BE x Brownies 2022 - Who Run The World?!

In this series of action-packed adventures done by the one-and-only Beyond Expeditions, it was our absolute honour to have hosted 13 young ladies from British Girlguiding Overseas — or Brownies, for short — at our Mongolian Yurt Camp located at Ground Up Initiative (GUI). British Girlguiding Overseas’ vision and mission has always been to allow young women to fulfill their potential of being leaders and volunteers for society, exposing themselves to adventures and experiences in which can help them learn how to overcome adversity. To provide the most fulfilling experience possible for our 13 determined young ladies, our guides, Kelly, Scott and Dzul, knew exactly what to do.

When the 13 Brownies arrived at the Mongolian Yurt Camp, they were awed by the lucious greenery and cultural infrastructure of the Yurt. Their spirits were full of vitality; they held a thirst for knowledge and adventure that no one knew whether it could be quenched or not. Well, luckily, our guides were prepared, and the fun was about to begin.

Before throwing them to the wolves, we first had to lure them into the wilderness. What better way to do that than to have an ice-breaking session! The girls got the opportunity to know each other even better than before, exercising their cognitive skills to understand one anothers’ strengths. Once they had gotten a good sensing of each other’s capabilities and personalities, it was time to kickstart the action-packed day with our very first activity: Egg and Spoon Challenge!

Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall, Humpty Dumpty better not fall

In commemoration and honour of Queen Elizabeth II’s birthday on 21st April, the young Brownies adorn their eggs with a beautiful stream of colours in celebration of the special occasion. The painted eggs screamed magnificence, with its majestic murals ready to be carried across the field on their ever-so-delicate throne: a spoon.

This was a test of brawns, where the Brownies had to spin 10 rounds before placing an egg on their spoon while they held onto the spoon handle with their teeth. Many of them struggled to walk in a straight line, walking aimlessly in askewed directions while making every effort to keep their eyes on the prize and the egg on the spoon. Of course, with the multitude of responsibilities on their plate, coupled with the fact that their world has quite literally been turned upside down, it was no easy feat to keep the eggs safe from the clutches of the egg-breaking gravel floor.

Humanity never ceases to amaze us time and time again. Despite the many difficulties faced by the young ladies, the Brownies’ determination shone brighter than the Sun. Their pupils dilated with concentration as they carried the decorated egg across the field with finesse, powering through as their team mates cheered them on. It was truly a touching moment for all of us, seeing the genuinity of the Brownies; their will power, encouragement, team work and sportsmanship. 

After the heartfelt moment that almost brought tears to our eyes, the Brownies headed towards their next activity, which is one that might really bring tears to their eyes: tug-of-war.

Tugging on for Dear Life

One might think that tug-of-war is a game of strength and only strength, but boy are they wrong. The Brownies were divided into 2 groups, each holding one end of the rope. With all their might, the young ladies pulled onto the rope, desperately trying to beat the other team. However, it was no easy feat. No progress was made on either team; the rope was as still as the air that surrounded the Brownies as each of them used every ounce of strength to pull the rope. It was only then that the young ladies had use not only their muscles, but also their brains. Whilst it was a game of strength, it was also a game of strategy. Combining their physical and cognitive forces, the girls tugged at the rope and at their brain cells.

Was it difficult? No. Was it treacherous? Not really. Was it arduous? Most definitely yes. If it was so challenging for Squid Game contestants, it must have been even worse for the 13 young Brownies, right? Wrong. These young ladies are stronger than you may think. They held so much tenacity in them that it made them perspire more profusely than ever. As every droplet of sweat dripped down their face, the ants crawling on the grass probably thought that it was raining cats and dogs.

Alas, victory. The winning team gleamed with pride, not just for themselves, but for the opposing team as well. It was a well fought battle, and it was evident that both teams gave it their all. Even though the winning team had every right to brag about their triumph, they instead congratulated the opposing team, thanking them for the splendid battle. The sense of maturity and sportsmanship displayed by these 13 girls restored all faith in humanity, and served as a form of evidence that our world will be in safe hands.

