Northern Tier 2013 wrap up.

[Ser-Hou Kuang]

Greetings nTier 2013 Crews:

Consider yourself very lucky, the weather was extremely cooperating. If you want to know what 3-foot waves and thunderstorms can do, have a chat with any of the 2011 nTier crew.  There is certainly much to be grateful for.

• Let's begin with your sponsors - your parents. Without their support your trip likely would not be financially possible.

We want to also take this opportunity to acknowledge and recognize the Adult Leaders whom had made Northern Tier 2013 happened. Many of them had worked behind the scenes probably without you even noticing. There were 32 participants in Northern Tier 2013, it was in many ways a major logistics challenge. 

• Traveling. The arrangement worked out perfectly, simply impeccable. Credits to Mrs Chow for finding and negotiating the best possible deals.
  
• Finance. It was among the first to start and always the last to to end. With Mrs Wang in charge, the dancing numbers suddenly looked a lot, and a lot less complicated and friendlier.
• Paper work and the nTier 2013 Website. Northern Tier is notorious in terms of paper work - forms, various permits, payments and gear rentals .etc. No worries, Mrs. Jin, Mr. Wu and Mr. KC Yuan took care of them all.
• Once again, we tapped into the experience of our seasoned ASMs:
• Mr. Ying directed the crucial nTier training program. 
• Mr. Joseph Chen hosted the needed Gear preparation. 
• Mr. Mark Jeng coordinated the required swim test. (Isabelle Tung administered the actual tests).
• T453 SM Mr. Mac Hale and VC453 Advisor Mr. Jen provided the advisory supports.
• Home Coming Party. Mrs. Hsiung and the Mom troop. The warm welcome, the good and familiar food always helped after a week out in the wilderness.
• And of course, the Adult Participants, who had used their precious vacation time to ensure everyone had a safe and fun trip within the scouting context. Special acknowledgement to Mrs. Sharon Huang and Miss Michelle Lee, female Adult Leaders always deserved a very special recognition. Other adult participants were Mr. Albert Lin, Mr. Ying, Mr. Joseph Chen, Mr. Kuang, Mr. Edward Juang, Mr. William Jao, Mr. Baron Wang and Mr. KC Yuan.

High Adventure is more than just having fun outdoor memories, or having stories to impress your cousins outside the country. It is about solving problems, meeting challenges and working as a team. An experience hopefully you can benefit for many years to come. This year is a bit unique that there was an all-girl crew, admittedly these girls were putting up some impressive numbers. 

Crews, there is indeed much to be grateful for. If you run into any of the Adult Leaders in the future, just greet them. Do not walk by as if you do not know them. This is perhaps the least you can do.

Congratulation on Earning the Northern Tier patch. Always wear it with pride.

Cheers,

Yours in Scouting, 

Mr. Albert Lin and Mr. Kuang