FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Ms Sivian Look
Manager, Corporate Affairs
YMCA of Singapore
sivianlook@ymca.org.sg
www.ymca.org.sg
Intellectually and physically challenged turn superheroes at Y Camp Challenge
10 December 2009 – There are superheroes and then there are unsung heroes. Goh Chaoqin, 23, Second Camp Commandant of the Y Camp Challenge is an unsung hero. Working tirelessly to ensure that the beneficiaries enjoy themselves, Chaoqin says it is all about the heart-ware. He is also actively volunteering with other YMCA activities.
Themed “Super Heroes”, Y Camp Challenge aims to impart values unity and teamwork among the participants. Grouped into six “Super Hero Clans”, the participants will be role-playing as clan members of various comic book superheroes in a good versus evil storyline. They will be required to cross various obstacles and achieve certain objectives before proceeding to the next part of the story.
Chaoqin says, “The spirit of Y Camp Challenge is different from other youth camps. The beneficiaries and volunteers are a family. I have the passion and as second camp commandant, I hope to be able to nurture my group leaders to help the beneficiaries surpass their own challenges.”
From 10 to 13 December 2009, 106 volunteers will befriend 94 intellectually and physically challenged beneficiaries. During the camp, beneficiaries will take on high ropes elements and water obstacles among other adventure activities.
The beneficiaries participating are from the following five voluntary welfare organisations, including the Y Special Teens Arts & Recreation Society (Y STARS), a direct beneficiary group of the YMCA:
- Spastic Children’s Association of Singapore
- Christian Outreach for the Handicapped
- Movement for the Intellectually Disabled
- Association for Persons with Special Needs – Centre for Adults
- Bishan Home for the Intellectually Disabled
Y Camp Challenge is an outdoor adventure camp organised quarterly by YMCA of Singapore designed to challenge the preconceived physical and mental limits of the beneficiaries. Guided by volunteers, the beneficiaries are exposed to various adventure and confidence-building activities such as dragon boating, high ropes elements, water obstacles courses and a host of other camp craft activities. This Y Camp Challenge is sponsored by the Lee Foundation and Pei Hwa Foundation.
Journalists and photographers are invited to join the Y Camp Challenge. Please RSVP. Thanks.
Interviews, video and photo opportunities can also be arranged.
Date: 10 to 13 December 2009
Venue: SHINES Outdoor, 1208, Upper Boon Keng Road
Time & programme: Please refer to the attached camp programme
About YMCA
YMCA of Singapore is a Christian organisation which seeks to serve and enrich all members of the community, regardless of race, language or religion, through wholesome programmes to develop body, mind and spirit, which are based on Christian principles. YMCA was conferred the 2008 Outstanding Non-Profit Organisation Award by the National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre on 13 November 2008.