CAMPFIRE CHRONICLES : STORIES OF SCOUTING

Another training session was held because the majority of participants were not aware with the complexities of cooking rice, particularly in bamboo tubes. First, a big bowl of uncooked rice was given to each group, and they were to clean it thoroughly for fifteen minutes. In keeping with Islamic precepts, our advisor stressed the significance of sanitation and cleanliness in food preparation. After that, oil and salt were added to the rice combination along with the minced beef that our expert had supplied. The next step involved making a tiny hole in one end of the bamboo and stuffing all of the ready-made components through it. In order to guarantee adequate cooking, a clean cloth strip was used to seal the opening and 100 millilitres of water were added based on the bamboo's size. In the end, sticks were used to construct temporary heating shelves, and the bamboo tubes were baked over the fire pit for 15 minutes on high heat and 5 minutes on medium heat. Even though the techniques were straightforward, all of the scouts were excited about cooking. But our advisor pointed out that in order to guarantee perfectly prepared food, heat control was essential. 40 CAMPFIRE CHRONICLES : ‘STORIES OF SCOUTING’ - SYAFIQ TUMALI -

For the following forty minutes, every group, including the High Committees, worked feverishly to make their own meat-infused bamboo rice. Around 6:20 p.m., our advisor blew a whistle to announce that all cooking was to end at our training site. This was the crucial time that would determine how well-cooked our meat and rice were. My group, the High Committees, was the first to be examined by the advisor. He set our bamboo tube on a spotless tree stump and, using a machete, cut a hole through which where we insert the rice by splitting the tube in half. The bamboo split, releasing a pleasant scent that wafted around the people near it. Feeling satisfied that we had prepared our dinner successfully, even though it didn't quite live up to a fivestar experience, we grinned and exclaimed. The aroma of bamboo-infused rice lingered, a memory that stayed with me. Mr. Syarnizal then went on to inspect the food prepared by other groups. In general, the majority of groups were successful in cooking rice in bamboo on their first try. Some groups did, however, have difficulties; for example, their rice might burn if exposed to high heat for an extended period of time, or their food would stay raw because the heat could not reach the bamboo tubes on the specially designed heating shelves. 41 CAMPFIRE CHRONICLES : ‘STORIES OF SCOUTING’ - SYAFIQ TUMALI -

The day progressed as we ate our own prepared bamboo rice in the tent we had constructed. It was extremely relaxing that evening to observe how much everyone liked today's session while other uniform bodies were still practicing their march. As our weekly meeting still had some time remaining, we were instructed to gather in a circle. Our advisor intended to share additional tips for camping in the jungle, beyond igniting fire and cooking our own meals. It's worth mentioning that I forgot to note earlier that I didn't take any pictures during the event, as students were not allowed to bring phones during curricular activities. Moving on, our advisor shared safety precautions for venturing into the forest and emphasized the importance of being vigilant and observant of the signs present there. He discussed the intriguing ‘Isyarat Sulit Pengakap’ agenda. Despite the term, this subject isn't as uncommon as one might imagine; it's a technique used by several law enforcement organisations to go around in the wilderness. All scouts ought to learn "Isyarat Sulit Pengakap," which teaches them how to communicate with other scouts and anyone else who knows how to track signals in the forest. 42 CAMPFIRE CHRONICLES : ‘STORIES OF SCOUTING’ - SYAFIQ TUMALI -

When someone becomes lost in the wilderness, they can utilise these signals to assist rescuers locate them. Some examples of these signals include tying together long grass and bending it in a certain manner. Additionally, this chapter provides frequently used signals pictures for quick reference below. These signals develop into a common tongue among scouts in the thick forest undergrowth, a discrete yet efficient method of communication. 43 CAMPFIRE CHRONICLES : ‘STORIES OF SCOUTING’ - SYAFIQ TUMALI - Scouts can coordinate movements, quietly communicate messages, and most importantly is to call for assistance when needed by being aware of these indicators. It emphasises the usefulness of the scouts' training outside of the traditional activities and adds another level to their skill set. Mr. Syarnizal kindly provided many instances of Isyarat Sulit Pengakap, each cleverly made from natural materials like wood, sticks, grass, and even stones, and each serving a certain purpose.

