think we should start planning soon what design we want to build so that when we go there , we are already assigned what roles we must do so that we can build it in the most effective and efficient time?
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Post by darkknightkp on Jun 25, 2008 21:19:48 GMT 5
Design as Shaun said can be modified and then used. But I think the more important thing is the training of the Scouts especially the Sec 1 scouts. Even in this post campfire period they do not know how to tie quickly AND tight. Some can do 1 or the other but I think most can't do both. This would be a serious concern in NPC because you do not spend all 3 or 4 days tying structures. There are other tests for them to do like Firestarting and others. You will have to ask the people that went for NPC like..Marcus and...I cant remember who else went for my batch. So I think we should do abit of selection as soon as possible so we can train them both physically and mentally. If that happens I think we should have no problem maintaining our Bronze. But lets try for Silver.  |
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LjR91
Active Venture 
Posts: 10
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Post by LjR91 on Jun 25, 2008 22:42:13 GMT 5
There are many things to consider and are tested for NPC. They all revolve around the scouting system and comprise of all aspects of your scouting skills.
This year, HQ has set the rules for the age limits of participants as such:
To participate, each Group must send a team of 8 boys comprising two aged 13 or below and two aged 14 and below, while the rest of the 4 boys must be 16 years and below.
As you guys already know, sending a team of scouts for this prestigious event is quite costly: $800/team of 8. Our unit will be forking out the full cost to send this team in. This means you will not have to pay any application fees.
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The following summarised info have been extracted from the synopsis given by HQ regarding this year's NPC:
'NPC 2008 will be a 5D4N camp, starting from 27th Nov – 1st Dec 2008. During the camp, patrols will face various challenges such as -
a. Camping Standard - This is an important component of the entire judging criteria. Some of the key points are as follows,
i. The sub-camp chief with his staffs will discharge duties. Participants are to complete the duties assigned. The sub-camp chief with his staffs will determine the scores for the Patrol.
ii. The hygiene and inspection standards will be judged during the morning inspections and also during surprise checks.
iii. The Scouting element throughout the camp is of utmost importance, the Scouts are expected to practice the Scouting method and the Patrol system is to be played to its full potential. Marks will be given for enthusiastic participation in camp activities.
b. Campsite Development / Gateway - Patrols will only be supplied with the equipment specified in the attached equipment list. All other amenities will have to constructed by the Patrols during the camp. The size of each campsite is approximately 10 by 10 m by means of a draw.
Apart from cutting and marking material for gadget development, no other form of pre-fabrication will be permitted and marks will be deducted if Patrols have an excessive amount of material left unused at the end of the day. This is to ensure proper planning and a simulation of actual camping scenario which calls for smart planning and packing.
This competition will be administered by the camp staff (i.e. they will ensure that rules is adhered) and a pool of judges will visit each campsite to determine score.
c. Backwoodsman Cooking - This will be the traditional no-utensils method of outdoor cooking. Only seasoning items supply at the camp may be utilised while the presentation of the dishes may be at the patrol discretion.
d. Orienteering
e. Pioneering
f. First Aid
g. Knowledge of Movement / Current Affairs
h. Campfire Skit - The song/sketch competition has been included as it is an integral part of camping. Each patrol will put up a 5 min presentation during the Campers’ Night. The items will be judged at the same time and the best performer from each sub-camp will be invited to perform their items during the Campfire on the 2nd last day.'
Apart from all these, the camp committee have tweaked some of these activities as well as the judging criteria. Of which is pioneering, whereby this year's structure will be built based on the elements of fun E.g. Roman Cannonball, Merry-go-round, See-saw, etc.
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From a personal POV, participating in NPC (including the trainings) when I was in sec 2 in 2005 was the most fulfilling in my 3 years of scouting (excluding Venturing!). Whether you are a reserve or in the main team, you will get to benefit a lot out it if you are part of the training team.
Yes, indeed the trainings are tedious and arduous and sometimes we may even feel discouraged when things do not work out (eg. building of the structures) or run coherently. But at the end of the day, you will acquire a sense of satisfaction and achievement when things get put into place and your hard work pays off. But training goes way beyond that as well. It is ultimately the experience that you get. Experience carries you through life. It consists of both your achievements and your flaws. Yes, you do have to do well in your academics (which in a way, is very important in the context of Singapore's society). But alongside with that, without experience, a person would be salt and sand.
During NPC trainings, you will get to learn and improve on many scouting skills as well as leadership skills (through time management, risk assessments, character development etc.). Strong bonds will also be fostered between you and the other trainees when you go through the ups and downs of the training and all these skills are, to me, the essence of what BOTH SCOUTING and LIFE entails. But do be prepared, for training will be taken very seriously, especially in preparation for one of the biggest events in Singapore scouting (no doubt we will also have fun through certain new activities and games - most of the time being team dynamics).
