History Of Scouting in Chung Ling High School

Scouting was introduced to the school on the 21st of October 1947. At a preliminary meeting in which Mr. David Chen (Chairman), Tan Boo Seng, Tan Tin Kok, and Yeoh Phee Tin were present. It was decided to form two troops with a strength of 50 scouts when the approval of the Boys Local Association was received, the enrollment of recruits commenced without delay. Over 300 boys from Junior Middle 1st & 2nd year classes applied for admission and it was with much difficulty that final selection made. Training began immediately with G.S.M. Mr. Yeoh Phoo Tin taking charge of the two troops (31st & 32nd Penang Troop). Meetings were held four times a week during the recess time. In addition, extra meetings were called in the afternoon. Although the scout movement started very late in the year, all the boys were able to get through their “Tender Foot” tests before the commencement of the school examination. On the 8th of December 1947, for the school speech day, 30 scouts formed a Guard of Honour. The scouts were inspected by the Chinese Consul (Mr. N.K.Tee), the senior inspector of the school, Penang (Mr. C.A. Scott) and the chairman of the school committee (Mr. Ong Keng Seng). When the school reopened the following year (1948), a new troop was formed and the total membership of scouts increased from 50 to 100. This was found to be necessary because of the great enthusiasm shown by many boys who came persistently to ask for admission into the scout troop. The new troop was named 33rd Penang Troop. Now, the new troop is known as the 11th Georgetown South, Penang.