My Daughters' School-based GSP Encampment Experience '23

Scouting rises within you and inspires you to put forth your best.
-Juliette Gordon Low

Scouting bridges to better development of the Scouters in upgrading skills, teamwork, survival, values, and being responsible. These learned values in scouting mold them to become worthy and better citizens in the future.

The two-year suspension of face-to-face classes brought massive devastation to the field of education. We became slaves of the pandemic temporarily same as the learners. They were not able to experience various school activities and one of these is scouting which encourages them to gain high self-esteem and be able to manage pressures.

This year, schools in our district conducted scouting to provide a strong foundation to the learners when the survival of the fittest will happen. The scouting program this time was different. The Scouters were separated. The scouting for boys was done last week.

This was done last weekend. My daughters were very delighted and excited about this big event this school year. Since this was on weekend, as a supportive mother, I was there the entire day to witness my daughters enjoying the said scouting.

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The Setting

The tents were made of indigenous material so they won't be harmful and dangerous to the Scouters. The troupe leaders were very artistic in putting up all the designs, lashing bamboo, and preparing the venue so they will experience the true essence of scouting.

As I roamed around, I have seen the handicraft of the Scouters. They made a shoe rack made of bamboo and tied them using strings and applying the different knot tying they learned.

I was overwhelmed by how they decorated their simple tents, in doing so this added more colors and was inviting for children. They have posted the scout law, the scout slogan, the scout promise, and the scout motto. They need to learn these things and as much as possible, they can memorize and apply these to real life.

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Saturday's Flow

On Saturday morning, they have risen early so they can condition their bodies. The Scouters who were assigned for preparing breakfast were very snappy so they eat early. The act of responsibility was visibly practiced on this day.

The flag-raising ceremony was done and of which my daughter was one of those Scouters who facilitated it. I was so proud watching over her at the corner as they do the honor.

One part of the program was the parade. The enthusiasm was seen in the eyes of the scouts as they joined the parade although this was done within their vicinity. They looked fantastic in their uniform, as they recited the scout law, motto, and slogan as they walked.

The school's quadrangle is large enough to cater them as they attended the opening program. When this was done, they played different games that need more strategies on how to win. This is also to test the endurance and the sportsmanship of the Scouters. As I was looking at them, they were having fun to the fullest. Unexplainable happiness that nothing can equal was seen in the eyes of the scouts.

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The Afternoon Program Flow

During the scouting, there was an evaluation conducted on each troop. The checklist was provided for them to be guided. One of these was the correct oral recitation of the scout law, motto, and slogan. They are asked to perform the correct knot-tying and the fancy drill. This was administered throughout the entire afternoon.

The dinner was prepared early so the campfire shall be done earlier. This was one of the exciting parts for them as they will have their different presentations that brought delight to all of us. They rendered their dance presentations, drama, rap, yell, and singing their composed song. They were gathered on the ground and enjoyed watching the burning flame. It was such a spectacular experience for them as they were enjoying the moment to the fullest.

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The Sunday's Event

Despite the gloomy day, the Scouters' eagerness never faded. They woke up early so they can attend the flag-raising ceremony. The same activity happened wherein they have their body conditioning early in the morning. This was followed by the raising of the flag.

The day was full of jubilation as I watched them having fun while learning. They were taught how to cook foods using firewood and were taught some of the techniques in cooking. They learned how to manage their responsibilities and teamwork with one another. The break camp was done after eating their lunch. Although it was an exhausting day, still they went home with happy faces.

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The fulfillment

As I watched my daughters learn the responsibilities entrusted to them, I was proud and delighted. This school activity taught them to be God-fearing, there was camaraderie, there was teamwork, they were trained preparedness and the value of being courage. They have done their best.

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All photos are mine unless stated otherwise.

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