NYAA - Residential Project - Youth Service Learning Award

Judging Criteria
- Project was youth-led and youth-driven
- A real community need was addressed and service objectives were clearly stated and achieved (please illustrate how the service objectives were achieved)
- Learning objectives for the youths were clearly stated and achieved (please illustrate how and what the youths learned throughout the project experience)
- Youths were orientated to the community they were going to serve and were equipped to meet the real community needs
- Reflection is used appropriately and creatively to draw out learning points for the youths throughout the project
- S-L project resulted in the youths having a greater understanding of their community and being more willing to engage themselves in their society

Project Submissions
- LIMIT TO TEN PAGES, ARIAL 11
i) Executive Summary (1 pg)
ii) Profile of youths involved (age grp, no. of participant and the sch/club/organisation that youths belong to)
iii) Description of the service objectives by the youths (what was the community need that was served by the youths)
iv) Description of the learning objectives for the youths
v) Describe how reflection was used to draw out learning points for the youths (sample of reflection questions and techniques used)
vi) Demonstration of whether learning and service objectives were met (sample of youth's reflection or feedback from the service recipients)
vii) Sustainability of the project in the long run (was the project an ad-hoc event or are there follow up plans for future service, or do the youths continue to serve after the project ended)
viii) Press cuttings/ published articles on the project, if any


MEETING ON THURSDAY, 3 MAY 2007
7PM
LONG JOHN SILVER, BEDOK
AGENDA:
YOUTH SERVICE LEARNING AWARD
- ASCERTAINMENT OF INVOLVEMENT
- SETTING TASKS AND TARGETS
> brief overview:
- part ii), iii) and iv) 13 MAY
- part v) and vi) 20 MAY
- part vii) and i) 25 MAY
- collate and compilation
- vetting by Mr Khoo 1 JUN
- submit to YSLA 8 JUN

NYAA - Physical Recreation - Entry 11 - Kayaking Expedition XI

Participants:
- Calvin
- Zhan Liang

Overview:

- Kayak from Changi Sea Sports Club (CSSC)
- Used single Dancer kayaks
- Kayaked to Pasir Ris Sea Sports Club (PRSSC) and beached up for lunch
- Proceeded to Tip to Coney Island nearer to PRSSC
- Kayaked towards Pulau Ketam
- Kayaked passed Ubin Jetty to Pulau Sekudu (Frog Island)
- Returned to CSSC
- Completed about 18 km of mileage in 6 hours, from 1100 to 1700 hrs


Date: 29/4/2007
Hours Completed: 6 hours, 1100 to 1700 hrs

(This expedition was done as a recce for a sea expedition for VJC ODAC, hence only the two of us are involved)
The kayaking expedition this time round took place at CSSC. The purpose of this trip was basically to trial the physical exertion and time taken to complete this route, and whether it could be done similarly on a bigger scale of 26 for our CCA. The expedition began with our arrival at 11 00 at CSSC where we filled in the necessary forms for the rental of the equipmentt. By the time we had completed the necessary preparations and got our kayaks out to the beach, it was 1145.

We headed straight to PRSSC from CSSC. In the journey, we had to cross a channel around Changi Village area which bump boats carrying passengers to and fro Ubin frequents. Care was taken to ensure we stayed as a team and crossed the channel safely. The waves were rather choppy and progress at this point of time was not very fast. By the time we reached the shores near PRSSC, it was 12.45. We beached up for lunch and took a rest before continuing with the rest of the expedition.

We left PRSSC at 13.50 and proceeded towards Coney Island. At about 14.20, we beached up by the shore of Coney Island, near to the tip nearer to PRSSC. After a short breather and water break, we continued up North towards Pulau Ketam, a small island located at Southern part of Ubin. It was a long way before we finally reached Pulau Sekudu, nearer to the Southwest coast of Ubin, at 16.00. We beached up at Pulau Sekudu to rest as well as to take photographs of our expedition.

Finally, we left Pulau Sekudu at 16.15 and headed back to CSSC. We reached at 16.30, washed our kayaks and equipment, and returned them to the appropriate venue. We then proceeded to wash up, and left CSSC at around 17.15.

