By Ma. Sheika Rafa Panopio
On a cold morning of January 23, 2026, FEPSians stepped out of their usual routine into an experience that would test their skills, teamwork, and spirit.
The day began inside school walls, where patrols rotated through skill stations designed to build competence and confidence. Scouts learnt basic skills like lashing, first aid, knot tying, etc.
At the Sharjah Scout Mission, the learning shifted from reading to practicing. Patrols set up their tents and cooked their own meals. The evening’s opening ceremony was anchored by the traditional lighting of the bonfire and organized this year by FEPS Halwan Branch. It does, and always will, serve as a reminder of the tradition that brings scouts together year after year. Followed were the dance presentations from each school present.
Competition and teamwork were up next, in the form of team-building games that revealed each scout’s greatest qualities: leadership, mutual trust, and problem-solving skills. And rewarded those who could coordinate and adapt under time constraints.
The night ended in exhausted contentment, and the next morning offered a quieter reward. A sunrise observed with the kind of shared appreciation only earned through shared effort. Everyone returned home fatigued but fulfilled. Carrying with them practical skills and strengthened friendships.
The following week, pupils concluded the joyous event with an awarding ceremony held in the respective blocks. Certain patrols and individuals received particular awards, including but not limited to: Most Awarded Patrol – Patrol 1, Best Patrol Leader – Kate Ashley Q. Sutacio, Best Scribe – Jayne Carleen Pol, Most Disciplined Patrol – Patrol 4, Neatest Patrol – Patrol 7, Best Flag – Patrols 1, 4, and 12, etc. This closing returned the fruits of each patrol’s labor, and regardless of the number of awards, a sense of accomplishment most definitely resonated within each and every scout.
Contributed Photos: Provided by Ms. Chelkie Dugenia, Ms. Aya Gantala, and Vaniya Khan