Campvision » Site Pages

Story of Our Origins

elysianmuse — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 01:30:17 +0000

| Story of Our Origins | Our Volunteers | Our Outreach |

CampVision started in 2003, when 3 women came back to Singapore after their own career breaks/extended travels and got together to share ideas on how to change the world. We get together with the founders of CampVision (who now live on 3 different continents) to find out a little more about how this came about.

Tan Yan Pheng (better known as Ping) – mother to beautiful Katie, trader who lives in London and can still find time to play competitive hockey.

Ong Chiew Hoon – full time MBA student at Seattle University figuring out how to change the world.

Yeo Suan Wei – headhunter based in Singapore sometimes wondering what the next adventure will be.

How did CampVision start?

Suan - “Yeah I got invited to a pizza party and suddenly this small idea grew exponentially!! It was infectious, we recruited friends and family and people were so willing to get involved, to contribute in any way. We had people contribute their medical skills, exotic dancing skills (this one is a long story, cannot put on website), sales skills, kayaking skills, facilitation skills, cooking skills, campfire skills etc”

How has CampVision changed you?

Ping – “It made me realise that nothing is impossible once we commit to put our heart and soul into it, as long as everyone is aligned on a common vision. As a result, I see myself embracing bigger challenges in life (like relocating to UK to live my dream, being a mother)!!”

Chiew Hoon – “Because of CampVision, I am living my dreams. I am in Seattle, WA pursuing masters in non-profit leadership at Seattle University. My dream is to lead an international focused youth non-profit organization headquartered in Seattle to empower, mentor and connect youth leaders from different parts of the world to be the change in this world in 5 years time.”

Suan – “I took 6 months off to travel South America and it was one of most scary, brave, awesome things I have done in my life! I have really learned a lot about my self through this journey and learned to be more patient as well.”

What is the most rewarding aspect of Campvision?

Chiew Hoon - “To see the light in the youth’s eyes when for the first time, they dare to dream, believe in possibility and they have the courage to draw or write their dreams on paper. This always keep us grounded on why we started CampVision. The other was experiencing the beauty of connection and care for one another between the volunteers, committee members and youths.”

Ping – “I love to see the smiles on every teen’s face after they finish the camp, as well as the camaraderie and bond that is shared by all despite a short 3 days together. I enjoy helping the teens achieve their breakthroughs, no matter how big or small that might be for each youth. CV is also a great way to gather my friends from all parts of my life for a great cause.”

Where do you see CV in 10 years?

Ping - “I hope it will be 100% led by one of the past youth leaders, with 25% of active youth leaders having returned to contribute as a youth volunteer at least once.”

Chiew Hoon – “In 10 years’ time, I see the community tree of CampVision growing locally and globally. We planted the seed 5 years ago, now it has only just sprouted into a shrub. At CampVision, we planted the vision to live your dreams and live your life as leaders with passion. My dream is that everyone – volunteer, committee member, sponsor, donor or youth, who have been part of CampVision activities, will remember and live this vision and spread this vision, no matter where they are. In 10 years’ time, my vision is that we have a CampVision Global Camp, physical and virtual!!”

Suan –” We were very lucky to have many sponsors like SouthEast CDC who backed us from the start. And Sakae Sushi, who brought about 10 sushi chefs to teach the youths how to make sushi. Many of them had never even had sushi before! Then Angelo Sanelli (previously of Michaelangelo Group) shared his experience growing up on the wrong side of the tracks and brought his chefs to teach the youths to make fancy pasta dishes for dinner! Two of the youths ended up working in his kitchens! I hope to see more partnership with corporations so we can provide an avenue of skill development for the youths. I would like to see CampVision be entirely youth leader led, it should really be a program of youths inspiring youths! I would also love to see everyone back in 10 years for a big party if nothing, then just to get back in touch and sharing again.”

——–
dated 29 Jul 09

It’s amazing that a small idea hatched out over cold pizza has dramatically changed the lives of over 500 youths and 200 volunteers to date. We hope that everyone who participates really lives their dreams and follow their passions!!

