Info on Sec 1 Orientation

Hi Sec 3

The following info may be useful to your when your are planning the CCA booth for sec 1 orientation.

Regards
Mr Bay

SANA

Dear Sec 3s

If you have not done anything for your SANA project, please finish up all you need to do ASAP. NOt very sure when is the deadline but i am still waiting for their results.

Love

Mr Bay

Merry Christmas

Hi Boys

Happy Merry Christmas

Mr Terence

heya

Dear Boys

Dec holiday is coming to an end. Hope your had a good rest n start preparing ur assignments;)

Mr Bay

BB Day

Dear NCO Council

I need to meet you guys up next week to plan together for BB Day, choose a date between 22 to 26 December.

Reply on the tagboard which date you guys are available by this Saturday 21st, then we will chose the majority. If not I will grab a date so I need your full co-operation.

We will get a classroom and sit down together and discuss.

Pass this message around within the NCO Council.

Thanks.

;)

Add on to post below

arh! My 1st post! *clap clap*

Just to add on. Other UGs have tried to do what we're doing for SGB, but decided to stop it after 1 attempt due to logistical problems.

After 21 yrs(that's my age), we're still going strong with SGB because we have God as our guide. This is what the others do not have. The patience to sit down there at the satellite boxes, endurance to slog it out at the warehouse, mental tenacity to plan out never ending work schedules are all given by God for the purpose of reaching out to people who need Him.

We'll definitely try to let you guys go down to HQ to see the other aspect of the operations for you to gain exposure. Most importantly to let you know how lucky and blessed we are. I believe our myopic view of how 'difficult' our lives are will undoubtly be changed after a trip to HQ.

Take some time to think through what difficulties you're facing and compare it with others facing more REAL problems. You'll find that these problems aren't really that bad. So in the mean time, enjoy your duties.

zuhui
aka
black face

My Thoughts on BBSGB, and 45th in the News!

Received an sms from Bing Xu (an old Boy) this morning as I woke up.

"Cool xia our Boys on newspapers. Although i dunno who."

Immediately I went to flip through The Straits Times and I saw...

Nicholas and Dominic are featured in a picture in page B9 of the 'Home' section (Saturday, 6th December 2008) under the article entitled "They were helped - now it's their turn".


Something that I have always taken pride in since I was a Boy (I still am, theoretically speaking, because Primers are considered Boys also) is BBSGB. I daresay we are the ONLY uniformed youth organisation that is involved in such a noble and massive cause, helping people all over the island. Sure, other UGs may be doing things like Flag Day, but I am proud to say that none of their efforts are able to match up with the Boys' Brigade. It is very easy to hold a coin tin and ask for donations on the street, but it takes a lot of patience for people to sit at the booth from 11am - 9pm, waiting for donations to come in. It takes a lot of sweat and toil to slog out at the warehouse in HQ, sorting out all the food items and various donations, then packing them into bags, ready to be delivered to the families and organisations who need them. It may seem like an easy job, But you can Mr. Chung, Mr. Bay or Mr. Yap (all of them have worked as part of the Ops Team in HQ before) and they will prove you wrong.

This is the 21st year since the start of BBSGB, and it is still going strong, with donations from kind-hearted well-wishers, selfless effort by the volunteers, as well as the Ops Team in HQ and the Boys who are stationed at the satellite Gift Boxes and Wish Trees in the various shopping centres and hotels. Having worked in HQ Warehouse before when I was a Potential Founders' Men, I was able to see the big picture, and had a better understanding of what was going on. I thank God for giving me that chance. I would definitely want you guys to go down to HQ Warehouse and take a look, and if possible, do some deliveries and interact with some of the beneficiaries.

So, instead of grumbling about having to do duty, take pride in the fact that you are part of this noble cause. Be glad that the effort you put in, no matter how much, are able to put smiles on the faces of the needy and the less fortunate. Be proactive and take the initiative to inform the public, as well and family and friends about this annual event. Be happy and thankful that God gave you this chance to help others.



Instructor Hongyou

Look what I found

Your seniors Yip Gyn Siong and Christoper Chin doing SGB in Hougang Mall, not sure which year it was but definately before Hougang Mall went renovation.

Gyn Siong is a year my junior and Christopher is a year senior than me.

