Questions and Answers
All these are questions received after the briefing. we will try our best to answer them. This page will be updated regularly as and when there are new questions from you people. Hope this can serve as a common platform to all your queries rather than everyone asking me the same questions. So check out this page regularly.
Q: Can you explain what SRIT is about?
Q: How were the troop grouped for the camp?
Q: Can you define mental training?
Q: Compare with last year, which camp is easier?
Q: What will the Sec 2s be tested on in the camp, other than activity planning skills?
Q: What skills will the Sec 1s be tested on in the camp?
Q: All meals are cooked by ourselves, right? Will there be a cooking competition?
Q: Can you explain what SRIT is about?
A: It is a set of tests commonly used in PSA to assess candidates on their initiative and handling of situation. The concept is similar to VOJ where each patrol will face a scenario at each station (eg, person drowning in river) and the prime candidate to be assessed at that station is supposed to lead his patrol in handling the situation appropriately e.g. perform the major things to be done and lead patrol in the actions taken. We will judge on the suitability and logic of the actions taken, the handling of situation and the leadership demonstrated. Just treat it like VOJ with more realistic life-based situations.
A: Neither, probably 4 to 6 will form one committee for an activity. However their evaluation will be joined by all sec 2s so that you can learn from mistakes of one another although you may not be planning that activity. We will teach you the methodology in planning; you will plan, brief and execute the activity with a mentor overseeing and we will then evaluate your performance with you. Till now, activities scheduled for your running includes orienteering, campfire and a troop activity. Other possible ones include the pioneering session and the outdoor cooking session.
A: Depends on the activity. Like orienteering, although they plan, they must walk in the role of senior attached, like what we always have. For campfire, they may be MC or feeding fire. So no role is exactly 'zo bo'.
A: The Sec 2 organisers will be walking in the capacity of organiser attached (simulated J1) and they will be switched around so they won't take their own patrol.
Q: How were the troop grouped for the camp?
A: Classified.
A: The purpose of the 6 smaller patrols is first to assess the management of personnel by the Sec 2s. To tackle the shortage of manpower in building the campsite, 2 patrols will build one site and as such, it further assess how the Sec 2s allocate their manpower to finish everything within the stipulated time. Of course, after the consent forms come in next week, we will see if there is a further need for adjustment and transfer accordingly.
Q: Can you define mental training?
A: Mental stress is a guaranteed factor in this camp, at least for the Sec 2s. Please don't expect MENSA questions to be given out as test in the camp.
Q: Compare with last year, which camp is easier?
A: There are no basis of comparison as the two camps are based on different concept. This camp is targeted to give the Sec 2s and 1s a firmer foundation in the 'how' of activity planning and other scouting knowledge, not just a competitive assessment camp. Both are difficult in their own aspects.
Q: What will the Sec 2s be tested on in the camp, other than activity planning skills?
A: The Sec 2s will be assessed on footdrill (instructional), knotting (ASS & above), outdoor survival (survival kit and traps) and cooking, pioneering, campcraft, QM theory and practical in this camp. So mug up and practice before coming for the camp to avoid wasting our time and your time. If you need to refer to test syllabus, click here.
Q: What skills will the Sec 1s be tested on in the camp?
A: It is in the process of fine-tuning by the J1s. Info will be posted once ready. In the meantime, it may be wise to revise on the skills required in the SS and ASS. Reason being tests taken during the camp will be based on these 2 standards for the Sec 1s. If you need to refer to test syllabus, click here.
Q: All meals are cooked by ourselves, right? Will there be a cooking competition?
A: Some are cooked and some are packed. Other than the packed meals, all meals will be cooked by you people. Refer to Meal-list. There will not be a cooking competition but you are to plan for your menus for the 2nd day as you will do your own marketing.