The Venture Scout exploration hike was a physically and mentally demanding component to clear. I was extremely nervous about this particular component. Many have started the PSA journey with high spirits but end up failing the hike or VCC component. My seniors had warned me saying that one must be prepared to fail the hike and try again. Since i had a tight schedule, i was fearful of failing and having to prepare for the hike again was a nightmare. To avoid this, i made sure that my navigational skills and map reading was reliable. I went on practice hikes, conducted by my my leaders.
In this mock hike my friend Bryan and I had toreport in school on a Saturday and buy rations for the hike. I purchased some sardine and cracker cans, jubes and soya milk. We set off from St Gabriel's secondary school at 8 am and reached our final checkpoint, vivo city, at 8pm. I learnt much from that practice hike- what and how to pack. The pace to maintain, the types of items that i can and cannot bring.
After that i had to complete the hike theory component. The assistant examiner had said that we had to report at Tampines hub to do the test. The test required us to think on our feet and also memorise knowledge-related to the hike. Questions included types of compasses, 6 digit grid reference location and mapping. After that we had to go out on a 1km radius and sketch the location. Afterwards we submitted our sketch and left.
Then came the actual 60km hike. The previous night, i could not sleep! I was so anxious about the journey ahead the next day that I stressed myself out. The next morning I took my items and met the examiners at west coast park Mc Donalds. We were first tested on first-aid. I was told that my friend and I went on a hike and he broke his shoulders. Then I immediately immobilised his shoulders and tied an elevated arm sling. Upon the inspection, the examiner approved it and gave me the green light. my first checkpoint was the Jacob Balas garden at botanical gardens. We walked there from west coast park, taking into consideration the route in which we walked in and then looking out for social, economic, and environmental factors at the checkpoint itself. From there my companion Bobby and I walked to machrithce reservoir where we had to locate a pavilion. There were so many pavilions there that the MGR had to be accurate and we had to do triangulation to pin-point the exact location. After that we headed to our next checkpoint of the day which was a swimming pool. THE sky was dark and thus we headed to our next destination, to locate a board at chai chee. Th is was the most difficult checkpoint as the board was extremely small and almost impossible to locate. I prayed hard and was happy to find the board. After that, we went to our restpoint east coast park campsite D. I was exhausted upon reaching the end point. The next day, we had to plan our own route. I routed the points and put our last checkpoint at Matilda house. The Matilda house was a place of historic significance and required me to walk up and down its boundaries to draw the checkpoint map.
At last we reached our endpoint! Waterway point was in sight and we were all elated to finally see the Place in which we could finally rest. I was very thankful for both my companions. Firstly Joshua even though was tired and not feeling well, managed to reach the endpoint on the first day. And the Donavon, had an exam the next day. Yet he came in and substituted Bobby. Overall i submitted my sketchbook and post hike report. I was happy that i put in my best effort and managed to get 71%. I reflected on my journey and was proud of myself and thankful to all my leaders and companions. The next task awaits...
No comments:
Post a Comment