2nd May 2007

Paradoxically The Hippos, SJI International’s new scout group, has a long tradition. Brother Joseph Kiely, the Principal of SJI in the late 1970s, established the scout group in 1958 at St Joseph’s Institution. Hippo had previously been his scouting name.

Over a period of 31 years, many committed Hippos graduated from SJI with fond memories of a troop that had a reputation for a ‘can do’ spirit. They won prizes for their scouting skills and undertook expeditions, including regular mountaineering trips, to West Malaysia. Regular combined activities were undertaken with the girl guides from the convent schools; this inevitably added to the popularity of the troop. Sadly the life of this young and dynamic scout group was shortened when SJI decided to merge it with the older Pelandok group. But the Hippo spirit did not perish in the hearts of its old boys who continued to meet through the years.

They reminisced of a golden age when a younger Michael Sng, himself a Hippo persuaded F&N to donate $12,000 for Singapore’s first national Gang Show, opened by Mr Goh Chok Tong (an old scout himself), that highlighted the talents of 15 scout groups. The fun when carolling during Christmas, the determination climbing up Mount Ophir and the strong sense of brotherhood remained deep in their hearts and minds. They never forgot the role that the Hippo group had played in their own development and considerable success.

In the last year, Michael Sng has been a key figure in raising many millions of dollars for the SJI International scholarship fund and is a founder Board member along with fellow Hippo Tan Tee How. The rebirth of Hippos just in time for the 50th anniversary of its founding was inevitable. Under the committed leadership of Dana Farrell and Matthew Zagrodnik, boys and girls are reliving the experiences of the original Hippos.

The pictures on Bintan are of the first overseas camp since the renaissance. They speak for themselves. Charles Fan, another Hippo and a great supporter of SJI International, accompanied the students and relived the magic of his youth.

Yes indeed, the Hippos are back!

The picture here is of Michael Sng and Charles Fan in years gone by

The achievements of Hippos 2007
Major events have included Job Week, the weekend ‘One Star’ kayaking course at Kalang, an overnight camp on the school field and the recent kayaking and adventure expedition to Bintan. There will be a trekking trip to Malaysia in June and the scouts will have the opportunity to participate in the proposed school expedition to Nepal in December. There is an on going first aid course. During the camp at SJI, young and veteran Hippos sat and sang together around the campfire and the old led the investiture ceremony for the new. The most challenging aspect of the recent Bintan camp was the 8km open sea kayaking expedition. Boom-netting was probably the highlight; this involves jumping off the roof of a moving boat into a net in the sea (see the pictures). The students set up camp in hostile conditions and cooked over campfires. Leadership skills, initiative and self confidence are becoming increasingly apparent. .

These pictures are of the expedition on Bintan
Happy Homecoming!

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