Discovery Rangers in the teeny little town called Taiping

I'd be the first to jump at an invitation to visit a zoo if I was traveling in another elsewhere. I've been to several in Aussie, one in Central Park, NYC and another in Singapore. Ironically, at the mention of Zoo Negara, I can't help but cringe and pass on the offer. Sadly my past visits there were a let down with poor facilities and maintenance and sad looking animals resonating a sense of deprivation.

I had a change of perspective last weekend when we (the Discovs) visited the Taiping Zoo and night safari. I was bewildered by the sense of pride the zoo keepers had for the place. I was mesmerized by the amount of info provided at every stop. The Taiping zoo has a rugged feel to it. It's not as "clean" as the Singapore Zoo, with shrubs growing on the pavement and moss carpeting some rocks but there was no indication that the place was poorly maintained. The animals looked hale and hearty (whoops I wasn't planning to eat 'em when I said hearty!)

What surprised me was the absence of the "zoo stench"! If I think of Zoo Negara, the first thing that comes to mind is the stench that greets you at the entrance. Needless to say it was repulsive. However magically or not, I was not greeted with the same stench in Taiping. It wasn't entirely absent through as we caught a whiff of it as we approached the deer sanctuary… thankfully the air cleared after a bit. The Taiping Zoo and night safari was a hidden treasure we stumbled upon. I'm glad the government taking the effort to keep this hidden treasure alive; at least children will have a chance to visit a proper local zoo.

Here are some snapshots of Taiping (taken by Josh Chan). For more pictures and a virtual walk thru the zoo - click here and here, otherwise these are my favs:


One of the few colonial building in Taiping town. The weather was awesome too! What a great shot - reminds me of Christchurch, NZ.


At the zoo.. just girls (p/s Jirene we missed you!)


All pumped to go in!


Chimps - this was my first time seeing a real life one. I was amazed at how BIG they were!


Spotted Civet although small in size can be quite ferocious..


Up close and personal with the deers but not for long because they poop really stinks!


King of the Jungle - I would pay a million bucks just inch close to it!


How odd to be standing on only one leg - reminds me of my ballet training years ago!


I wonder if the world upside down would pose a better view? Hmmm....


The most friendly animals in the zoo!


Time for a dental appointment?


Trip to the zoo was almost a family affair :)


After the zoo, we stumbled upon a great ride - the giant slide at the park!


First up - Hannah, Esther & Lydia


You're never too old for some fun!


Weeeeee.........


Swish...


Then the guy commanders had a go!! They went berserk!


Sarah... such a gem!


Hannah - the rugged lil gal!


Isabelle - my lil monkey :)


Spot the "animals"


Finally a decent shot...

Royal Rangers Sel #7 20th Anniversary

Royal Rangers Sel 7 outpost celebrated our 20th anniversary last weekend. We whisked over 200 people to Bukit Cahaya, Shah Alam to celebrate two decades of God’s faithfulness. The entire event lasted 5 hours with a walk through history as individual huts were decorated with banners and memorabilia representing different age groups, timelines and eras. Then guests were treated to a campfire meal of meat and veggies wrapped in tin foil. The campsite was a buzz with activity and chatter.

The sun soon descended and night covered the jungle, as the guests took their seats around a council fire. The huge sand pit looked amazing, with spotlights illuminating the place, the council fire sandwich between two huge and outstanding backdrops and the Malaysian, Selangor and Royal Rangers flags at the entrance. For the next 2 hours, the council fire blazed as we celebrated our 20 years with songs, skit, award ceremony and other items.

When Sel 7 first set out to plan our anniversary celebration, we wanted to capture the very essence of what Rangers is about. Our mission remains the same that is to reach, teach and keep boys and girls for Christ. Today we look back and acknowledge the lives we have touched but the job is evidently not done yet. We also wanted to embrace two decades of priceless memories. Indeed Rangers is about enduring relationships fostered throughout the years and the common passion we all have for the great adventure.

Above all we wanted to remember and radiate God’s faithfulness. I’m overflowing with thanks for His hands in all of this but I also know that greater things are awaiting us. Many times we look back and celebrate milestones (what a great reflection we all should practice) but milestones are not only for the past, it’s also for the future. What’s the next milestone for the Royal Rangers? Our anniversary celebration was aptly themed “Empowering The Next Generation” because reminiscence and awesome memories are just not enough to spur us on. It takes the unmerited grace and power of God to take us where He wants us to be. For this reason I’m challenged and excited at the same time humbled at the fact that I’m part of something greater myself and my capabilities.

Photos coming soon…

Discovery Camp 2008

There is always at least one significant memory stemming from every camp I’ve attended or planned since I was young. There was the cockroach story in Bukit Cahaya outpost camp, then the tiger court in one of the pow wow’s, also the giant eagle archway in camporama – the memories go on and on – because of a handful or even one indelible incident.

Last weekend at Discovery Camp, it was the minor flood that happened at 4am on Sunday. 32 children sleeping soundly in their tents were suddenly awoken by a relentless downpour. The field where we camped was flooded within minutes. I was privilege to have a tent to myself, but soon proofed that company is better than none. My tent started leaking and water seeped in steadily from the sides. I was still snug in my sleeping bag denying that my sleeping bag was already damp and soon becoming wet. Tired from the day’s activities, I was determined to sleep through the rain – even if it meant sleeping on my knees to stay dry.

The merciless rain that now reached shin deep kept pouring and I was forced out of my tent to save the other children from the same ordeal. Covering myself with a garbage bag I made a dash to shelter, got into a raincoat and got back to the field. The children stuffed their bags belongings and scrambled under our raincoats for shelter. We modified all kinds of water proofing material just to get them to shelter. From raincoats to ground sheets – whatever we could get hold of.

The 4am wake up call soon left us drenched and tired. By 5am, we were back to sleep. Now this incident will be what the children and leaders will talk about yonker years from now. I'd leave you with some pictures that left a smile on my face even after camp :)


Yes! It's a real camp, sleeping in tents and roughing it out


Our stock of fuel for hot blazing fire


Menu for lunch: Maggie mee, cabbage and erm... particles of sand!


Bleuk! "Why did Cmdr. Sarah make us eat flour?!"


Elizabeth had a good strategy - blow away the flour and you'd find the sweet!


Found it!


"Am I suppose to smile while looking ridiculous?"


Hannah striking a clowny grin


Joshua - the fastest obstacle racer


The four racers for the obstacle relay. This picture cracks me up somehow...


This one even more! I know it's not the best looking pic of me. I detest the 'peace' sign in photos, but I unconsciously consciously did it... Urgh! Look at Mel's expression!!! Rachel seems to be the only decent one in this picture.


A camp is not complete without a councilfire. Notice the logs around the fire - that comes in handy when the marshmallows and sausages are skewed and roasted over the fire. Yum!