Now that everyone’s muscles were warmed up from the tug-of-war, it was now time to move on to the real challenge: Firewood Chopping!

Saw, Saw, Saw!

Back in the olden days, when our ancestors had yet to invent matches, starting a fire was no easy feat. To start a fire, you can’t just use any ordinary wood block that you see lying around the bushes. Specialised wood known as Firewood (as the name clearly suggests) is a category used to classify certain types of wood that are perfect for starting a fire. Some of these types of wood may sound familiar to you: maple, oak, birch… the list goes on. These wood types are known for their dense nature and thick trunk that make starting a fire easy peasy lemon squeezy. Well, actually, it is easy once you get the trunk. Getting the trunk is the hard part.

Chop, Chop, Chop!

Never fear, Kelly is here! Kelly is one of Beyond Expeditions’ highly-trained wood choppers, known for her strong arms and precise wood chopping technique. The Brownies were swept off their feet seeing Kelly, Dzul and Scott split wood blocks apart with the perfected art of wood chopping. Using the Husqvarna 24-inch Steel Utility Axe and the KatanaBoy Folding Saw Teeth, our guides made chopping wood look easier than splitting a pair of wooden chopsticks. After the jaw dropping demonstration, many of the Brownies were intimidated, wondering whether it could truly be done. However, their eagerness to get down to business overpowered the field, with many of them picking up their unique cut-proof gloves and goggles, a huge smile plastered across their faces.

Saw, saw, saw, chop, chop, chop. As time flew past as fast as wood was being chopped, the Brownies learnt about the steps to ensure that the perfect wood block was produced, engaging muscles I’m sure none of them knew existed. Many of them had successfully sawed through thick trunks of wood, something not many people have been successful in accomplishing. Soon enough, our 13 Brownies were chopping and sawing wood as if they had been doing it their entire lives. With all the wood chopped up, it would be a waste if we didn’t use it. Our next activity was hence, fire-starting!

Take the Bitter With The Sweet

In our next activity, fire-starting, the 13 Brownies took a leap back in time, striking a knife against a ferrocerium rod, just like how our ancestors did when starting a fire. As many of them were starting to get tired from the day’s activities, it was prevalent that their will to persevere was getting weaker by the minute. Fortunately, with the persistent encouragement and affirmation from their peers, guides and teachers, the Brownies’ spirits were reignited as they continued striking the ferrocerium rod, this time with more strength and determination in their eyes.

Once the fire was successfully started, the Brownies cheered and hugged one another in celebration of their accomplishment. As a reward for their perseverance and grit, a sweet treat was given to them to satisfy their sweet tooth cravings. It was none other than the white, bouncy, cloud-like marshmallows!

As the marshmallows were happily being roasted over the fire, the Brownies’ faces looked happier and brighter than ever before. Crowding around the fire, enjoying the warmth and deliciousness of the roasted marshmallows as well as their scrumptious dinner, they watched the sunset together, capturing a memorable moment that would never be forgotten.

It's Time to Say Goodbye

The day was coming to an end and it was clear that nobody was looking forward to it. Watching their parent’s car pull up along the road, everyone’s frowns got bigger and wished they could turn back time to restart the day. Even though the day had ended for the 13 young Brownies, it was only the beginning of their journey towards becoming women with confidence, leadership and elegance. 

It was only a matter of time before these young ladies would rock this world, just like how they rocked the survival camp!

At Beyond Expeditions, we believe that each and every person, no matter how big or how small, have the capacity and capabilities to soar high and reach for the stars. Today’s series was the perfect example of how anyone in the world, even you, can accomplish anything as long as you set your mind to it. If you think that you are up for the challenge, don’t ever hesitate to drop us an email at discover@beyondexpeditionssg.com! So, the real question is, are you up for the challenge? Beyond Expeditions awaits your arrival…

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