Think it was during the time where Hougang Mall NTUC still have the big cow hanging on top of dairy product refrigerator, theres a button you pressed and got "Mooooooooooooo" sound.

Mr Terence Chung

BBSGB 08

Hi Boys

Just want to encourage all of your on duty abit. Want your to know that some of your officers and primers actually played a key role in the BBSGB Operations.

Mr Yap was there as a manpower IC before. He used to schedule Boys for the warehouse duties and outposts (meaning other collection points manned by BBHQ). Same for Mr terence Chung. I was the Wishes 2 Ic before. So my job is more of getting the gifts for the less fortunate.

And this year, i have decided that i should spend my Hari Raya Haji in BBHQ as a driver for the SGB Operations Team. Other than that, most of my time will be spent in school. Your are welcome to stalk me at BBHQ on that day. Or jio me to lunch at zion road hawker centre.

What does this mean?

It is not just the Boys who are doing duty only. The ex-Boys actually went on to see a bigger scale of SGB. Mr Chung and Instructor Hong You kept going to your collection point to check your out. We are constantly doing our 'duties' to keep your in the most tip top condition possible. 

And it is my challenge to you to personally go BBHQ to see the massiveness of SGB. I want your to know that the effort your put in means alot to the BBHQ and also to the less fortunate. This is because the items your have collected will be transferred to BBHQ for delivery. Go to BBHQ and take a look 1 day. Even when the collection stops (meaning your don't have duties at HG Mall anymore), the HQ is still working out the distribution of food hamper.

Feel the love of Christmas this december by looking at SGB.

Mr Bay

Sharity Gift Box (Hougang Mall)

Hey guys

For your information,

1. Refrain from going down during the operation dates when you are not on duty, this will caused distraction to the duty people. (Instructor HongYou caught Alastair playing PSP at the booth today but he is not on duty)

2. PEOPLE ON DUTY TAKE NOTE! Call HQ by 8.30pm if they have not collect the coin tins. If they are going to be late, go home straight after your duty and the NCO incharge of the padlock for that week will bring back home the coin tins. Do not hesitate to ask them to call me if they are not happy with the arrangement.

3. DO NOT fold the flyers, flyers are meant for the public. ICs for the day please enforce on that.

4. No food and drink (include bubble tea) at the booth, it is indicated on the paper that NO FOOD are allowed at the booth.

and lastly

BB day is coming up next month, any ideas on what to do for the parade? I think this is one of the ways we can protrait ourself proudly to the next year Sec 1s.

p/s: I had changed my rank to 2nd lieutenant, address me as Sir from next parade onwards.

Mr Terence Chung =)

Sharity Gift Box

Hey Boys

Its december and the seniors will know its time for our annual SGB duties (ok im slow). come to think of it, it is the 7th year since we have been adopting Hougang Mall.

I wonder what does SGB mean to all of you. I can agree with you guys that the time spend there was boring because just sit there and do nothing, I have the same thinking when I was a Boy that time to be honest.

But my view about SGB had opened up until last year when I joined the HQ Operation Team. I was there as Manpower Incharge, my main duty was to settle their CIP hours and assigned them to different locations to attend the donation boxes which also known as Satellite Box.

It was definately tiring imaging we have to clear what was leftover till like 3am into the morning before we get to rest, some of us we just work all the way till the morning and only get to sleep after we have cleared our duty in the afternoon.

Despite all the tiredness we also have lots of fun and made a lot of friends.

I think all the Officers will get a shock because the whole of the Operation Team 95% are made up of Primers, this is one of the area Instructors will serve when they chose to help in HQ level events.

The most impactfull duty during the SGB i will say the Delivery. Each vehical will have about 2 to 3 Boys attached to it to send the food hampers, each food hampers weight up to 30kg.

During one of the debrief sessions got a Boy said that he almost cried upon giving the food hamper because he was sad when he saw how bad the living condition of the beneficiries was.

A lesson I learned from last year SGB was that no matter how hard work we put in, all the little effort we put in these years SGB cannot compared to how hard those beneficiries life is.

p/s: sorry for my grammatic errors!!!

p/p/s: click here for SGB website

Mr Terence Chung

bay's musing....