NYAA Entry - Skills - Overview April 2007 - Piano

Overview
• Scales and Arpeggios for
• Piano pieces

Venue: Tampines (Piano Teacher's House)(every Wedneday)
Dates(in year 2007): 4/4, 11/4, 8/4, 25/4,
Hours completed: 4 hrs in total

During the duration of my piano lessons in April, i had continued to revise the piano scales and arpeggios on my own. But in this month there was more focus on the piano pieces.

Hnece in addition to the scales, I had been working on my piano pieces and by this time had completed learning the first piano piece and had to continually practise the first piece till it was of a satisfactory standard.

In April, i had managed to begin working on my 2nd out of the 3 pieces I am supposed to learn.

Meeting Minutes for 26th April

Service Section; Marine Parade Family Service Centre(MPFSC)

• Calvin to join the the MPFSC Project
• MPFSC Dumpling Festival Event tentatively on the 13th of June or sometime in 3rd week of June.
• Project will phase into stage where MPFSC sessions will be in smaller groups after a few more sessions as a whole group.
• Allocation of groups will be based on similarity of timetables-hence most conveniently according to those in the same schools.

Residential Project

• Youth Service Learning Award(YSL Award)

-Main participants for project would be those not going for the year end Vietnam Trip, it will mark the end point of the Residential Project for these participants.

-Proposal for submission for YSL Award will be based on 2006 Vietnam Trip.

-Proposal guidelines will be marked out by YSL Award.

-Deadline for YSL Award proposal: 8th June 2007

-Participants of project(subject to further addition): Calvin and Thomas

• Year end trip to Vietnam will mark completion of the Residential Project for remaining non-participants of the YSL Award.

-Participants of year end trip : Zhan Liang, Jia Wei, Joseph, Seth , Boon Kiat, Edmund, Justin

Adventurous Journey

• Calvin, Zhan Liang and Thomas will be using the VJC Overseas Trip in June for the completion of their Adventurous Journey aspect.
• The Vietnam trek will act as the preliminary training for the three while the rest will use it to complete the Adventurous Journey.

Notice for meeting - 26/4/07

Date: 26/4/07 Thursday
Time : 1700 (time is CONFIRMED)
Venue: Victoria School
Agenda

Residential Project
Updates on Physical Recreation
Updates on Service Section
Confirmation of year end trip

Note

Missing posts are to be completed by meeting date
Posting for 22nd March Guitar lesson by Calvin (refer to the previous post for guitar)
Posting for 14th April Kayaking Expedition by Edmund
Posting for Calvin's service section for March (just post whatever u did.....)

NYAA - Physical Recreation - Entry 10 - Kayaking Expedition X

Entry for Physical Recreation

Kayak Expedition X

Participants:
- Calvin
- Edmund
- Jia Wei
- Justin
- Seth
- Zhan Liang

Overview:
- Kayak from Pasir Ris Sea Sports Club (PRSSC) to Pulau Ubin
- Used single Dancer kayaks
- Kayaked to near the western side of Pulau Ubin seafront, passed round Pulau Ketam
- Return journey back to PRSSC
- Covered 10.5 km of distance in 6 hours from 1030 to 1630 hrs

Date: 15/4/2007
Hours completed: 6 hours from 1030 to 1630

This was our last kayak expedition and we once again went back to familiar territory, starting off the expedition from PRSSC. This time we decided to go on a somewhat almost similar route to that of our previous kayak expedition but challenged ourselves by adding an additional checkpoint destination and targeting to complete in a shorter time. We are to kayak from PRSSC to Coney Island, crossing a sea channel up to Pulau Ketam and then to Pulau Ubin jetty and finally the return journey back.

We met at PRSSC at 1000 hrs, and rented our usual equipments: 5 Dancer kayaks, 5 spray covers and 1 big locker. We carried out the usual preparation procedures: Changing into wet attire, water-proofing money and mobile phones and packing them together with water bottles into our kayaks, placing our bags and belongings into the locker, adjusting the footrest of our kayaks, taking our buoyancy vests spray covers and paddles, checking the tide-tables once again to ensure a smooth sailing expedition, and also deciding on our expedition leader, left and right flankers and last man for our expedition formation from 1000 to 1030 hrs. We did our usual stretching and warm-up exercises for about 15 minutes, before heading out to sea. We then paddled around the demarcated area, practising our kayaking techniques and skills such as tilting of the boat using the waist and legs, bow and stern rudders and high and low recoveries. We also revised capsize, t-rescue drills and Eskimo bow rescue drills to prepare ourselves for any capsize situations that may arise. After a short break of 5 minutes, we started on our route at about 1145 hrs.

