Gold Arrow - My Scout Promise

Task 1: Make up a reflection about a pack activity in which you are taking part and share it with others or contribute and take part in Scout’s Own Service.

At our last scout meeting, 26 January 2022, we had an outdoor cooking session. I enjoyed outdoor cooking as we can enjoy the food that we made after. In anticipation, I decided to skip lunch and look forward to eat the food that I am going to make. During the session, we were asked to make a dish called Murtabak Maggi with a packet of instant noodles, eggs, parsley, flour and (not forgetting) the seasoning. After tirelessly trying to light a matchstick to light the solid fuel, I started cooking the noodles before putting the noodles into my larger mess tin which was lined with aluminium foil. I listened to the instructions carefully and followed it to the tee. I put in flour, eggs and parsley before returning to my tommy cooker to continue cooking. I then placed my smaller mess tin on top of my large mess tin to close the mess tin. 2 minutes later, I took the mess tins off the fire. I found the instant noodles not in a pancake-like form that it was supposed to be. I was disappointed of the outcome and not wanting to waste food remembering the Scouts for SDGs, SDG2 - Zero Hunger, to cut down on food waste, I ate what I made and vow to get it right the next time.

When I got home, I searched up on Google and realise that I did not need to put in flour but instead use eggs as the binding agent. I then asked my parents if I could try making it again. They agreed so my mother helped to make it in the kitchen with me. After half an hour, the Murtabak Maggi was finally complete and in it's pancake-like form, delicious to the last bite.

Lesson I learnt is that its ok to make mistake and remember if its edible don't let it go to waste and try again if we fail. I probably would like to try the recipe on a normal stove first before attempting it in outdoor cook. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the session.

Task 2 : Write a diary entry to Akela and how you have tried to put your Scout Promise and Law into practice in everything you have done.

Dear Akela,

Scouting during the pandemic is hard. I was looking forward to do fun activities like camping, campfire and more group interaction with my fellow cubs. However, when life throws us lemons we make lemonade and that's what I have been trying to do. I have learned that if we have the passion we can make everything work and I have chosen to share that through this blog.

As a scout, I did not let the pandemic hinder my progress, I put the trust in myself to learn about the scouting skills through the use of the Internet and seize all opportunity to learn more about scouting. I widening my scouting network and took the opportunity to join a community scout group with my Akela's approval as well as actively participate in my school's scout group. (A scout is to be trusted)

I remain loyal to my scout group and share what I have learned from external sources with my group as it is in our promise to help others. (A scout is loyal)

I am not good with strangers but I remembered that a scout make friends, establishes and maintain harmonious relations as such I tried to make new friends and collaborate with others to achieve a common goal thus making new scout friends when I joined the community scout group. (A scout make friends, establishes and maintain harmonious relations)

I am considerate of others who may not have the same opportunity as me and try my very best to help my fellow scouts to achieve their progress badge. (A scout is disciplined and considerate)

This pandemic initially made me feel discourage especially when my good friend told me he wants to leave the school scout group as there was not much scouting activity that can be done due to Covid19 restrictions. Dejected, I persevered on and remembered that a scout has courage in all difficulties and I will do my best in everything that I do and not a half strung effort. (A scout has courage in all difficulties)

I made the best of the situation and did my very best in completing the progress badges and proficiency badges. With your guidance and support, I believe I can be a better scout. Thank you for your confidence in me.

Yours in Scouting, Aidyn Harris