Hello everyone (to show yefeng tt i dun use hi all the time)



Even as we come to the end of the year, its good that we have come this far, as an individual in our lives, as a group, as a school and as a BB company. For most of us, i am sure that your will agree with me that it has been a challenging year.

For me, its been fun working in school and 'playing' with all of your. I enjoyed the conversations and camps we had. The fun and laughter out of parades and in camps, the merlion joke, the sadness when we din get top 3 for drill com.

I learnt alot from these 'incidents'. I learnt that we don't win all the time, we dun get what we had expected all the time, we don't always have happy moments. BUT in the midst of all these sadness and disappointment, something firm stands out. The friendship that i had made, the inner faith that i have and the determination grounded in me during my days as a BB Boy are something that push me on to try again. These are all important. AND not to mention, your (every single individual in 45th COY) ARE IMPORTANT TOO.

Without primer, there won't be any co-ordinators and quality instructorship to guide and mentor the Boys. Without the key appointment holders, the company won't run. There won't be anyone to co-ordinate the buying of the badges, the SGB duties and the running of some of the programmes. Without Boys, the officers and primers won't even exist because we are simply here to teach, lead and inspire your. The officers and primers exist because we believe in the Object of BB. In fact we are going to meet this week to talk about the next yer programme so that we know how best to distribute our manpower.

So i want each and everyone of your here, irregardless of rank and appointment, to stop and reflect on the events that had happened this year. Give thanks for the people around you. Go and tell them that you have appreciated their presence and contributions. Say a thank you especially to those who have stood by you, guided you and inspired you.

The last that i want to say is that our time on earth is precious because every seconds tickle by without giving you a chance to pause it or abort it. Don't waste it. Spend every moment being accountable for how you have spend it.

Merry Christmas (in a few weeks' time) and a Happy New Year ahead

Mr Bay

YF camp

http://www.freewebs.com/bsyfmusicalcamp/

Updates/Announcments

Hi Boys

A couple of stuffs to update. Here it goes.

1. The results for SANA will be released after the close of the online project submission period. Please proceed with doing your project.

2. We (the officers n primers) are still constantly upgrading the blog so that your can receive updates;) I have asked instructor Hongyou to do up a tagboard so that your can use for internal communication and to pose questions to us as well. Cheers ;)
 
Regards
Mr Bay


Unless we know the difference between flowers and weeds, we are not fit to take care of a garden. It is not enough to have truth planted in our minds. We must learn and labor to keep the ground clear of thorns and briars, follies and perversities, which have a wicked propensity to choke the word of life.
SOURCE:  Clyde Francis Lytle

---

Make the most of what you can do on your PC and the Web, just the way you want. Windows Live

LDC 2

Hi Boys

pls look at the website for more information.

The HQ has been very strict on the bearing and attire of Boys. So go and have a hair cut and keep your turnout neat and tidy ;)

http://www.bb.org.sg/cos/o.x?c=/wbn/pagetree&func=view&rid=11765

Mr Bay

PFM results

Hi PFMs

Do note that results will not be released so early. Have been told it won't be anytime soon. So meanwhile go for ur SGB briefing this sat and perform ur duties;)

Mr Bay

Updates for FAA evaluation test

FAAs

Please note your reporting time is 8.30am. The uniform standard set by BBHQ can be found here:
http://www.bb.org.sg/cos/o.x?c=/wbn/pagetree&func=view&rid=11940

Please note that prior to the start of evaluation test, the conducting officers will do a uniform/ attire check. If you fail this, you will not be allowed to take the test. My advice is to go and have a hair cut before going.

Logistic wise, please go back to the BB Room 1 day to draw out the necessary equipments for the test. You can return after that.

For those taking Chinese O level papers tomorrow, all the best. meanwhile catch a good rest and revise your BB knowledge.

Mr Bay

Dear FAAs

Below are the details for your Founder's Evaluation Test.

1. Reporting Details
Kuo Chuan Presbyterian Secondary School
Address: 10, Bishan Street 13 Singapore 579795
Click here for the map

Attire: Full Uniform

You are to eat your breakfast first, no meals will be provided.

You will be ask to report either 8.30am or 10am, watch this space daily for updates!!