His emphasis on keeping these signs in mind highlighted their usefulness, particularly in situations where becoming lost in the woods necessitates covert but efficient communication. That day, we learned something more than just the thrill of being outside. We also learned a set of abilities that are essential to our safety and well-being when we venture into new forest areas. We picked up our tents, gathered the remains of bamboo tubes, and headed back to the dormitory as the sun sank below the horizon, leaving long shadows across our training site. 44 CAMPFIRE CHRONICLES : ‘STORIES OF SCOUTING’ - SYAFIQ TUMALI -

In the chapter ‘Revamped Award: Honours Redefined,’ I describe how, during my Form 3, I succeeded in improving our school's scouting organisation and earned the Junior Scouts' Platoon Chief badge. I will now share a thrilling story about how a few troop members went on a mission to complete a specialised training camp in order to earn their first official badge. The training camp was held at Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Sungai Rusa, where scouts from several schools in the Balik Pulau district participated in this three-day camp. Eighteen Junior Scouts, carefully selected for their enthusiasm and dedication, represented our school under the direction of our advisor. I was entrusted with keeping an eye on my troop and helping our advisor during this fascinating and badge-worthy event as a dependable guide and aide. It was a flurry of activities the day before we left for our exciting trip to the scouts training camp. Every student who was chosen prepared their supplies, which included clothing, tents, ropes, and their cards that were required for being scouts. As the one tasked with making sure everything was ready, I went through everyone's belongings and made sure our tent selections were in good condition. 45 Earning The Badge

Feeling certain that everything was in order, we went to bed knowing that we would have an early morning to meet our advisor at the bus parking lot at about 6:30 a.m. On the morning of our departure, we performed the Subuh prayer and then assembled at the bus parking area. With time still on our side and our adviser not yet here, a few of the Junior Scouts used the opportunity to fall asleep for a little while on the benches in order to get some extra energy for the day. Others concentrated on refining the art of tying their scouts' scarves. Aware that we might be thirsty on upcoming travel, I headed to our cafeteria to grab some mineral water bottles for the ride. Our advisor arrived on time at 6:20 a.m., checking our paperwork and attendance and making sure our uniforms followed scout rules before getting on the bus. After everything had been loaded, the bus set off towards SK Sungai Rusa. After a quick 30-minute trip from our school, we arrived at SK Sungai Rusa at approximately 7:00 a.m. We arrived and saw nobody else or scouts there, as the itinerary said we would be starting our morning assembly at about 8:30 a.m. Sensing the need for information, our advisor gave me the go-ahead to lead our team to the school's hall and start making the appropriate arrangements. 46 CAMPFIRE CHRONICLES : ‘STORIES OF SCOUTING’ - SYAFIQ TUMALI -

I then went to the school's hall with our squad, and we set our stuff up next to a pillar such as gathering our bags there while waiting further instructions. We also went on a walk around SK Sungai Rusa, marking out important places like restrooms, the mosque, and the canteen, to calm any nerves from the first event and get used to the new surroundings for these three days camp. After our brief tour, we returned to the hall and noticed that other school scouts had begun to arrive. Our junior scouts interacted with scouts from other schools because they were eager to make new acquaintances and connections. I went looking for Mr. Syarnizal in the meantime and was prepared to help with anything he could require. 47 CAMPFIRE CHRONICLES : ‘STORIES OF SCOUTING’ - SYAFIQ TUMALI - I walked up to him and saw advisors from other scouts talking to him; they had shoulder patches and epaulettes with different rankings and skills badges on them. Subsequently, Mr. Syarnizal presented me to Mr. Faisal, the Assistant District Commissioner for the Balik Pulau Scouts, who was in charge of that day’s event at SK Sungai Rusa. The same blue epaulettes most scouts advisor wore like Mr. Faisal in the picture

During these conversations, I couldn't help but observe that one of the advisors was a scout and had red epaulettes, as opposed to the other advisors' dark blue ones. Curious, I asked my advisor what the color-coded epaulettes meant, and he told me that each colour represented a different rank or degree in the scouts as mentioned below : “There are seven colour codes for scouts epaulettes to show to position in scouts that are yellow (Royal Families), heart red (Ministers), green (Government Of icers & State Scouts Council), blue (Scouts Commissioners & National Scouts Chief), purple (Scouts Instructors Committees, grey (Scouts Executive Of icers and lastly red (Rover Scouts).” 48 CAMPFIRE CHRONICLES : ‘STORIES OF SCOUTING’ - SYAFIQ TUMALI -

Another important fact that Mr. Syarnizal highlighted was that each scout's epaulettes had a sash arrangement with a distinct colour code that represented the member's rank as attached in the picture in the previous page. This realisation improved my comprehension of the scouting hierarchy, and I nodded in agreement. 49 CAMPFIRE CHRONICLES : ‘STORIES OF SCOUTING’ - SYAFIQ TUMALI - Our Junior Scout, El Farish Kamil in action for Istiadat Bendera Then, Mr. Syarnizal gave me the responsibility of presiding over our morning assembly, which included the well-known Istiadat Bendera ceremony. When I got back to my team, I gave myself the duties of reporting officer, while other activities such as flag-raising during the singing of the national anthem, and du'a recitation to my team. To my amazement, the team members volunteered with great excitement, demonstrating not only their abilities that we had practiced during our regular school meetings, but also their enthusiasm. The camp proceeded to its next phase following the customary Istiadat Bendera at 8:40 a.m. and reporting to the District's Scouts Commissioner the total number of scouts prepared for active service.

