PENGAKAP SABAH

Tahun-tahun kebelakangan ini menyaksikan ramai Pengakap bersilih-ganti menyertai dan meninggalkan Pengakap. Namun, sungguhpun Pergerakan Pengakap di Sabah masih belum putus penyertaannya, beberapa budaya Pengakap ‘old-school’ seakan-akan diancam kepupusan dan hampir hilang ditelan zaman.
Budaya-budaya tersebut antaranya ialah:

1.  Budaya ‘yell’ dalam aktiviti Pengakap.
    Kalau dahulu Yell bukan sahaja dilaungkan dalam Malam2
    Kebudayaan malah dalam sebarang aktiviti Pengakap.
    Sekarang, dalam Malam Kebudayaan pun, masih lagi terpaksa
    para Pemimpin kadangkala bertanya, "Ada yell
    lagi?"..Sepatutnya ‘Yell’ tidak perlu ditanya. Ianya   
    merupakan wadah untuk sesebuah patrol meluahkan rasa dan
    ekspresi mereka terhadap sesuatu perkara, perbuatan mahupun
    patrol lain. Sebagai contoh, daripada ‘bercakap di belakang’ sekiranya ada rasa tidak puas hati, seseorang ahli Pengakap boleh mengajak ahli patrolnya membuat satu bentuk yell yang meluahkan rasa tidak puas hati tersebut. Punca kepupusan : Tidak ada sistem berpatrol
    secara khusus yang diamalkan pada hari ini. Pengakap hari
    ini menganggap Patrol hanyalah medium bagi memudahkan
    Pemimpin mengarahkan mereka..walhal patrol sebenarnya   
    merupakan nadi pergerakan Pengakap Kanak-kanak hingga
    Pengakap Remaja. Ahli Patrol seharusnya bergerak
    bersama-sama, sama ada dalam mengulangkaji pelajaran,
    mengambil ujian di dalam dan di luar masa perjumpaan
    Pengakap, malahan semasa keluar ke bandar sekalipun. Ulasan
    mengenai sistem berpatrol akan dihuraikan dari masa ke
    semasa.

2.  JOBWEEK / Minggu Kerja Pengakap
    Tradisi Pengakap ini hanya dijalankan sebanyak 2 kali di
    Sabah dalam masa 7 tahun ini. Pada asalnya, Jobweek
    dijalankan untuk mencari atau menambah sumber kewangan
    sesebuah kumpulan Pengakap bagi membolehkan kumpulan itu
    menganjurkan aktiviti2 ataupun menghantar ahlinya ke
    Program Pengakap di peringkat daerah, Negeri, Kebangsaan &
    Antarabangsa. Jobweek bukanlah aktiviti meminta derma
    semata-mata. Ianya merupakan batu loncatan dalam melatih
    Pengakap melakukan kerja-kerja yang boleh mendatangkan
    sumber kewangan. Hari ini, terdapat ramai Pengakap lepasan
    sekolah yang masih menganggur untuk jangka masa yang lama.
    Jika dulu, para ahli Pengakap menjalankan Jobweek dengan
    bekerja sambilan (part-time) di syarikat-syarikat tertentu
    seperti KFC, McDonalds dan perniagaan tempatan. Punca
    kepupusan : Hari ini, aktiviti Jobweek hanya dilihat dari
    aspek mencuci kereta, kerja-kerja membersih..tidak lebih
    dari itu. Itu sebabnya dahulu jarang ada ahli Pengakap yang
    menganggur selepas bersekolah. Ini kerana mereka sudah tahu
    ke mana dan apa yang harus dilakukan untuk mendapatkan
    sumber kewangan yang halal. Dibuang ke ceruk mana pun
    mereka masih mampu menampung diri mereka sendiri. Sebab itu jika kita lihat ramai Pengakap ’senior’ yang ada pada hari ini merupakan ahli perniagaan yang berjaya. Sekiranya ada di antara mereka yang telah bersara dari kerajaan, mereka juga menceburkan diri dan berjaya dalam perniagaan mereka. Ini kerana mereka mempunyai latihan dan kemahiran yang mencukupi melalui latihan semasa dalam kumpulan Pengakap mereka dahulu.

