Coffee Breaks: The Scorers

The Maiden Camp

Every event, effort and endeavour is a maiden exercise.

So it was with the children at Eagles last weekend.

So very often it is during an outdoor activity that you notice and capture the innate qualities of an individual.

After such a long while with educating children; accompanying them was yet another eye opener.

I had to make the trip although I could leave it to the teachers. There is this special attachment to the children that prompted me to go along. When I was younger, the climb was already a challenge and at this juncture of my life, I choose to ignore the impossible and make all things possible. I went to see little and big ones in action; to see them at their best and at their worst.

After a coach ride of an hour or so, we reached the designated outdoor ground.

Yes, the children ranging from 6 to 16.

All smartly attired to depict discipline and order.

i know it is fun time but it is more fun when things are under control.

The children were all ushered into a hall for further instruction and inspiration.

The guy who is seen inspiring them is none other than my ex student Mr. Wong. Ryui Binn has always been close to his teachers in school. He touches their hearts with his obliging charisma and integrity. When you leave matters in his hands you can be assured that they will be placed in order. His reliable attitude is now made even more apparent in his involvement with school events.

I am secretly proud of him and was glad he took over the rein and controlled the day.

All I had to do was to follow his instructions. The role has changed.

What more can a teacher ask for? To see her protege now leading the helm.

This is what I love to see and it brings meaning into the vocation.

So, Ryui Binn is a scorer.

The younger ones were more responsive and all too ready to participate. In a cheer shout, Yu Kai of yr 4 class, composed a good one for the group and it was the champion shout.

For this I call him a scorer too.

This is a scorer too?

Jia Sheng of yr8 is the happy go lucky guy who is up to it for anything except ... make the guess.

He is accomodating but sometimes he needs the push to do it right!

He is a happy boy.

The ascent begins.

We did not know what we were in for. Ryui Binn kept saying it was an easy track and that many had achieved without lifting a finger. The ascent was painless for the light footed and the tiny ones moved so sure footed like the goat. It is good to be young and slim. The jungle trekking would have been breezy. I was surprised to find out that there were some among the teens who found it challenging to climb. It should not be so.
But there were many scorers in that ascent.

Esther was always delayed because of the shoe laces but teacher Ryan is patience in the word. Gently and calmly he would fixed them back for her so that her walk would not be hindered.

Such display of kindness; the children should emulate.

The forest is home to many species of flora and fauna. Ryui Binn and his helpers kept reminding the children that we were not to disturb the ecosystem of the natural environment. We are only guests to their home and need to behave ourselves. The children adhered to his instruction.

Ryui Binn stopped at many points to explain some of the species and their special functions. The cicada is found everywhere but they seemed unperturbed by our presence. A mushroom clinging to the tree for life and food. Urban children have never seen this form of support.

The bamboo grows naturally and wildly here and the use of them are aplenty.

The children all dressed in yellow scared away insects especially mosquitoes. For many of them, it was first time and it must have been challenging. I heard a ranting " I wanna go back USJ! and another I would be glad to be home... The older ones were more accommodating but there were a few who found it truly difficult to reach the spot. While some found it hard to climb, there were others who were willing to stay behind to accompany the affected ones. I like that. They are scorers.

Little 6 year old Yea Xuen on the left was a great delight. Small in size but big in attitude.
She took the trekking with little fuss and no complaints.
I call her the top scorer.

Yr 7 to Yr 10 taking a rest before the descent.

Yr1 to yr 6 descending too. I could not take the risk of allowing them to be on their own. I needed to be with them. But they were such wonderful children.

Joey held Yea Xuen's hands all the way down. She deserved a pat.

Joey is another scorer.

Ryan was always silently present at the most difficult moments making sure the children were safe.

The descent was just as challenging as the ascent.

Ryan, the definite scorer.

The first sign of relief came when we saw the stream of cold water.

Ryui Binn insisted that everyone walked through the stream and not to be afraid of the water.

It was no challenge. Simple.

Clear waters so clean and cool; soothing for the tired feet.

Finishing the ascent and descent was a good feeling.

The organisers were already waiting for the report of the jungle trekking.

Awards for the most commendable traits observed during the walk.
Rewarding the scorers of the event was based on two traits; helpfulness and perserverance.

Joey and Esther were scorers for helpfulness.

Malcom on the left scored for being around to help and Vernise on the right scored in the eyes of the organisers for being perseverant and finishing the line. Her tenacity was real.

Little Yea Xuen has the highest score for being submissive, tenacious and relentless in the pursuit of her score. She is truly a joy to be with.

Hui Ying on the left is also top notch in displaying a helpful nature. Nothing beats her vibrant attitude in making things work for others. She is also a scorer. Jian Ye on the right can be moody but his genuine effort in making others comfortable earned him a score. He hovered around Venise when she needed help. He is reliable. So he earned a score too.

The little heroes trying the rope trap.

The winner is one who makes it through without touching the strings.

Nicholas John is full of fighting spirit and attempts without scare.

Khai Theng is fearless and is a sport.

Yu Kai tried and scored. Zhia Zhen may be small but he emerged a scorer too.

See the little heroine. No fears. No fuss. Just do it. She did it. A scorer she is; little Yea Xuen.

Prishaa tried her best. A scorer too.

Look at Robin. He is street wise and his posture is a true measurement of strategic planning.

He emerged champions. His physical make up allows him to be subtle and accurate.

I watched him worm through the trap and he was judged the immaculate scorer.

Felicia and Satveeka hand in hand pulling each other through the rope walk.

They scored too.

Lean and lithe, Bryan is no brittle man. He is quick and precise and walked through the tyres effortlessly while others screeched. He is ready for that score and scored indeed.