Growing as young leaders

For Shaanvin Singh, the confidence he and his fellow Cub Scouts exude during this practice session is a far cry from his first outing as Parade Commander a couple of years ago. The Primary 6 pupil revealed, "Each time, I had this fear that I was going to lose my voice. But in the end, I was able to do this task properly for both years and it was a lot of fun!"

The uniformed groups at River Valley Primary School were put through their paces at National Day rehearsals.

The experience of joining a uniformed group has helped Shaanvin overcome not just mental hurdles. Last year, he managed to scale Low's Peak, the summit of Mount Kinabalu in Sabah, Malaysia, during an expedition involving three uniformed groups from River Valley Primary School. "I think that it is through such experiences that I have become a more confident person," he remarked. "Even my parents have noticed a good change in me and are curious about my Scouts activity every week."

Meanwhile, Teo Qi Xuan is a Pri 6 pupil who has discovered new heights to his abilities from taking on leadership responsibilities in the Red Cross. This was something he had never expected when he signed up for the uniformed CCA back in Pri 3. "I joined because I hope to be a doctor when I grow up," shared Qi Xuan. "When my teacher chose me as Unit Leader, I was happily surprised to be in charge of teaching first aid skills to my juniors."

While confessing to being "quite lazy" to pick up first aid theory in his early days, Qi Xuan is now "much more disciplined" as a result of the responsibilities he shoulders as well as the real value he sees in knowing how to help the injured and distressed. "Once, my friend fell down during recess and I was able to clean up his wounds," he recounted. "I find it meaningful to help people in this way."

Through uniformed group activities, pupils learn about discipline, leadership and working together.

Exploring the world and engaging society

"Too many things! Too many things!" Grace Yio exclaimed when asked to name her favourite activity as a Brownie. Her dilemma makes senses when one learns that the Pri 6 pupil has gone through a diverse array of programmes during her four years in this uniformed group.

From taking part and winning in a nationwide poster design competition to roughing it out in tents in the wild and embarking on a service learning trip to Cambodia to help children living in slums, Grace is hard-pressed to rank what she calls her many "unforgettable experiences" as a true blue Brownie.

"I have learnt all these different life skills which make me more independent, like sewing, cooking, and starting a fire," she added. "I've also realised that I cannot assume that my life should be lived in a certain way. For example, I used to think that it would be impossible to live without an air conditioner, but now I enjoy camping trips where I get to appreciate nature."

Fun and friendship keep these young uniformed group members' spirits high.

For Grace, the best part of being a Brownie is probably the privilege of having a platform to express ideas outside the classroom. "There is a lot of brainstorming involved in our activities," she mused. "The teachers actually listen to our ideas and that is a good feeling."

In their individual ways, Grace, Shaanvin and Qi Xuan exemplify what River Valley Primary School calls a "total education" experience. Mr Eric Lim, the teacher in charge of pupil management and Scouts explains that on the school's part, this involves "organising programmes that will ensure our pupils inculcate strength in their character."

"For uniformed groups, we are proactive in coming up with activities such as camps and overseas trips," added Mr Lim. But he stressed that ultimately, it is what the pupils take home in mind and spirit from these extracurricular "learning journeys" that contribute to the school's goal of a complete education experience. And as Grace, Shaanvin and Qi Xuan proudly display the badges that tell of four years of priceless experiences, it's not hard to see them as young people well on the way to fulfilling their personal potential and becoming active and compassionate citizens in society.