Dear participants,
Thank you for your participation in the second series of our Eco-Adventure Trip. As we are 22 days away from this trip, we would like to update you on the status of preparations and follow-up action we may wish to convey. I hope all of you are gearing up for this exciting adventure programme and keeping strict personal hygiene and fitness for the trip.
As mentioned in our Parent's Briefing on 2 May, we will only postpone the trip if there is an official Travel Ban Directive issued by Ministry Of Health which MOE will eventually adhered to. Please note that we have already committed almost 90% fees for the trip as agreed and stipulated under the terms and conditions of the NATAS/Pac West Travel Agent and its representatives.
SSA had made the upfront payments to the Pac-West Travel Pte Ltd on behalf of all participants. Unit Leaders are to ensure that your School had facilitated the necessary IFAAS payment to SSA by now. In the event of any late payment or non-payment by the school prior to the trip, SSA will deduct the necessary amount from your Scout Unit Fund to cover the due-amount as ruled by the Association.
In view of the concerns raised on the issue of cancellation of the trip, please note that due to the proximity of the date of event and the payments committed for the preparations, there will be no refund given. NOTE THAT ANY SELF-INITIATION FOR WITHDRAWAL OR CANCELLATION, OUTSTANDING PAYMENT WILL HAVE TO BE BORNE OR MADE. PARENTS must be informed of the decision and the costs to be incurred.
Over the past days, we had spoken to some parents and many had expressed supportive and forthcoming about our trip. They understood the current situation and will take the course of action as directed by the Organizers.
PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES TAKEN IN PREPARATION FOR THE TRIP
We had placed additional precautionary measures as follow:
1. Each participant will be issued with the following items:
- 1 bottle of 120ml HEXO Antibacterial Hand Rub
- I Long Sleeve T-shirt Wear
- 1 pair of Hand-gloves
- Daily temperature record book
2. Readily available masks will be issued to those with suspected cough or running nose.
3. We have arranged for the whole group to be clustered in one cabin/compartment during the train journey to and fro.
4. Once a participant has symptom of slight-fever (above 38 degree), cough, running nose or etc..he/she will be immediately given a mask to cover and seek immediate medical attention at the nearby Tekam Resort Medical Hospital or Jerantut hosiptal.
5. Participants will be grouped into smaller group of 5 to 1 Leader. Outdoor camping tents will be placed 2m apart. Participants had been informed that there will be strictly no sharing of personal item.
6. We have requested for an empty Camping Tent to act as isolation centre if there's an unwell person.
7. We will use disposable wares for all our meals.
8. Personal Hygiene such as regular hand-wash, showers and inspection and airing of personal gears will be conducted. Daily temperature-takings at 8 hour interval (3 times a day) will be the ORDER of the day and it will be strictly enforced.
9. The field trip/and activities will have the GROUP centred and staying in an outdoor nature environment near caves and there will be less interaction with outsiders. We have EXCLUDE programmes to visit any potential crowded places.
10. Finally, we have arranged with Pac-West to offer a Stand-by vehicle at site throughout the trip. In the event that there are more than 5 participants who show signs of unwell, the trip will be abandoned and a chartered coach will be arranged to pick up the whole group back to Singapore on land transportation. Unit Leaders will contact the School and Parents to update the situation.
I do hope that Unit Leaders keep your School Management informed of the constraints and measures already taken for the trip.
To date, SSA has supported several scout groups embarking for ECo-Adventure trips to Malaysia during the June Holidays. Jing Shan Primary School will see 84 students and their Principal embarking similar trip from 30 May to 4 June so as Mayflower Primary School. All schools take the same stand and are prepared to postpone once a travel ban is issued by MOH.
Do let me know if you need further clarifications via email to themeworks@singnet.com.sg or contact me via sms for return call at 96969068.
Looking forward to your continued support.
Desmond Foo
Expedition Leader
Combined Eco-Adventure Trip 2009
