Participated in my first Y-Camp, wonderful experience! So many cheers, extremely lively atmosphere due to the enthuness of all the leaders, plenthora of smiles from all the beneficiaries, and not forgetting the drops of tears when it was time to leave!
Being in Sylvester (miao!) was great! Got to know many many cool, like-minded people in the group who all wanted to do our part for those that are not so fortunate. Like Yining said, our group was really really caring towards the beneficiaries! My bene was Lim Cheng Han from Bishan Home, and although he was not responsive for most parts of the camp, I was certain he enjoyed himself when I saw him dance/sing on campfire night and when he waved goodbye with a smile. It would have been good to get a responsive bene such as Hong Heng, but isn't the reason why we came for this to get out of our comfort zones and help others?
My mind opened to many things during this camp. Watching Ban Joo hitting his head after climbing the rock wall, seeing John cry after he could not reach the top of the rock wall, high-fiving Hong Heng and witnessing his infectious smile. Even though I was not as attached to my bene due to his dao-ness, I was still really touched by all the love around on the last day. I'm guessing the tears of the volunteers and benes were due to the happiness that they had over the past 3 days, the sadness of parting, and the abundance of memories (good or bad) that they shared over the short 3 day period.
And not forgetting the YCon people! I cannot imagine them stepping back to the wrong path after going through this camp, crying when their benes were leaving, witnessing that there are so many people out there who suffer a worser fate than them. And Pin Siang, Naszri, and Yan are all such wonderful and fun people! To me, I think that the program has been a major success.
During the last night and the lunch at Just Acia, we talked quite a bit about random stuff. It struck me how all of us have varying backgrounds (jc, poly, uni, army, working) and yet are all united at this camp for the same purpose. I felt a connection speaking to them, like how we all want to do our part for society while we still can. I'm pretty sure I will see them much more in the near future =)
Going into the camp on Day 1 was also quite a surprise for me, or rather even at the briefing. The leaders were all so enthusiastic with their cheers! It was amazing in getting the mood up, and just as what Yining mentioned, we mirror each other's enthusiasm. While it could get pretty irritating at times (Marlon...), it was mostly effective. People like Gazalli can shout REALLY LOUD, while lesser people like Yining lose their voice by 2nd night =P
Debriefs during the night are good as they provide a chance for us to relive the day, and remember any learning points. And I realise the importance of having a good leader for a debrief, as it provides the time for volunteers to learn. Something I will remember is "Never forget the power of a familiar face". So true, especially for those that we are helping. If they see the same face at 8 Y-Camps, it must be because this person really wants to make friends with them.
On the whole, G-double O-D-J-O-B Good job to all the volunteers and main committee! I believe a large majority of the benes had a great time at Y-Camp, and so did the volunteers. Hope to see more familiar faces in future Y-Camps, oooookay? Alright!
Y Camp OEI!
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