Scout Youth Forum, Tokyo - 13th Oct 07

Today is considered the official start of the forum. Ahead of us were the discussion of two topics. I had chosen 'What is Scouting?' and 'Environment'. Just realised that those two topics happened to match the name of my blog – 'NatureScouter'. Haha...

Before the topics started (which all of us had to sign up beforehand), the YAMG and APR committee members shared with us their experience own in Scouting. Although it was brief but provided us an insight of how Scouting is like for different people all over. Then came a surprise for some of the participants as Edward (YAMG Chairman) announced that there were three participants who will be celebrating their birthdays during the period of the forum. Happy Birthday to them!! We then celebrated their birthday later in the day with a cake, which ended up being smeared on many faces... But who cares!

Our first topic was with our pre-allocated group. We took about an hour to almost two to discuss 'What is Scouting?'. It was a compiled view of everyone. In the midst of doing, our time was overlooked and we were late for our presentation. Ended up being the last second group to present thou we were Group number 4. Ha... It was fun watching every group coming up with something unique, either skits, dance, small re-enactments etc.

It was then lunch time. Me having short-termed memory, couldn't remember whether we took the photo before or after lunch but anyway, we took a photo with the Staff members (Red Tees) in the center of all us (Participants – White Tees) – A replica of the Japanese flag, Land of the Rising Sun. Damn cool! Once again after lunch, we immersed ourselves into the cultural games and activities of Japan.

When the clock strikes two, four special guests gave us talks on their specialty (which I can't remember all... sorry that my heart lies in Environment and Nature). I could only remember the Japanese lady who talked on Environment who ended up as one of the facilitator for my group. My group had a wonderful discussion about the environmental problems and issues that our own country faces. We then further narrowed down the field by discussing what can be done as individual Scouts and NSOs. We then made posters and instead of typing them out on ppt, we took photos of them and used it as our presentation. Once again, all the presentation done by the groups were great!

Soon the bell rang for dinner but we were told to leave some space in our stomach for the festive celebration after. After the dinner, we went to another hall in the building whereby we were treated to goodies brought along by the Muslim countries. They were celebrating 'Hari Raya Adilfitri', which marks the end of their fasting months. Our taste buds were truly satisfied by the wonderful cookies, snacks and tidbits that was spread on the table tops. We also took the opportunity to mingle around and snap photos.

The night was not over still. We were asked to proceed back to the forum hall to play a game – a quiz, followed by a treasure hunt. We were to complete a quiz pertaining to Scouting knowledge, which upon submission, we will receive another list for treasure hunt, where everything can be found within NYC. It was a mad rush and fun. After we completed ours, we started to go around to help the other countries in doing theirs. It's all about lending a helping hand!