By: Ethan Nepomuceno, Jeshana De Guzman, Alexandra Delavin, and Andrianna Merced
“Scouting is a way of life that makes you understand,” said Kashliwal. As the camping season approached, PSDians had their camping at the Philippine School Doha (PSD) for the Preschool Department, Museum of Islamic Arts (MIA) for the Primary, Intermediate, Junior High School, and Senior High School, and Al Khor. The camp, with the theme, ‘Scouting for Sustainability and Progress’, was held last November 18-22 to harness the skills and talents of the young scouts while fostering camaraderie among each scout.
The Preschool Department held its day camp in PSD’s Open Court, wherein the Kid Scouts experienced it last November 18 while the Twinklers experienced it last November 19. Although they had separate days for the day camp, the activities were similar that aimed to teach about the importance of scouting. The day started with a Troop Formation followed by a parade wherein joyous smiles of the kids awed their parents as they marched with pride. Afterward, each troop learned the Marching Drills and the Basic Skills of Scouting. Furthermore, to seize the day, obstacles such as Scout Crawl and Scout Scavenger Hunt took place. As the camp neared its end, an Awarding Ceremony was held to give appreciation and recognition for the troops who did their best throughout the challenges.
The Primary Department followed and had its day camp in the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) Park wherein the scouts learned the basic knots and drills. Afterward, they were asked to make a stand for their respective flags. The scouts also had the time to play and experience meeting and playing with other troops and kids.
Subsequently, the Intermediate Department, along with the Junior High School and Senior High School Department (Boys), held their camping in Al Khor, wherein they spent two days filled with lessons and fun. Their first day started with each troop’s cheers and yelled, filled with energy. Afterward, competitions occurred which included: Poster Making Contest, Woggle Making, and Camp Cooking. Consequently, a campfire ceremony occurred. Later on, Eduardo Anore won as the Friendliest Scout, Alijah Abrenica won as the King of the Scouts, Eduardo Anore as the 1st Prince, and Kenneth Punzalan as the 2nd Prince.
On the following day, the scouts had their exercise to prepare themselves for the next activities. Scout rally games then occurred wherein games included: Shooting Balls and Relaying Messages, which tested the scouts’ skills in being strategic and patient. An awarding once again occurred wherein Troop Quezon won as the Best Troop overall, and Troop Rizal won as the 1st Runner Up.
Meanwhile, the JHS and SHS Girl Scouts were filled with enthusiasm and eagerness to know what is in store for them in this year’s camp because the camping would be held at MIA for the first time. The scouts had an orientation at the auditorium with Ms. Sarah Tose, the facilitator and MIA representative, and Mr. Saad Salem S. Al-Kaabi, the head of the Security of MIA and MIA Operation. Mr. Al-Kaabi talked about the house rules and expressed his great pleasure to host this year’s camp and is looking forward to inviting the scouts in the future. Ms. Tose then went on stage to explain the program for the first day. Afterward, the first activity started which was the Treasure Trail. Later on, the second activity, which was the creation of a geometric door panel out of colored papers, took place wherein the scouts were provided with templates and references of designs. The last activity was the creation of jewelry out of the given materials. Subsequently, the scouts went to the MIA Park to carry out an array of team-building activities that developed the scouts’ creativity and problem-solving skills while facilitating better communication and breaking the barrier among each individual.
On the second day, the scouts had their refreshing morning exercise and Zumba session to give them the energy they needed for the day. Consequently, the scouts gathered in the auditorium wherein the scouts sang the scout songs with confidence and passion. Later on, the scouts were given short activities, which showed the importance of communication and teamwork. After the brief yet fruitful activities, the scouts proceeded to the awarding ceremony. Troop Elements garnered the most awards, which made them the best troop. The program ended happily with a group photo.
Truly, scouting is a big part of the students’ lives as it continuously teaches the youth the basics in life and the importance of survival in any place at any time. Throughout the camping, students collided with people they have never met before but instantly formed a bond that will last a lifetime. Indeed, scouting does not only revolve around learning but also building relationships with people around them.