Knowing and Loving Nature at Mt.Singai
8th Kuching Company Outing on 3rd February
As the bus departed from the 8th Kuching Comapny BB HQ, God has blessed us with sunny weather, despite of the rainy season and floods are occurring at several areas. 53 boys (23 recruits, 20 seniors and 10 juniors) from Kuching 8th Company and 15 Juniors and seniors from Petra Church, Bau 1st Company and 13 officers and helpers (11 from 8th Kuching Company, 2 from 1st Bau Company) and a few parents of the boys had decided to take up the challenge to conquer this historical Mountain while enjoying HIS wonderful creation- Mother Nature.
Boys are divided into 6 groups which each consisted of (Recruits, Juniors, Seniors and boys from Bau), this give them an opportunity to interact with boys from different background and age).And each group named after an animal or plant; i.e.: Durian, Orang Utan, Hornbill, Pitcher Plants, Belian, Rafflesia.
On the way up, there are 14 stations where groups have their interval stops. Group officers with the help of the quotions written at each station guide the boys to reflect on God's agape love on their daily life. Boys learn to be more appreciative of God's love, their freedom, blessing, loved ones, possession, friends and etc.
Boys are fascinated with some of the fruits that they encounter along the way as most of them never knew or eat before, such as the bright red coloured Belingai(wild Star Fruit), orange coloured multi usage Tampoi etc.
Upon reaching 1/3 height of the Mountain (the total height of the mountain is around 2,000 feet), most of us are wet through with sweat. As we rest and enjoy our snack at the Church, namely Church of The King , we embraced the serenity and beauty of the mountain.
After being given a short time for each group for discussion, each group is challenged to stand in the front of the audience for a presentation of some facts they have accumulated about the animals or plants their group is named after. Groups members interact with each other eagerly (despite of not knowing each other for long) and show teamwork as
they participate in the group discussion. As each group conduct their presentation, audience are asked to challenge them with questions such as when is the season for Rafflesia to bloom, etc and ask them to mimic the movement of the animals e.g. How Orang Utan walk? How Hornbill fly? And the answers given are so funny that the audience can't help laughing. Some boys show great talent as public speakers as they confidently speak out loud and clear about their "product" and some even refuse the use of the hailer. At last, the king of fruit "Durian" group won the presentation.
Just before we descend the mountain, each group was given a rubbish bag and a competition is announced to reward the group that have the heaviest bag of rubbish (of non organic nature only) by the time we reach the foot hill. Boys are like scavengers as they start to pick up every bits of rubbish they see on the way and even empty the rubbish bins along the way despite of its unpleasant smell. The state bird "Hornbill" group is announced as the best steward of the mountain.
After the trip, all the boys are asking for more of such outings and looking forward to join another one in the near future. Of course in B.B., we will let them learn a lot more and it always come with fun.
Written by Lt Janet Tang of 8th Kuching Coy