We first paddled to Coney Island, passing by a number of kelongs (offshore fishing platforms) and also a little channel for sand barges involved in the reclamation works going on in there. We were lucky that the channel was not busy, with almost no sand barges moving in and out thus we could cross the channel with ease, although we did take precautions so stay close to each other and look out for oncoming sand barges or boats when crossing the channel. Upon reaching the eastern side of Coney Island shoreline, we then proceeded to cross the major sea channel across to Pulau Ketam. We were fortunate again that the sea channel was not really busy and there were very few ships or boats moving through the channel and thus could once again cross the sea channel with much ease, although we did once again still take the standard precautions of staying close to each other and looking out for oncoming ships and boats. We reached Pulau Ketam at about 1300 hrs and I am turning round the western side of Pulau Ketam shoreline, into the stretch of the sea between Pulau Ubin and Pulau Ketam, It once again provided us with a peaceful scenic route rich with nature, which we appreciated and enjoyed as we kayaked leisurely through. As we were approaching the end of the stretch of sea, we could catch a blur glimpse of Pulau Ubin jetty, which is our mid-way checkpoint. As we continued to kayak along the shores of Pulau Ubin to our mid-way checkpoint, Pulau Ubin jetty, there were many boats and kelongs around. We managed to reach Pulau Ubin jetty at about 1340 hrs, beaching up at a nearby narrow rocky shore. We ate our lunch at one of the open-air eateries there, and also at the same time had a rest, hydrating and refreshing ourselves, before continuing on the return journey back to PRSSC at about 1440 hrs.

We had to kayak to Pulau Ketam before crossing the sea channel from there back to reach PRSSC as there is the only nearby designated crossing route for kayakers kayaking across the sea channel. We kayaked back along the shores of Pulau Ubin to the western tip of Pulau Ketam, reaching Pulau Ketam at 1520 hrs and crossed the sea channel from there, reaching Pasir Ris beach shore at 1550 hrs. We stayed in the water and kayaked around the demarcated area, practising our kayaking skills and techniques, at our own pace, till 1615 hrs, before washing up and returning all the equipments at about 1630 hrs.
We showered, packed up and left PRSSC at about 1700 hrs.

Physical Recreation Section: Canoeing

Kayaking expedition at PRSSC.
Date: 15/4/2007
Time: 0915 at Pasir Ris MRT
People involved: Calvin, Edmund, Jia Wei, Seth, Zhan Liang. (Also calling along Justin)
Expedition: PRSSC to Coney Island to western side of Pulau Ubin seafront to Pulau Ketam and back of around 10.5km from 1000 to 1700 hrs.

Please bring along your membership and loyalty cards, a big water bottle (1.5L) and at least 20 dollars for rental fees and to buy some food. Note: Pack lunch or buy from Pasir Ris MRT before going to PRSSC.

NYAA - Physical Recreation - Entry 9 - Kayaking Expedition IX

Entry for Physical RecreationKayak Expedition IX

Participants:

-Edmund
-Jia Wei
-Seth

Overview:

- Kayak from Pasir Ris Sea Sports Club (PRSSC)
- Used single Dancer kayaks
- Kayaked round the back stretch of sea of Pulau Ketam
- Reached Pulau Ubin Jetty and beached up for lunch
- Returned to PRSSC
- Completed 10.4km of mileage in 7 hours, from 1000 to 1700 hrs


Date: 8/4/2007
Hours Completed: 7 hours, 1000 to 1700 hrs


The kayaking expedition this time round took place at PRSSC. The route we had charted this time round would take us to Pulau Ubin jetty and back to the sea sports club. The expedition began with our arrival at 10 00 at PRSSC where we filled in the necessary forms for the rental of the three Dancer kayaks we were going to rent. By the time we had completed the necessary preparations and got our kayaks out to the beach, it was 1045. As the route we were going to take was unfamiliar to us we had taken extra precautions into our planning to minimise any unforeseen circumstances. We practiced paddling along the coast for around 20 minutes as a warm up routine before beginning on our expedition. By 1105, we set off for Pulau Ketam.