When many of us look back now, NPC has really taught us a whole load of invaluable skills, be it the prominent or intangible and it is a worthwhile experience. If I hadn't been part of the training team, I honestly do not think that I would have learnt as much from sec 1 to 3.
For all those who already have the mentality of not wanting to join, I urge you to be open and receptive. If you have a good reason for not wanting to but you wish to, you can always approach any of the ALs or Ventures. But if you simply do not wish to because you think it is time consuming, tiring, challenging or the more likely reason would be due to peer influence (when others claim that they are not interested in joining), kindly do reconsider. It is an opportunity presented to you. Seize it.
I have asked some people whether they are interested in joining NPC and without much hesitation and consideration, they replied 'no'. I asked why and again, they replied ' I don't know... Just don't want to' and all sorts of excuses flow. We wouldn't know your reasons for you know yourselves better. Reflect and consider. Is there really a justified reason why you don't want to be part of the team? To help bring the standards of the unit up; to bring glory to the unit, the school and yourself? This decision does not reflect so much on your leadership or committment, but it unquestionably reflects on your pride (of course, not excessive-pride or passion). Are you proud to be a part of this unit? Are you willing to put yourself through the training to improve yourself?
For those who are willing but are afraid that they would not be able to make it into the team or that they are incompetent. Do not fret. If you never try, you'll never know how far you can go. Just keep humble and carry with you a sense of pride in your responsibilities. Personally, I have felt the same way before when I was in sec 2 =) so no worries! This opportunity will be an excellent stepping stone for you as a person, a scout and a leader.
All in all, again, I urge some of you to reconsider for I feel that the majority of you have potential. In actual fact, everyone has potential. It is whether you allow yourself to improve and mature as a person. Seize this opportunity good and seize it well. If you have anymore queries, feel free to ask the ALs or the Ventures.
I guarantee all of you that NPC training will be a fulfilling and through that, a fun experience at the end of the day. Please note that all these are not bullsh*tting even though for many of you, it would be hard to believe.
We will inform you all further on the application soon (it is open to ALL).
"The secret of success in life is for a man to be ready for his opportunity when it comes."
"Experience is the best teacher, but the tuition is high."
I have confidence that we will do well for NPC this year. Bring the unit up to at least a silver and if possible, GOLD. =) We can follow and learn some things from the best units in Singapore, but in my opinion, do not always compare with them and say that we are inferior to their standards.
All the best and God Bless =),
Venture Junrong
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Post by 666 Black Panther on Jun 26, 2008 13:06:42 GMT 5
For all those who already have the mentality of not wanting to join, I urge you to be open and receptive. If you have a good reason for not wanting to but you wish to, you can always approach any of the ALs or Ventures. But if you simply do not wish to because you think it is time consuming, tiring, challenging or the more likely reason would be due to peer influence (when others claim that they are not interested in joining), kindly do reconsider. It is an opportunity presented to you. Seize it. I have asked some people whether they are interested in joining NPC and without much hesitation and consideration, they replied 'no'. I asked why and again, they replied ' I don't know... Just don't want to' and all sorts of excuses flow. We wouldn't know your reasons for you know yourselves better. Reflect and consider. Is there really a justified reason why you don't want to be part of the team? To help bring the standards of the unit up; to bring glory to the unit, the school and yourself? This decision does not reflect so much on your leadership or committment, but it unquestionably reflects on your pride (of course, not excessive-pride or passion). Are you proud to be a part of this unit? Are you willing to put yourself through the training to improve yourself? For those who are willing but are afraid that they would not be able to make it into the team or that they are incompetent. Do not fret. If you never try, you'll never know how far you can go. Just keep humble and carry with you a sense of pride in your responsibilities. Personally, I have felt the same way before when I was in sec 2 =) so no worries! This opportunity will be an excellent stepping stone for you as a person, a scout and a leader. For those of u who r ready to step-up and represent, thank you and you will have the support of all the ALs, Seniors and old boys. Now I believe the Unit should be behind u too and not just spiritually but also physically to help move the equipment on the day itself so that our guys can spend their energy on the actual building of the campsite and the competition but it has come to my attention that some of u think this is a waste of time. Let me make this clear, the NPC is a competition for the Best of the Best so those going to NPC representing us are the best our Unit has to offer. During campfires, we are judged buy the Units who attend, that's abt 15-20 schools, in NPC there are 60 teams/schools as well as Leaders and HQ officials. Along with the award (or even worst no award) given to those Patrols who prove themselves good enough. People will judge us, all of US and the Unit base on thing they see and hear, this is one of those things. So if you are not going to be supportive and u are not going to leave (quit) the Unit then I have just 1 thing to say to you, SHUT THE HELL UP!Yes that is a bit harsh but I do not like ppl who r not only unsupportive (esp those part of our Unit) but try to make themselves look good by making others look bad. These kinds of ppl are useless back-stabbing parasites. I have my pride and I am proud of this Unit if I wasn't I won't be here 7 yrs after I graduated passing on not just my Scouting knowledge but my life lessons. When u go out into the real world, u will have to earn ur place (luck will play some part for sure) and u do that by working hard and smart not by sabotaging other ppl. Best of luck to everyone will to represent in making the final 8. |
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sillyboi
Active Scout Officer
QM
Posts: 101
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Post by sillyboi on Jun 27, 2008 20:42:32 GMT 5
Those scouts who will be chosen, my full support is with u!