3.  Golongan bekerja/stabil dari segi kewangan yang menyertai
    Pengakap Kelana.
    Jika dahulu, ramai golongan pekerja muda menyertai Pengakap
    Kelana dan mampu sedikit sebanyak membantu dalam menjayakan
    aktiviti krew mereka. Keterikatan mereka dengan kerja bukan
    penghalang penglibatan dalam Pengakap, malah dengan situasi
    itu, mereka terjamin akan sentiasa ’stick around’
    memandangkan mereka tidak akan ke mana-mana (meninggalkan
    daerah/negeri/negara). Senario hari ini adalah…hampir
    kesemua ahli dalam sesebuah krew Kelana merupakan ‘fresh
    scool leavers’ yang belum tentu dapat membantu krew dari
    segi kewangan dan kehadiran mereka juga amat disangsikan   
    (ada yang akan melanjutkan pelajaran, terikat dgn kursus
    itu dan ini dsb). Kesungguhan dan minat mereka dalam
    Pengakap amatlah dihargai, namun dalam keadaan ekonomi
    mereka yang kurang ‘independent’, sedikit sebanyak akan
    menimbulkan banyak halangan dan seterusnya akan menjejaskan
    aktiviti krew mereka. Punca kepupusan : Ketiadaan
    pendedahan terhadap unit PENGAKAP BUDIKA..Pengakap Budika
    merupakan unit Pengakap yang boleh diserta oleh Pengakap
    Remaja selepas habis bersekolah. Aktiviti-aktiviti Pengakap
    Budika ini lebih menjuruskan kepada pencarian dan
    keterlibatan sesebuah krew itu dengan kursus-kursus
    kemahiran serta professional yang ada yang boleh disertai
    oleh ahli2nya bagi mempersiapkan mereka dengan kemahiran2
    yang diperlukan dalam dunia bekerjaya mereka. Saya rasa
    tidak ramai ahli Pengakap hari ini mengetahui tentang
    wujudnya unit PENGAKAP BUDIKA ini. Yang terjadi hari ini
    ialah Pengakap dalam lingkungan umur 18 tahun terus
    menyertai Krew Pengakap Kelana. Dalam konteks ini, ada juga
    Pemimpin Kelana yang lupa bahawa selagi Pengakap itu belum
    mencapai umur 18 tahun, mereka hanya dikategorikan
    sebagai ‘Junior Rover’ dan belum layak untuk menduduki
    vigil Pengakap Kelana (biasa terjadi di krew yang mempunyai
    anggota yang belajar di Tingkatan 6). Itu juga salah satu
    penyebab ramai Pengakap Kelana hari ini yang kurang
    berkemahiran dari segi yang boleh menuju ke arah kerjaya.

To be Continued…

What is Scouting? Scouting is what makes a boy a Scout. What is a Scout? Nowadays, when we mentioned ‘scout’, most people will project an image of camping, knotting and singing and it is only limited to that nothing more, nothing less. But actually, a Scout is a boy who is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent. Put another way, a Scout is a boy who understands what honor means, and whose own honor depends on him doing his best to do his duty to God and his country, and to obey the Scout Law; to help other people at all times; to keep himself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight. A Scout is a boy who obeys the Scout Law, and who keeps the Scout Oath.

Brief History of Scouting

Scouting had its start in the experiences of Lt. Col. Robert Baden-Powell (B.-P.). He was a career soldier who served in India and Africa. His love of the outdoor life and his interest in the welfare of his troops led him to introduce many innovations into service life. All of them revolving around making soldiers more self-reliant. While in the Army, B.-P. wrote a book entitled Aids to Scouting. In essence, it was a skill-development book that elaborated on outdoor survival activities. The book became quite popular and and was used to train boys in a number of schools and clubs. Following this, B.-P. rewrote the book and called the new version Scouting for Boys. It was such a success that he decided to organize the very first Scout Camp, to test his theory in 1907.

Scouting groups sprang up spontaneously as boys (and girls) applied the lessons from B.-P.¹s book. Scouting continued to grow in England and spread to other countries around the world. The first Scout groups in Canada were formed in 1908. In 1920, B.-P. decided to hold a rally for Scouts in Olympia Stadium in London, England. This is regarded as the first World Jamboree. A World Scout Conference was held in 1922 and the World Organization of the Scout Movement was formed. In 1956, the APR (Asia Pacific Regional) was formed to monitor and aid scouting movement in this particular region. (History of Scouting in Sabah [PPMCS], 1997)

The history of Scouting in Sabah started in 1913 when Rev. Thomas Cecil Alexander of the Anglican Mission formed the first boy scout troop in Sandakan. He is also remembered as the founder of the scout movement in North Borneo (Now Sabah). He continued to serve the movement until 1926 and returned to England. Today, under the leadership of Datuk Awang Zainie Hj. Suntim as the State Chief Commissioner, Scouting in Sabah is administered through 42 districts by its respective District Commissioner. Scouting uses eight methods to achieve its aims of character development, citizenship training, and promotion of physical and mental fitness.