After the assembly, everyone went to the canteen to have scrambled eggs and nasi lemak for breakfast. After that, we were told by an advisor to find a spot to store our goods and pitch our tents for the night with was the SK Sungai Rusa’s field. Our team was quite experienced at tent-pitching from previous training sessions, so this was a piece of cake. Eager to get started on the next camp activities, we set up our tents and put our possessions in storage before heading back to the hall for more instructions. The first session of the camp began with briefings on the day's events, during which time cooperative tasks were assigned to each team from every school. I was not directly involved in these events because I was a marching instructor. For marching training, the scouts were led to an open area next to the school's hall. I co-facilitated this session with the Rover Scout I had met earlier in the morning. Some advisors, meanwhile, were hard at work getting supplies ready for the next rope-knotting workshop. Our goal in marching training was to ensure that every movement we made was precise and that we marched from the left side of the area to the right. 50 CAMPFIRE CHRONICLES : ‘STORIES OF SCOUTING’ - SYAFIQ TUMALI -

During the static march, emphasis was placed on keeping a constant height and performing exact foot stomping. Other marching tactics that were taught to the scouts included slowpaced marching while saluting and how to march appropriately when accepting awards. With brief 10-minute breaks every hour, the session lasted about three and a half hours. It was decided to repeat the session the next morning in order to give time for a second session and lunch, given the recognition of the need for additional improvement. Following today's events, we had lunch at the canteen and then unwinded in the hallway as we waited for the Zohor prayer. We prayed together at Masjid Jamek Sungai Rusa, a mosque located directly in front of the school and separated only by a two-ways road. 51 CAMPFIRE CHRONICLES : ‘STORIES OF SCOUTING’ - SYAFIQ TUMALI - Mr. Faisal is explaining basic rope knotting after I asked him on it The event continued with a rope knotting lesson led by Mr. Faisal, who brought all of the participants back in the hall. He clarified that after teaching the participants the fundamentals of rope knotting, they would practise and get feedback from their advisors. Mr. Faisal requested me to help him out and demonstrate how to knot ropes during this session.

Despite my initial reluctance because of my lack of experience, I saw it as a chance to get additional knowledge. Everyone was expected to take part because advisors had been told to bring ropes for their troops. While some schools lacked specialised ropes, the majority of participants—including our team—generously shared their ropes, encouraging a cooperative learning atmosphere. Mr. Faisal went over a number of rope knotting techniques, each with a distinct use. The Ikatan Buku Sila/Reef Knot, which is used to split or join two ropes of the same size, the Ikatan Bunga Geti/Common Bend, which joins two ropes of different sizes, the Simpulan Tindih Kasih/Bowline, which is frequently used in traps to keep animals from becoming entangled, the Ikatan Simpul Manok/Clove Hitch, which is used to tie ropes to pillars, and the Simpulan Angka 8/Figure of 8 (used during rescues or hiking trips) were among the knots taught. 52 CAMPFIRE CHRONICLES : ‘STORIES OF SCOUTING’ - SYAFIQ TUMALI - Some basic rope knotting visual format by Setiawangsa's Rover Scouts (B)

These experiences and insights were immensely beneficial, particularly for my team as they were getting ready for their badge test. As the day went on, every scout documented their newly acquired knowledge in their logbooks, which were supplied by the Balik Pulau Scouts Administration for the duration of the camp. The scouts received instructions on filling out the logbook and were informed about an impending test the following day. Weary following the all-day event, participants were ready to sleep in their tents at 9:30 p.m. I conversed with my crew in the interim to get their opinions on what had happened that day. Because there were female scouts there, Mr. Faisal gave me patrol duty for the rest of the night, which I gladly took on. I blew my whistle at ten o'clock at night, telling participants to go to bed while the advisors may sleep in the corridor or in designated rooms. The night was cold, but fortunately nothing awful happened on my watch. After that, at around two in the morning, I went to bed, but my advisor remained up, concerned for me. 53 CAMPFIRE CHRONICLES : ‘STORIES OF SCOUTING’ - SYAFIQ TUMALI -