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Post by 666 Black Panther on Jun 27, 2008 23:04:14 GMT 5
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Stephen
Active Venture
Freespace 2, Shivans
Posts: 243
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Post by Stephen on Jun 30, 2008 14:18:09 GMT 5
I am willing to join the application for NPC'08
i dont mind working at night, overtime, or anything else
planning or praticing
PS: our SL looks nice in those photos
and is that our VSL? the one in red?
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Post by yongxiang on Jul 4, 2008 9:00:45 GMT 5
Hi guys. Many of you will probably not know me. Only a handful would. Just a miniself-intro. from 89 batch. can call me yong xiang. 3rd yr poly at ngee ann alrdy! I've personally experienced NPC myself. yea i'm one of the guys in those pictures that was posted. hahas, and i look like crap i just found out =X NPC is one big thing that i'll never forget in my years of scouting. I've appreciated the chance to be able to participate in NPC. those days everyone was competing to get a slot into the NPC team, argubly the best scouts will be chosen to represent their own units. I took that as a challenge to prove myself, fortunately my hardwork and attitude managed to pull me through the NPC selections. We even had camps for selection alone. 1 or 2? i can't rmb seriously. after the main team was formed, all the hardcore staying back, physical + mental training just flowed in like water. it was really tough but do-able. i went bback for campfire this year, and wow i didn't even see anyone doing a single push-up. i guess nowadays parents tend to complain more and welfare seems to be over-extended. All i can hope and wish for is you guys can train up physically on your own as this NPC is no pure-fun thing. Yes there is fun, but only to a certain degree. There are morning inspections that will literally kill the team if they are not disciplined enough to keep their own grounds clean and tidy. evening the laying out of equipment has to have a certain format. Other components like backwoodsman cooking, i think Shaun is probably the best guy to learn from. lol i'll learnt so much funny stuff from him, all the murdering of animals. He's one hella of crazy dude. i want to eat the sugar catfish. lol!! Gateway and Tower. you guys better get Best Gateway. Cause my team got it. If you cant tie tight, use a damn mallet. It's gonna help a bunch. Physical training helps alot in this aspect. I've got 1 question to ask you all. How many of you guys can actually do at least 50 pushups in a min?  In NPC, they provide you with cooking ingredients and everything. So you guys have to learn how to cook up a simple meal for your team. No food = Gone. Don't look down on this area. Good food makes the team feel more positive. That's because the only time the team can rest during NPC is when they're having their meals.  Remember to keep the campsite as clean as possible, watch out for some people who go round stealing other ppl's equipment. Bring ample equipment and make sure you guys have a checklist!!!!!!!! OH yes. 1 VERY VERY important thing. If you guys are still using kerosene, PLS do nt store your kerosene into bottles and don't stick any warning to say it's kerosene. 1 of my team-mates drank kerosene in NPC. yea enough said. There're a few other games on the last day of the camp i think, those games help to score points as well. Don't miss out on any chance to earn points. My team failed at orienteering badly, i hope you guys dun repeat our footsteps for that. So do more orienteering!!! I don't know what else to say. Just do your best and get the award. My team was 7 points short of silver. that feeling sucked. lol. Peace, Yong Xiang |
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Post by 666 Black Panther on Jul 4, 2008 16:42:09 GMT 5
Hi guys. Many of you will probably not know me. Only a handful would. Just a miniself-intro. from 89 batch. can call me yong xiang. 3rd yr poly at ngee ann alrdy! This is Yong Xiang.  Nice to have u here. |
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Post by 666 Black Panther on Jul 4, 2008 20:22:44 GMT 5
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LjR91
Active Venture
Posts: 10
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Post by LjR91 on Jul 7, 2008 17:37:29 GMT 5
Please note that all application and consent forms are to be in by this Friday, 11th July 2008. Late submissions will not be entertained.Thanks.
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