The first stage of the expedition saw us paddling to and around the Kelongs (Malay word for the off shore platforms made predominantly out of wood for fishing purposes) that were found off Pulau Ketam. At around 1155, we continued with our plan to kayak around the back of Pulau Ketam and from there proceed to Pulau Ubin journey. The back portion of Pulau Ketam provided a scenic route rich with nature as that portion of sea was clasped between Pulau Ubin and Pulau Ketam, both islands providing rich green foliage for those who traveled along that stretch of water. We kayaked with much leisure through that portion of water and as we came to the end of that stretch of water we were able to catch a glimpse of the Pulau Ubin jetty.

By the time we had reached Pulau Ubin jetty it was 1315. We then beached up and had lunch at an open air eatery. Lunch came to an end at around 1415 and we rested for 15 minutes before setting off back to PRSSC. We began on our return journey at around 1430 just as dark and heavy rain clouds could be spotted approaching us. Fortunately they thinned and we had managed not to be caught out at sea when it was raining. The return journey took an approximate one and a half hours and we reached back PRSSC at around 1600.

After reaching back, we practiced a little of our skills and then went to wash the kayaks and equipment. After returning all the equipment along with the kayaks and washing up, we then left the PRSSC at around 1715. This then concluded our expedition for the day.

NYAA Entry - Service - Group Visitation 1

Service Section: Marine Parade Family Service Centre(MPFSC)

Event: Phase 2, Group Visitation

Date: 7th April 2007

Venue: MPFSC

Starting time: 10am

Ending time : 1pm

Today mark our first home visiting session of the MPFSC project. After meeting for breakfast in the nearby coffee shop, we made our way to the services centre at 10am, where we were brief on what to do.

Our duty was to deliver sacks of rice grains to some of the needy families in the neighborhood, in the attempt to befriend and build rapport, get to know them better and understand their needs.

Divide into groups of twos, we then head out to the allocated families to each of our respective groups. Every group brought two sacks of rice along and was to give one to each of the families they were visiting.

Some were lucky whereas some were not. I, paired with Thomas, was fortunate that we were able to deliver the rice and talk to both families assigned to us without much of a problem. But unfortunately, the other groups weren’t as lucky because some of the families were not present that day, having them to return to the centre slightly disappointed. Also this being the first visitation session, and we not familiar with the neighborhood, much time was wasted in the effort to find the right block while carrying the rice sacks, not mentioning having to do that under the hot sun.

The families that we visited that day were mostly Muslims and as they know simple English, it helps greatly in our language barrier. The families were very keen in receiving us, and didn’t mind expressing their needs and problems to us. One of the group even lost track of time as they were conversing with one of the allocated families, an old lady that is living by herself.

After the home visiting and delivering of rice, we returned to the centre and there we were debriefed. Questions were raised and observations made earlier on were also shared. The volunteer there also told us about the system and function of the family centre and about what has been done and can be done. We also discuss about the future plans and possible ideas until about 1pm before we finally packed up and call it a day.

It was enriching and through this experience we gain and the knowledge that there are some people out there who are not as fortunate as others and this boost our motivation in doing whatever we can for them.

Entry For Skills--Competitive Swimming--March 07

Entry For Skills
Swimming Training For March

Participants: Thomas

Overview:
- Techniques of plunging
- Perfection of somersaults

Venue: Geylang East Swimming Complex (Mon)
Chinese Swimming Club (Wed)

