Saturday, June 30, 2007

Opn Trident Pt I

29th June 2007




Last night myself, the VSL & three eager recruits (CZ, Kyle & Delia) headed for a night navigation execerise so that they could practice their skills.
That's me in the pic above, on top of il-Qolla ta' Dwejra, where we stopped for a brew up and something to eat since we were in very good time. We stayed to watch the sunrise from there before heading on to complete the route. The recruits are part of the M-Coy and the route was made purposely for them to practice their navigation.
A few minutes before sunrise from the Qolla. SVS does it again, photographic brilliance, even from a mobile phone, hux hekk Kyle?
Getting down from the b'fast spot. Debono's looking at the camera while CZ say's 'no photos!! no photos!'
SVS does it again!
Tomorrow (Sunday) we're putting on our Uniforms for a parade celebrating Stella Maris College Scout Group's 50th Anniversary and next weekend we're going camping with all the other members of the Malta Contingent for the Jamboree at Ghajn Tuffieha to get to know some of the people we'll be with.
'til then!
Mo$es

Thursday, June 28, 2007

Opn Human Pyramid + Opn Trident Pt I

22nd-24th June


Last weekend we held a special operation (Opn Human Pyramid) which served as a general introduction to life in the Unit for the Stag patrol... or the November Company as they are going to be more often referred to in the future!


The activity was built around teambuilding command tasks such as the Human Pyramid above (hence the name of the operation). We even did the pyramid blindfolded! Can you spot me in the photo above? Martin's doing it with one hand! That's SVS!!!


At work on the pioneering project (saturday morning) the project was a seesaw bridge, which ended up being very high and the greater challenge was using it more than building it. It could have doubled as a catapult in times of war... isn't that right corrieri?


I'm showing one of the stags/recruits how to tighten a square lashing properly! 'Pull harder!!!'





The Unit Executive, who ran the activity with the VSL & ASL Tim, in the sun. We drank so much water during this activity and sweated it right out. The trick to not getting sun burnt even in the scorching sun: use loads of suncream and a good hat.

The finished product (the SVS see-saw bridge/catapult). We could have used it to get into the 5 star hotel in the vicinity.
During a team-building command task . Sam is blindfolded and has to make his way to Martin following his instructions...thing is the instructions weren't so straight forward and needed decoding.
Opn Trident Pt I
Martin on Saturday night's Tutorial Navex. SVS does it again, a full night's yomp at top speed and time to practice the basic navigation skills.

On Qolla ta' Brared, the Unit's favourite chillout spot on Navex 1, where we took 5 (or a little bit more for some) for a quick brew-up & a noodlefest. After which we double timed the rest of the navex & finished off the weekend with an evacuation practice.

After an exhausting weekend (for the recruits of course... i was fresh as can be) we all headed home for showers and sleep!

This weekend another navex will be taking place for 3 of the M-Coy recruits.

Mo$es

Monday, June 18, 2007

Ellul's FOP --- 16/06/07

Andrew Ellul
SVS 1998-2007
VSL 2001-2007
On Saturday Night we held a Farewell Party for our VSL Andrew. Andrew has spent about 10 years in the Unit and held the position of Venture Scout Leader for over 5 years! To celebrate his years of Venturing we threw him a special bash at Abela's which included BBQing, very loud music, games, swimmin' & speeches!

Andrew being given his retirement present... hmm i wonder what it is ?!

The tape was really difficult to remove & the curiousity was really getting to him!


One of the two portraits Andrew was given on his FOP by the Unit! Please note the typical Ellul nonchalant pose. Will upload a pic of the other portrait asap. The artist, Christine X, is currently having an exhibition of her work at her gallery in Quisisana.


James, Bono & Dulli chillaxed and eating peanuts by abela's pool

Ellul memorising the speech that got soaked thanks to a mischeivous Venture Scout. The speech was heart warming and sincere and after that the party continued in typical SVS fashion, with games and burdell!

I enjoyed the party but I'm sure it's not the last we'll see of Mr Ellul. As most of you know Debono has taken up his responsibilities and the role of VSL.

Stay tuned coz this weekend we have a joint activity with the Stag Patrol (the future RVSs!). It's guna be called Opn Human Pyramid & will involve command tasks & team building activities, an abseil & their first Training Navex (Opn Trident Pt I)

Yours in Venturifying!

Mo$es

Friday, June 15, 2007

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