2020 Annual Buddha’s Light Scouts Group Camp

What a camp the Scouts had at MAC - Manjedal Activity Centre!

The annual BLIAWA Scout camp is slowly becoming our group’s tradition to mark the end of year!

On the 18 December 2020, the scouts started to arrive at MAC from 10 am to register and be ready for the official opening parade.

Day 1, at the Opening Parade, Ven Miao Li welcomed the youths with a simple message – “That throughout the camp and being a Scout is to practise using their wisdom, compassion and courage, aligning with the 3G’s, Do Good Deeds, Say Good Words and Think Good Thoughts”. After the opening parade, the morning was spent setting up their tents and preparing their own lunch and dinner. Lots of pegs were lost to the rocky campground but no fear, we have SupaPegs this year!! After setting up, the scouts had some light activities, a talk by our Adventurous Activity Branch Commissioner Daryn sharing about all the different outdoor activities that can be done and helping our Scouts with some knots. Day 1 was a light day with our scouts resting early for a fun filled Day 2.

Day 2 was packed full of adventurous activities, GPS navigation, Flying Fox through the tree tops, splashing and swimming in the lake. Then in the evening, the entire group came together to welcome our guests of honour, District Commissioner Steve Hunt and Training Commissioner Russell Parsons who witnessed the recognition of our adult helpers with Group Leader Grace Collins presenting the BLIA Scout group scarf to:

- Uncle Chai Lee (Committee Chair, Quartermaster, aka “The Go-To”)

- Tony Goh (Adult Helper aka Asst. Group Leader)

- Daniel King (Adult Helper – Scout section)

- Elvina Koh (Adult Helper – Joey Section)

- Li Lin Puah (Adult Helper – Joey Section – Not present on day)

A sumptuous dinner was prepared by our scouts, camp chef and parents for all to enjoy before sitting down round the campfire for a rousing singing session. The verbal recipe “Frozen Chocolate Banana” was definitely a winner, and so is the “Singing in the rain” where our scouts really loosen up for the next highlight of the night.

To cap off the night, it was time to let our hair down with a 80’s Disco night for everyone at camp with youths, leaders, helpers and parents all dressed up and got dancing!! All the youths were soon tired out and everyone had a peaceful sleep that night . Camp had never been so quiet.

Day 3 - final day, everyone started the day packing their tents away, had a reflection moment about the camp and planned their activities for next year. Not long after lunch, we were gathered for the closing parade, the youths took their Scout Promise again to remind them of their commitments. Our Group Leader Grace also pointed out wisdom, compassion and courage were displayed over the 3 days of camp with lots of good acts, good words and good intentions. It was agreed our scouts might have lost time spent with their devices but we are sure they have all grown a little, gained much more experience, and forged new bonds of friendships during camp… As the saying goes.. “from little things BIG things grow”. This is Buddha’s Light, our Scouting journey