First, there are the ideals of the Scout Oath and Law. The essence of Scout spirit is living in a way that embraces these ideals. Being prepared, and doing a good turn daily, are manifestations of Scout spirit that flow from commitment to these ideals. Every single part of Scouting is designed to promote these character building values.

Second, there is the patrol method. Scout troops are made up of patrols of boys of similar age and experience levels. Patrols have a name, a flag, and a yell. They, and the troop, are safe havens within which a boy can find friendship, support, and the sense of satisfaction that comes from helping one’s comrades. The patrol provides the best opportunities not just for burning group meals on a campout, but for learning responsibility, developing leadership skills, and having fun.

Third, the outdoor program. Scouting is three quarters “outing.” Outdoor activities are fun, and keep Scouts coming back for more. Scout patrols camp, hike, swim, paddle, and climb year round. Outdoor programs provide real tests of the skills Scouts have learned during patrol and troop meetings. Outings involve adventure that builds personal confidence and strengthens leadership ability. The respect and restraint required by practicing the leave no trace ethic in the outdoors carries over into behavior back in civilization. From a day hike to a week long camp, the outdoors is where Scouting works best.

Fourth, advancement. Along the trail to highest King Scout Award, a boy who achieves excellence receives recognition for his accomplishments. Rank advancement to the level of First Class Scout provides the foundation for successful Scouting. A boy becomes a Scout at age nine. By his twelfth birthday he should have earned his Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class ranks. Doing so requires learning basic outdoors skills, participating in citizenship activities, and showing Scout spirit. With that foundation, when a boy moves on to a more experienced patrol he can best participate in the full range of Scouting activities. A boy who achieves First Class rank within his first year as a Scout is more likely to eventually rise through the ranks of the Five Badges, and to attain the rank of King Scout. These last five ranks are reached by doing service, providing leadership in the troop, and earning merit badges in various subjects. Recognition of achievement is only meaningful if the achievement is genuine, if it reflects self-discipline, hard work, and mastery. Adult Scout leaders who sign off on advancement only when it is truly earned help boys build habits that will benefit their families, communities, and country throughout the Scout’s life.

Fifth is association with adults. Boys need good adult role models. The troop committee that the chartering organization creates has the responsibility not just to actively support Scoutmasters, but to make sure the Scouts are getting adult leaders who will set the best examples possible. Ezra Taft Benson emphasized the need to “mobilize men, hundreds of them who love boys; who believe in them; who not only have the technical skills, but who will inspire them, because boys need inspiration even more than they need information!” Boys learn to be men by watching men.

Sixth, Scouting focuses on personal growth. Adolescence is a time of considerable physical and emotional development, in which a boy learns to find his place in his community. Scouting emphasizes personal growth through meeting religious obligations. This helps keep a boy grounded in what is important. Good turns done for the community further bolster a boy’s development. Personal development through successful participation in high adventure activities, or service through the Order of the Arrow honor society, or any of a number of other options for experienced Scouts will further help a boy grow into honorable manhood.

The seventh method used by Scouting is leadership development. The activities of the troop and the patrols must be boy-planned and boy-led. The troop is led by a boy chosen to serve as senior patrol leader. The senior patrol leader, in turn, helps boys chosen to serve as patrol leaders. Adult leaders—the Scoutmaster and at least one assistant Scoutmaster to provide two deep adult leadership—are there to train the senior patrol leader, to help the patrol leaders’ council plan and accomplish its goals, and to make sure that safe Scouting and safe haven principles are practiced. Through first training junior leaders, and then having them plan the programs of the troop at patrol leaders’ council, and lead their patrols in the field, Scouting allows boys to gain confidence and learn that they can create something good that benefits others. It also teaches boys to work with leaders as cooperative followers, to achieve positive goals.

Eighth, the Scout uniform is an important part of Scouting. Wearing the uniform creates a sense of belonging. It indicates to others that the wearer can be trusted to do his best for those around him. And it shows that a boy is actively committed to Scouting, and is therefore likely to reap the benefits that come from that commitment. At times the Scout uniform shirt may be replaced with an activity shirt bearing the Scout symbol. Boys should make a point of wearing the Scout uniform to Scout meetings and activities.

These eight methods help a boy discover one of the most important things he can learn in life: the meaning of the words “On my honor.” Keeping one’s honor bright by doing one’s best to do one’s duty is the heart of Scouting. General Lee called “duty” the “sublimest word in the English language.” To recognize one’s duty and to do it despite the obstacles, to live by the highest standards regardless of whether anyone is watching, to lead by example, to—in short—honor one’s God, one’s country, and one’s family, is the product of character.