2. Things to bring
- EZ-Link card or any document that shows your photo and name together.

- PT Kit

- Tent pitching equipments (1 groundsheet, 1 wooden pole, 4 tent pegs, 1 toggle rope, 3 clothes pegs, commscott, jacknife, hammer and any other equipment needed to pitch a tent)

- Stationary

- Food eg. bread, chocolate bars for your lunch.

- Your personal medication

- A written or typed script of the 2 minutes speech presentation (Topic: your role as a leader in Company)


3. Things not to bring
- Advised not to bring any expensive items or electronic devices, anything lost will be your own responsibility.

- Using of handphone is STRICTLY prohibited during the assessment.


4. Pre-Requisites
- You are expected to arrive early or on time for the assessment, late comer will be rejected for the assessment. Advice to report 30 minutes earlier.

- Inspection of personal appearance and uniform will be conducted before the assessment, you are expected to meet the standards on hair, nails, uniform donning, neatness and polishing and maintain high standards. If failed, assessment will not be allowed to continue. No appeal for re-assessment on any grounds are accepted.

The Senior Programme Committee reserved the right to reject straight away on the grounds of non-compliance with the above instructions.

Do watch this space for updates!!!

Mr Terence Chung

Results of Mock Evaluation test

Dear PFMs

Hope that your had a good rest. Those who have made it for the evaluation test had already been informed by me through email.

Mr Bay

Mock Test Answers (Total Defence and Drill)

Hi

My solution keys are at these websites. Have uploaded them for easy reference.

http://rapidshare.com/files/159920757/TD.ppt.html

http://rapidshare.com/files/159920758/scan0001.jpg.html

http://rapidshare.com/files/159920759/scan0002.jpg.htm

Mr Bay

Answers for Mock Evaluation Test (Target)

Section A

1. Write down table grace.
Be present at our table Lord,
Be here and everywhere adored,
These mercies blessed and grant that we,
May feast in fellowship with thee,
Amen.

2. When and Where was BB founded?
4th October 1883 at Free College Mission Hall at North Woodside Road, GLASGOW

3. What is the Object of The Boys' Brigade?
The advancement of Christ’s Kingdom among Boys and the promotion of habits
of Obedience, Reverence, Discipline, Self-Respect and all that tends towards a
true Christian Manliness.
(A)

4. The motto Sure and Stedfast is taken from which book, chapter and verse in
the bible?
Hebrews 6:19
(B)

5. What is the Twin Pillar of The Boys' Brigade?
Christian Education(Religion) and Discipline
(D)

6. Name the four dress code for Boys in The Boys' Brigade
(1) Day Dress (Full Uniform)
(2) Fatigue
(3) Musketry (Half Uniform)
(4) Ceremonial

7. What are the 3 Officer ranks?
Officer Cadet, 2nd Lieutenant, Lieutenant
(B)

8. What is the name of the orchid which was named after The Boys' Brigade in Singapore?
Dendrobium The Boys' Brigade
(B)

9. The Boys' Brigade in Singapore was founded on which date?
12th January 1930
(A)

10. The Boys' Brigade and the Boys' Life Brigade were united in 1926, and the Red Cross was added in The Boys' Brigade Emblem.
(D)

11. Name the four BB Methods
(1) Social
(2) Spiritual
(3) Physical
(4) Enrichment

12. Sir William Alexander Smith was born on which date?
27th October 1854
(D)

13. Write down the BB Vesper
Great God who knowest all our needs,
Bless Thou our watch, and guard our sleep;
Forgive our sins of thought and deed,
And in Thy peace Thy servants keep.

We thank Thee for the days that's done,
We trust Thee for the days to be;
Thy love we learn in Christ Thy Son,
O May we all His glory see!
Amen

14. The BB Handshake is shake on which hand?
Right (idealy)

Section B

traditions are in red
model answers are in green

BB Day Singapore: Commemorates our founding in Singapore.
BB members goes to school in Full Uniform to observe BB Day.

Enrolment Service: Officially enrol Company's Officers and Boys.

Buttonhole Badge: Worn when out of uniform.
Identify you as a BB member and make BB known to others.

The BB Handshake: Identify us a BB member.
Make The Boys' Brigade unique throughout the world.

BB Spirit: Loyalty to BB, some express this when they say the have "BB Blood".
All members to uphold the BB object and would not do anything to dishonour it.

Singing: Fun and quick way to bond and lifts spirit.
Part and parcel of BB life.