To summarise, we had breakfast, took a quick 30-minute break, and then started our normal marching exercise early the next day. I heralded the start of the second day's activities by blowing the whistle three times, with an emphasis on jungle tracking symbols. Our advisor expanded on our prior knowledge by giving us more in-depth lessons and real-world examples on this subject. All scouts then took a written exam and had their rope knotting skills evaluated throughout the evening. Results were announced the next day, and our team had received the highest score. In recognition of their commitment and active engagement, the commissioner then gave each participant a certificate of completion and the ‘USAHA’ badge. 54 CAMPFIRE CHRONICLES : ‘STORIES OF SCOUTING’ - SYAFIQ TUMALI - All scouts that was present must answer the written test

Through the pages of "Campfire Chronicles: Stories of Scouting," we follow this incredible adventure that is full with lessons about leadership, personal growth, and the fundamental principles of scouting. Each chapter serves as a moving ode to the resilience of knowledge and friendship, from the deep symbolic meaning of names like Akela to the useful wisdom ingrained in scouting rituals and outdoor pursuits. As it approaches its conclusion, this book goes beyond the written word to become a celebration of harmony and the transforming power of shared experiences. The project's influence extends beyond these pages and touches on business opportunities, such as training seminars demonstrating a dedication to changing the way the public views scouting. Educational institutions and communities are cordially invited to participate in this heritage, gain knowledge, and recognise the teachings tucked away in the scouting experience. So let the stories in these chapters be your guides to inspiration, your wellspring of knowledge, and a gentle reminder that the future of scouting is bright for those who dare to lead, explore, and learn. Closure

As we say adieu to the printed words of "Campfire Chronicles: Stories of Scouting," we issue a strong call to action that serves as both a prologue and a conclusion to further investigation and comprehension. This project, contained within the book's pages, is an open invitation to understand, engage with, and explore new avenues of appreciation, guaranteeing that scouting's legacy lives on long after the last page. This conclusion marks a beginning rather than an end—a continuation of the spirit of scouting as described in "Campfire Chronicles: Stories of Scouting." As we say goodbye, may it serve as a starting point for the scouting ethos to be carried on in the hearts of people who are prepared to accept its lessons and spread its timeless ideals throughout the world. “In the spirit of scouting, let the adventures continue, the knots tighten, and the flames of curiosity and camaraderie burn eternal.” (Syafiq Tumali, 2023)

I wish to express profound gratitude for the unwavering support and guidance received throughout the duration of the 'Scouts Chronicles: Stories of Scouting' project. Firstly, sincere appreciation is extended to Ms. Suhaili Binti Mohd Yusof, the Lecturer-in-Charge of the Professional Communication Exercise course, whose guidance and mentorship have been invaluable. Ms. Suhaili's expertise has played a pivotal role in shaping the project's direction, ensuring a robust foundation in professional communication. Her dedication to fostering academic and practical excellence has been a constant source of inspiration, enhancing the overall quality of the project. A special thanks goes out to the project supervisor, Ms. Haryati Binti Ahmad, whose commitment, astute criticism, and unfailing support have been crucial in guiding the project towards success. The project's scope has been refined, methodological rigour has been ensured, and overall project outcomes have been improved thanks in large part to Ms. Haryati's attentive supervision and dedication to the project's goals. Her guidance has been crucial in enhancing the project's scholarly and applied aspects. Acknowledgement

The Assistant Scouts District Commissioner of Balik Pulau, Mr. Mohd Syarnizal Bin Ghazali, is also greatly appreciated by those involved for kindly lending his time and knowledge during the project interview. The project has been greatly enhanced by Mr. Ghazali's thoughts and experiences, which have given rise to a thorough understanding of scouting dynamics and enhanced the narrative book's authenticity and depth. A key element in achieving the project's objectives has been his cooperation. Lastly, I would like to extend appreciation to all individuals who played essential roles behind the scenes, contributing to the project's realization and ultimate success. The collective efforts of these individuals have been indispensable in creating a project that not only meets its academic objectives but also resonates authentically with the scouting community and broader audiences.

“Because everyone have the rights to DREAM” “Campfire Chronicles: Stories of Scouting” is a memoir by Syafiq Tumali, a former dreamer turned Scout. The book recounts his transformative journey in the Scouts, his experiences at MRSM Balik Pulau, and the life skills he gained. It’s a testament to the power of scouting and the values it instills in young people. It inspires readers to pursue their dreams and learn from their journeys.