What is Scouting? It is a means for building such character and it is also a way of life.

Reference

    PPMCS, (June 23^rd, 1997). History of Scouting in

Sabah

. July 23^rd, 2006  from

    http://www.ppmsabah.org

    Thurman, John (1955). The patrol leaders’ handbook. The patrol system – What is it ?, 7–19

    Curtis, Lawrence D., (1972, October). Introductory Courses – for Venture Scouts. Scouting,

    218, 518 – 521.

    Wyld, Harold, (1972, August). Scene. Scouting, 216, 518–521.

    Lee, Gen. H., (1973, January). Training without tears, Scouting, 221, 24-25

2 Woodbadge Courses will be held come this November 16th till 18th, 2007.

What a headache. All the course presentations and materials must be ready by then. Huh..it all came back to add to my nightmares..

How I wished there are Scouts in Sabah who would offer to assist me in completing those presentations.. My hands are all tied up with reports that has to be made by this 30th Oct.

I also had to endure typing, mailing and faxing all the invitation letters to respective Districts commissioners. I’ve sent a handful of sms’es on my own expense which is equivalent to one whole months of my earnings, in which I’m not entitled to claim from the Scouts. Still, I received dissatisfied remarks from numerous leaders claiming not to receive anything..what they didn’t knew was that even all my outgoing sms’es were recorded in my laptop, ready to be printed anytime. So, realizing how much the cost of printing, mailing and messaging took its toll on a voluntary individual, scout leaders please, I MEAN PLEASE LAH..spend a bit more time online where message relaying is much more cheaper and sometimes free of charge. What’s happening today is our leaders demand for written letters, invitations, notifications etc..which in its absence, they refused to get involved. I understand about the few who requires it to be presented to their respective employers..but how about the other ‘free’ leaders who shared this same attitude? COME ON..you’re a leader in the highest level of our organization, you should know more about your association, how it is being administered, and it is your duty to KNOW what’s happening and execute your duties. Do you realize that most of you are better off financially and knowledge-wise from those who are forced to run it for your sake and reputation?..And do you realize how much does it costs financially for the working few themselves to even produce one single printout just to fill up your alter-ego? All this while, we are using lesser (or even none at all) resources from the Scouts because it is indeed limited.

But for the benefit of many other Scouters, we lived on. Scouts are living on the code ’sincere’. We are sincere in giving our services so that future generations will have the opportunity to experience all that ourselves lived through. My weakness..I don’t really master ‘the art of asking favors and help’ from other fellow Scouts. What I did was solely based on my love for the Scouting Movement. I was born, raised, laughed and cried around scouting life. So, whenever other leaders just sat idly despite being appointed on a handful of duties, my heart aches seeing and thinking that THIS is not what or how Scouting have been training us all these while. I as part of the State leaders have to fill in a number of shoes being left empty by a number of leaders.

So, leaders, please remember WHAT YOU PREACHED all this while..If you personally lacked the respect towards certain other leaders..think of the Association..think of the children of today and tomorrow..SCOUTING has reached an amazing age of 100 years today..but if you don’t change your mind-setting, you will be the few who will end ITS legacy pre-maturely.

I don’t care what people are saying or thinking..I’m not monopolizing anything..just filling the empty slots created by ‘irresponsible’ leaders in Sabah Scouting world of today. One need not go very far to see this instances..just read through the remarks left by fellow scouts and the general public in the Official Sabah Scouts Webpage Guestbook. It sure is hard to satisfy everyone. Know that all the ’seen’ works or effort by leaders are purely done VOLUNTARILY by the ‘hardcore’ scout leaders on their own expense (time, ideas and even money). We are not being paid at all..so whenever there is any space, our scouting spirit took over. We, alone could not make a success out of any programme..we need support and aid from all scouts to make things happen. Don’t just drop a hammer on us and deny our right to explain ourselves and also to receive your support.

OUR HOPES? I KNOW THERE ARE A LOT OF YOU HARDCORE SCOUTS ALL OVER SABAH WHO LOVED OUR MOVEMENT AS MUCH AS I DO. COME UP SHOW YOURSELVES AND SHARE YOUR IDEAS, TIME AND ENERGY (WHENEVER YOU’RE FREE) WITH ME..I NEED ALL THE SUPPORT I CAN GET FOR THE BENEFIT OF OUR BELOVED SABAH SCOUT.