Date: 5/3, 8/3, 12/3, 15/3, 19/3, 22/3, 26/3, 29/3

Hours Completed: 16 hrs

As a start for trainings, we did several stretching exercises before entering the pool. Next, we would proceed to the pool to have our warm-ups which is around 16 laps of the pool. The main purpose of this was to allow us to familiarize ourselves with the environment, which is the pool. In competitive swimming, one important factor that would give one an edge in a race would be the initial plunge into the pool. Thus, the coach had decided to allocate at least half a month of training to perfect our plunging technique. For a start, we practised without the jump board. We had to plunge into the pool from the edge of the pool. A good plunge would allow one to surge forward underwater for a longer distance, thus giving an edge over other competitors. When a swimmer plunges into the pool, he would have to stretch his hands all the way, forming a pointer above the head. This ensures that the swimmer is able to break through the water surface with ease. In order to prevent the goggles from being knocked off by the impact, the swimmer would also have to tuck his head in, as close to the neck as possible. Next, one would have to push against the edge of the pool and plunge forward. The swimmer should not feel any pain around the abdomen due to the impact. Another important determinant in competitive swimming is the perfection of the somersault at the end of a lap. A good somersault would allow the swimmer to have an advantage over others as no time is wasted in turning around at the end of a lap. The coach gave us some tips. One important note would be to take great notice at the T-shape at the end of the pool. When approaching the end of the pool, one would begin to slow down and execute a somersault in the water. The timing must be perfect. Executing it too late would mean crashing into the wall while too early would mean not being able to kick off the wall at full force, hence losing out to other competitors.

Physical Recreation Section: Canoeing

Kayaking expedition at PRSSC
Date: 8/4/2007
Time: 0915 at Pasir Ris MRT
People: Edmund, Seth, Jiawei confirmed. Cal and ZL can also come along. Justin is also welcomed.
Expedition: PRSSC western side of Pulau Ubin seafront of around 8.5 km (total) from 1000 to 1700 hrs

Please bring along your membership and loyalty cards, a big water bottle (1.5L) and at least 15 dollars for rental fees. Note: Pack lunch or buy from Pasir Ris MRT.

NYAA Entry - Skills - Overview for year 2007, February to March

Overview
• Scales and Arpeggios for Grade 6
• Piano exam pieces

Venue: Tampines (Piano Teacher's House)(every Wedneday)

Dates(in year 2007): 15/2, 22/2, 1/3, 8/3, 15/3, 28/3,

Hours completed: 6 hrs in total

My piano lessons for this year will revolve around the practical aspect of the piano. My first lesson for the year was on the 15th of February, at which I covered a section of the arpeggios (notes of a chord played in succession in ascending and descending order) required for Grade 6. The arpeggios I had learnt were arpeggios of the diminished seventh chord beginning on B, C sharp, D sharp and E . These arpeggios were new to me as I was only introduced to them in Grade 6 and hence requiring a little more time getting accustomed to playing them. During this session I had also learnt the major scale in thirds: staccato.
On the 22nd of February, I covered the other section of the arpeggios which were the arpeggios of major and minor common chords in root position. In total, there are 12 major chords and 12 minor chords for this type of arpeggios. Other than this, I had also revised my chromatic scales in similar and contrary motion. Additionally during the session I went through the Group 1 Major Scales played in staccato and the Major and Minor Scales in contrary motion.
During the lesson on the 1st of March I covered the Major and Minor scales in similar motion: legato which constituted the bulk of the scales to be examined, a total of 36 major and minor keys.

During the lessons on the 8th,15th and 28th of March I revised all the scales and arpeggios I had learnt and had also started learning the piano pieces for my exam. As of the 28th of March, I had changed my lessons to Wednesdays to avoid clashes with my school curriculum.

NYAA - Physical Recreation - Entry 8 - Kayaking Expedition VIII

Entry for Physical Recreation

Kayak Expedition VIII

Participants:
- Calvin
- Edmund
- Seth
- Zhan Liang

Overview:
- Kayak from Changi Beach (Changi Sea Sports Club) to Pulau Ubin
- Used single Dancer kayaks
- Went on sea exploration Pulau Ubin journey
- Passed Pulau Sekudu, Chek Jawa at the eastern tip of Pulau Ubin, Pulau Ubin jetty at the southern tip of Pulau Ubin
- Return journey back to Changi Sea Sports Club
- Completed 8.6 km of mileage in 6.5 hours from 1000 to 1630 hrs

Date: 25/3/2007
Hours completed: 6.5 hours, 1000 to 1630 hrs

We have taken bumboat rides from mainland Singapore to Pulau Ubin for camps and cycling trips several times but we have never kayaked from mainland Singapore to Pulau Ubin before. We thus decided to take on an entirely new and unfamiliar route this time by kayaking from Changi Beach (Changi Sea Sports Club), crossing the sea channel to Pulau Ubin. This expedition will thus provide us with an entirely whole new different kayaking experience.

