Can a uniformed group keep its relevance even in unprecedented times? Is a GB Girl settling for less during the pandemic?
Ask any Graduated Girl what makes GB unique from other CCAs. Their replies will reveal a common thread – having the chance to learn and experience a variety of skillsets. From K-pop dance sessions to decoupage, the list of learning possibilities are endless.
Besides the many activities offered by the Brigade, the full experience of a UG cannot go without camaraderie and friendship. After all, physical elements of GB (e.g. drills ) are only but a fraction of the programme designed for the bigger purpose of connecting the Girls with one another.
Covid-19 dealt a huge blow to many Co-curricular activities once known for their physical ventures. Despite all the unpredictability of ever-changing safe-management measures, Officers and teachers recognised the need to gather together to learn and grow as a community of Girls – to support one another even during hard times.
That’s exactly what 4 companies from 15th Company, Tao Nan School, 21st Company, Radin Mas Primary School, 36th Company, Townsville Primary School and 90th Coy, Kheng Cheng School did.
In the spirit of togetherness, these Companies gathered for a 2-days online camp to connect across Companies and to learn about mental health and how they can better support their friends in need.
“Physical activities are great. Meaningful connections are greater”
Rethinking the Uniformed Experience – from the Inside out
How do we engage children in hour-long video calls while getting their full attention?
A little competition goes a long way in piquing the interest of the Girls. To kick off the online camp, the planning committee put together a game of charades where Girls faced off against one other from different companies with the goal of gleaning as many points as possible to win a coveted prize.
Building Camaraderie beyond Zoom Screens
Through a series of interactive station games, and in line with the GB’s national competition – Better Minds, Better Tomorrow ( a competition centred on advocating for mental wellness through creative expression), the Officers incorporated meaningful lessons on emotional well-being to educate Girls on the topic.
Girls were taught to identify and describe the various emotions of their personalities and what they are currently feeling.
They were also taught to be in touch with their emotions in the hopes that they too will learn to be emotionally sensitive of those around them– a very critical social skill that will better equip them to understand how to interact and communicate with others.
“We hope that the Girls can learn how to take care of their emotional and mental health. At the same time, we hope to teach them how they can help to look out and help those who are struggling with mental wellness.”
To round up the games, a special guest from Fei Yue Community Services was invited to share about How Girls can use their eyes, ears, mouth to
Having a larger group attending the camp also allowed the organisers to employ more trainers who could offer various skills for the Girls to apply when they prepare for their competition entries later on.
“We hope that the Girls can learn how to take care of their emotional and mental health. At the same time, we hope to teach them how they can help to look out and help those who are struggling with mental wellness.”
– Officer Tam Xue Ting, 36th Company, Townsville Primary School
From photo-taking lessons to videography lessons, a series of activities were offered to the Girls to choose from. “Before the camp, we were allowed to select which workshop we would like to attend to be equipped with the right skills to do the LGT Challenge 2021,” said Hiba of the 36th Company, Townsville Primary School.
Rethinking the Uniformed Experience
What has been thought of as impossible has been proven by these four companies to be plausible – reinventing the uniform experience through creative and fun ways. The unity and grit of these Companies is not an exception by itself. This is only but the tip of the iceberg of the potential to which uniformed groups can offer. Though it might have been a difficult time to meet, many have found ways to reconnect with the Girls and keep them and engaged through creative means. 2020 might have been a year of unprecedented times. But that did not deter the spirit of togetherness and camaraderie of our Companies. After all, we’re not an island, we need each other.