All the answers can be found in BB handbook.

PFM (Mock) Evaluation Test

Dear PFMs

Please note that your dresscode for this sat is : FULL UNIFORM

Fall in by 8am in front of the flag post. Afterwhich, uniform inspection will be conducted before the theory test is administered.

Theory test will be a 1 Hr 30 Min paper, which comprises of 13 pages. Ideally this will be done by 11am.

Next, your will be split into groups for different practical tests before coming back as a squad of PFM for your final evaluation: Drill (Practical).

Once again, this is a reminder that you need to score 70% and above for EACH component before we allow you to go BBHQ for the real evaluation test.

We hope that we can dismiss you at 1pm, but all the timings are dependent on whether the discipline standard and our standards are met.

Mr Bay

Dear FAAs (Founder's Award Applicants) a.k.a. PFMs

(refer to October 14th post)

Do revise for your target, adventure, citizenship, drills and first aid.

You guys should know that we Officers and Instructors had already set the papers for your mock assessment test.

The papers we set are to get you ready for your actual one, do ask us if you have any doubts during your revision.

On a side note, the assessment is the first filtering of FAAs. If you guys failed for this first round, there goes your Founder's Award. And you passed, the rest of the upcoming projects shouldnt be any problems for you all.

God bless and give you strength and stamina for the things you do

Regards

Terence =)

Key events till the end of year (subjected to changes)

1. FM mock test - 1 nov, 8am to 1pm
2. FM actual assessment - 8 nov, 8am to 6pm
3. NE in lieu - SANA

To do:
a. Find 2 more in lieus on your own
b. Find out the dates available for ur sharity gift box as a PFM

Lifeskills 3 results (edited)

Here are the results of your Lifeskills 3 projects. Those who have passed(in no order):
1. Gasper
2. Andy
3. Junhao
4. Marcus
5. Dinghan
6. Buntharah
7.Abraham


Mr Bay

Note: FMs are supposed to be responsible and should take initiative. IF you are unable to meet any deadlines, you should have the courtesy to initiate any changes to the officer/primer in charge.
Officers/primers in charge will still have the final say as to whether they want to change the deadline or not.

Expectations from a Founders Men of a Founders Men

Hey potential FM

Hope that by the time you are reading this post, you have already submitted your lifeskills 3 homework, and preparing your evaluation test.

Well, basically, this post is all about expectations. My expectation of a Founder's Men in the 45th Singapore Company from a Founder's Men himself.

I am really encouraged by the number of Boys who have indicated that they want to attempt for the Founder's Badge and well, it is a good start. The zeal and passion to attempt for the highest award in the Senior Section of BB is something that your should be proud of.

In this journey, your leadership skills, BB knowledge and practical skills will be accessed not only by the Company, but also BBHQ. This ensures that the standard of the FM is the same across the Companies in Singapore. It is a good start.

However, in my opinion, which is shared shared among the officers and primers of the Company, FM isn't just about BB knowledge, skills and the practical skills and knowledge you attain in the awards itself. It is more than that. It about this character that has been shaped by the officers, primers and seniors in the Company, this 'inner Gold' that Mr Lim has been talking about.

Stop, think and reflect. How far are we away from this 'inner Gold'? What can we do to improve ourselves?

Firstly, this integrity that all of us must have. We must not have a double life. That is to say, we behave in a way in front of Boys and behave differently after parades. Your uniform and discipline in school, in parade, after/before parade speaks alot about you. (to some of your) Do you think that it is acceptable to tuck out your school uniform or PE t-shirts the moment you leave the school compound? Some even blatently tucked out their shirts in school!

Remember, your Boys are observing you all the time, even when your are not in parade. They will form an opinion of you. So whether you win their respect is all in this opinion they have.

That's all for integrity, let's talk about leadership. As leaders leading your Boys, you are the listeners on the ground, constantly listening to the heart of the Boys. As leaders, we need to constantly evaluate the situation and see if we can do anything to improve further or sustain it. If there are things that your can do to improve the situation, feedback and talk to your primers and officers. We are here as one to run the Company, so we are also keen to listen to how our leaders think and feel as well.