We met at Changi Sea Sports Club at 1000 hrs, and rented 4 single Dancer kayaks, 4 spray-covers, and 2 lockers. We prepared ourselves for the expedition ahead by changing into our wet attire, placing our bags and belongings into the lockers, adjusting the footrests of our kayaks, packing our lunch and water bottles into our kayaks, taking our buoyancy vests, spray-covers and paddles from 1000 to 1030 hrs. We double-check our planned route with the map and the tide-tables to ensure that our expedition would be smooth sailing. We did some stretching and warm-up exercises for 15 min before launching out to sea. We paddled around the demarcated area, at the same time practising our kayaking techniques such as the bow and stern rudder, and the high and low recoveries, to once again familiarize ourselves with the waters at around Changi. As we are taking on an entirely new and unfamiliar route on this expedition, we also revised capsize and t-rescue drills to prepare ourselves for any capsize situations. After a short break of 10 minutes, we left for Pulau Ubin at about 1155 hrs. We first paddled to the red buoy which marks the sea channel for ships, including large container ships and fishing vessels moving across. It was one of the few times when we were in close proximity with such large ships and vessels. We made sure we were close to each other, and also looked out for all close incoming ships and vessels to have passed, before we started crossing the channel. As the channel is wide, we still consistently looked out for incoming ships and vessels even as we were crossing the channel.

We managed to reach the Pulau Sekudu at about 1215 hrs and continued to kayak up to the eastern tip of Pulau Ubin to visit Chek Jawa. As Chek Jawa was still closed and out of bounds to the public, and also the waters were quite shallow then, we did not kayak too near to the shores of Chek Jawa to prevent killing any of the marine wildlife in the shallow waters. We took a short water break, at the same time appreciating the quiet and peaceful nature and scenery of Chek Jawa and its diverse wildlife. We left Chek Jawa at about 1245 hrs, kayaking to the southern tip of Pulau Ubin, to Pulau Ubin jetty, passing by Pulau Sekudu. We reached Pulau Ubin jetty at about 1330 hrs and beached up at a narrow shore beside Pulau Ubin jetty. We ate our lunch there and also at the same time had a rest, hydrating ourselves, before continuing on our return journey of our expedition back to Changi at about 1430hrs. We had to kayak to Pulau Sekudu before crossing the channel and making our way back to Changi as there is the only nearby available designated crossing route for kayakers kayaking back to or out from Changi.

We reached Pulau Sekudu at about 1500 hrs. As the waters were really shallow, much of the shores of Pulau Sekudu has become visible as compared to the previous expedition when we visited Pulau Sekudu. We thus decided to beach up at Pulau Sekudu, and explore the small island. There is nothing on the island except for rocks, sand and litter left behind by fishermen whom have came to the island to fish. After the short land exploration of the island and a short rest, we continued on the last part of our expedition from Pulau Sekudu back to Changi at about 1520 hrs. Once again, we kayaked to the green buoy which mark the sea channel for ships, made sure we were close to each other, looked out for incoming ships to have passed before crossing the channel. We reached Changi at about 1540 hrs and decided to paddle around the demarcated area, practising our kayaking techniques once again at our own pace till 1600 hrs, before washing up all the equipment and returning them at about 1630 hrs. We bathed, packed up and left Changi Sea Sports Club at about 1645 hrs.

Physical Recreation Update

As of 1st April

Canoeing

Name__________Hours______Start Date____End Date____Remarks
Chan zhan liang______41_________28/01/07______15/04/07
Calvin han__________41____________"____________"
Edmund cai_________32.5__________"____________"
Zhang jiawei________39.5___________"____________"
Seth koh___________33________05/02/07_________"

Keep-Fit

Name___________Hours______Start Date____End Date____Remarks
Thomas Leong_______46________05/01/07______31/03/07____PR Completed
Joseph Sng_________7.5________23/03/07______08/06/07
Chua Boon Kiat_______"___________"_____________"