ACHIEVEMENTS | LUMEN
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Some of them shared similar opinions on what they found difficult in the process of attaining the award . Zaki felt the most challenging part was finding his certificates . Wayne shared the same sentiments with Zaki since he realised that his batch of scouts , had lost records of their accomplishments in Secondary 1 and 2 , making the process of compiling the information needed for submission to achieve the award tedious . On the other hand , Gabriel found that preparing for every required component of the Chief Commissioner Award a demanding experience , considering how he had completed his 25 km hike just before his end-of-year exams . Juggling between schoolwork and scouts was no easy feat . To Mark , the exploration hike was the most difficult aspect of achieving the award . Though walking 25 km may sound simple , the area sketches and descriptions that accompanied it proved demanding , as all these were accomplished while carrying a backpack full of toiletries and food supplies . Upon reflection , Justin decided , “ The most challenging factor would be the sustained commitment needed to see ( you ) through this process of attaining the Chief Commissioner Award from start to end . All the while you are putting in your best effort .”
The experience for every one of them was an enriching one , enabling each to learn more about scouting , his leadership capabilities and himself . Justin commented , “ It has been a fulfilling process that has its trying moments . It is irrefutably demanding both physically and mentally but alas it was worthwhile .” Wayne appreciated the support from teachers and found it invaluable . Zaki also agreed that with the support from each other and fellow scouts from other schools made the entire experience easier . Scouting is strongly appealing as a uniformed group in Zaki ’ s opinion . One major attraction is the lack of emphasis on regimented components such as drills but the focus on discovering oneself . This discovery is usually facilitated by the skills training that each scout undergoes : pioneering , backwoodsman , camp
The most challenging factor would be the sustained commitment needed to see ( you ) through this process of attaining the Chief Commissioner Award from start to end . All the while you are putting in your best effort .
development and even cooking . Zaki also finds being a part of the scouting community comforting , knowing that all over the world there are scouts like him , and they will be ever willing to befriend him . Justin appreciates the inter-connectedness in scouting which provides opportunities for people of different nationalities to come together and interact at international events like jamborees .
Having attended the 23rd World Scout Jamboree ( WSJ ) in Japan , Mark attests to the universality of the scouting movement . " Scouting is a 40 million strong movement that unites youth across geopolitical and religious boundaries to strive towards the common goal of peace . This is no more apparent than during the World Scout Jamboree where scouts from different countries gather . I was privileged to attend the 23rd WSJ in Japan in 2015 and I witnessed how the message of creating a better world rang true . There were scouts from both Palestine and Israel at the jamboree as both scout organisations felt that whatever decisions that
were made by the political leaders did not influence the fact that both Israeli scouts and Palestinian scouts both strive for peace .”
Four years of scouting in the St . Joseph ’ s Pelandok Scout Unit is insufficient for these five boys . The forged bonds and the camaraderie that they have shared throughout these years made all of them relish their scouting years so much that they want to continue being a scout . Given an option to continue in the unit , all of them would take that offer up without hesitating . Zaki feels indebted to the unit and wants to further contribute to it , while hoping for new things that he could discover . Gabriel and Justin have decided to venture on due to the strong ties of friendship they have experienced in scouting . Since the numerous shared experiences make it easy for scouts of different eras and countries to connect with each other , Mark considers scouting to be like a large family that he can never really leave . Hence the decision to continue his scouting journey as a Venture came naturally to him . He has even set his sights on yet another award - the President Scout Award .
The Chief Commissioner Award goes beyond being a mark of achievement for these scouts ; it is what each scout experiences in the process , and what each of them learn that really matters . The award is significant and will always be special . However , it is the memories created and lessons gained in scouting that Zaki , Wayne , Justin , Jerome and Mark will treasure for a lifetime .
Facing page ( top ): The proud awardees ( second from left ) Wayne , Gabriel , Justin , Mark and Zaki
Facing page ( centre ): Wayne and Zaki flanking fellow scouts at the World Scout Jamboree
This page ( top left ): Wayne ( in black t-shirt ) and Zaki on jungle survival training
This page ( top right ): Mark on the extreme right with other Singaporean scout delegates at the jamboree in Japan
This page ( bottom ): Gabriel and Justin having a moment of fun while volunteering at the Purple Parade - an event for people with special needs