Leadership will encompasses everything. It is not just our governance, its about inspiring everyone around us to live their lives just as we live. So in order to inspire and lead people, lets 'put' our lives correctly first. Only when we have a strong character, then we can lead people. Granted, some of your may argue that we are not perfect and may make mistakes, the key thing is that, with a aim of achieving a strong character, we know we need to apologize and seek forgiveness, move on again, and continue to build our character and influence.

I hope your can digest the information and get the gist of the story. Get the point that FM is not just any ordinary award. It is an award that will put you in limelight, especially in the eyes of your Boys. And by doing so, you start doing something that will inspire them to be a Founder's Men in a few years' time.

Remember to start today, and not tomorrow. And i will see your at the mock and (maybe) the evaluation test.

Serving the Company with you
Mr Bay

PFM notice

Dear potential Founders' Men

As the date for the Founders Evaluation is drawing nearer, please go and read through the following content/subjects in preparation for your evaluation test.

Test Questions

1. Target

a. Multiple choice questions (MCQs) will be set based on the contents published in Pages 7 to 27 of the Seniors Programme Handbook for Boys (1st Publication in 2004, 2nd Publication in Feb 2005, 3rd Publication in May 2006 or 4th Publication in Dec 2007), which can be broadly categorised into:
i) BB Object, Motto and Logo
ii) BB History (International & Singapore)
iii) Organisation and Ranks
iv) BB Vesper and Table Grace
v) Uniform

b. Some sample MCQ questions:
i) What are the ranks for BB Officers?
ii) What is the name of the orchid which was named after The Boys’ Brigade in Singapore?



2. Adventure

a. Boys will be mainly tested via practical tests on this award. However, simple situational multiple choice questions may be set to test their knowledge. Boys should be able to do the following:
i) Plot on the topographical map the locations with the given 6-digit or 8-digit map grid references (MGRs) and identify the common legends on the map.
ii) Orientate yourself to the given bearing (in degrees) with a compass and walk to the required destination.
iii) Boys could be given practical or multiple choice questions to identify the compass directions. Boys are expected to know the 16 directions of the compass (e.g. North, Northeast, North-northeast, etc).
iv) Convert map distances to actual distances and vice versa with 1:50,000 or 1:25,000 or 1:10,000 map scales.
v) Demonstrate how to pack a bag for expedition with the given items.
vi) Demonstrate how to pitch a 2-men basha with the given equipment.
vii) Demonstrate the tying of the following knots and state their uses:-
(1) Clove hitch
(2) Reef knot
(3) Figure of eight
(4) Bowline
(5) Round turn and 2 half hitches
viii) Multiple choice questions or oral questions will be tested on the Country Code.

3. Drill

a. Boys will be assessed on the theory and practical contents for this award.

b. Multiple choice questions will be set based on the following contents given in the Drill Manual (Revised Edition in 2007):
i) Teaching formations (page 9)
ii) Definitions (pages 9, 11-12)
iii) 3 parts of a command (page 6)
iv) Rules for paying compliments (pages 60-61)

c. Practical ability in executing correctly the following drill movements:-
i) Attention
ii) At Ease
iii) Stand Easy
iv) Dressing
v) Stationary Turns - right, left, & about turn
vi) Stationary Salute
vii) Marching and Halting
viii) Wheeling Right & Left
ix) Mark Time & Halt
x) Falling Out and Dismissal
xi) Eyes Right & Left on the March

d. Boys may be asked to command the drill squads with respect to the drill movements listed in Part (c).

4. First Aid

a. This award will be assessed through oral examinations and practical demonstrations.

b. What is the ABC of first aid?

c. Demonstrate Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and the recovery position.

d. Demonstrate rescue breathing.

5. Christian Education

a. No assessment will be done on this badge for the year of assessment 2008.

6. Community Service

a. No assessment will be done on this badge for the year of assessment 2008.

7. Citizenship

a. Multiple choice questions will be set based on the contents given in the Bronze Award for the Total Defence package from Ministry of Education (downloaded from the BB Officers Online Portal).

8. Life Skills

a. No assessment will be done on this badge for the year of assessment 2008.

9. Leadership Development

a. Prepare a 2-minute speech presentation on your role as a leader in your Company.

b. Submit a prepared written or typed script of your 2-minute speech presentation.

If your have any questions, please do not hesitate to email or sms me.

Serving this Company with you
Mr Bay