Our Outreach

elysianmuse — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 13:32:15 +0000

| Story of Our Origins | Our Volunteers | Our Outreach |

CampVision invites over 100 youths every year to the camp, as well as our subsequent programmes and initiatives. The youths range from 13 to 18 years old and they are from various foster homes and family service centres in Singapore, including youths from CyberCare in Kuala Lumpur!

Here are some of the voluntary welfare organisations that believe in and participate in CampVision.

Participating Homes

- 4PM
- Andrew & Grace Home
- Bethesda Care and Counselling Services Centre
- Beyond Social Services
- Boys’ Town Home
- Canossaville Childrens’ Home
- Care Corner Family Service Centre (Woodlands)
- Chen Su Lan Methodist Children’s Home
- Jamiyah Children’s Home (Darul Ma’wa)
- Teck Ghee Youth Centre (formerly Ling Kwang Youth Centre)
- Northlight School
- Pertapis Childrens’ Home
- Pertapis Centre for Women and Girls
- Salvation Army, The Grace Haven
- Student Care Centre, Clementi
- Student Care Centre, Yishun
- Salvation Army, Youth Development Centre
- The Tent
- Youth Life Ownership

Our Volunteers

elysianmuse — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 13:30:20 +0000

| Story of Our Origins | Our Volunteers | Our Outreach |

In addition to the core volunteer leadership team we have whimsically termed the “Oracle”, 50 to 70 volunteers also join the CampVision family every year to contribute to all the various initiatives and programmes for the youths. Apart from being the cheerleader for the big volunteer family, the Oracle ensures the continuity and growth of CampVision, and looks at weaving and multiplying the efforts of the volunteers to create impact.

Most of us are working professionals from diverse disciplines and backgrounds. Amongst us, we count numerous volunteers who are civil servants, teachers, trainers/facilitators, social workers, bankers, and from fields such as business, business development, public relations, mass communications, and the list goes on! Bringing our strengths together with our unified passion, we are better able to contribute and make a difference to the lives of the at-risk and underprivileged youths. And we are fully committed to the cause, with each of us taking on different roles like fund-raising, finance, small group leaders and sub-committee members in charge of different activities or logistics.

CampVision is grateful to all the volunteers who have given so selflessly since 2004. We are also proud that many have found personal growth through this journey!

Youth Leaders Development

elysianmuse — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 16:30:44 +0000

Every year, during CampVision “Live Your Dreams”, youth leaders are nominated by the youths themselves – these are youths who show outstanding leadership potential, and act as role models to their peers to inspire the best in them.

The youth leaders undergo this development programme, designed to hone their leadership skills, and the training will better prepare them to serve in an expanded capacity.

To further develop the youth leaders, they also organise the “Pay It Forward” programme to benefit other segments of the community, through service activities, and actions of contribution. The philosophy behind it is simply – whatever we gain in life, we give back to society so that ripples of positive action can spread to touch the lives of more people. It is the vision of CampVision to see all the programmes eventually organised and led by our youth leaders!

Expedition Agape

elysianmuse — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 16:24:14 +0000

Expedition Agape is a fulfilling and inspiring expedition journey for the youths to be empowered, gain in personal growth and take action. The entire journey spans more than 6 months, with pre and post-expedition activities and programmes to allow the youths participating in this expedition a platform to grow to be self-confident, contributing leaders with love and compassion.

There are leadership opportunities for the youths to initiate and organise community service projects, locally and overseas, to benefit the society at large. The youths would gain in global and social awareness, cross-cultural understanding, and most importantly self-discovery, to serve with empathy and commitment.

The journey is about passion and the heart to make a difference to the community!

Ministry of Vision

elysianmuse — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 16:21:26 +0000

Ministry of Vision (M.O.V) is a youth presentation and performance for youths to express themselves creatively and authentically to their loved ones.

It is a culmination of 3 months of workshops with creative brainstorming, hard work and bonding that will showcase the talents and original efforts produced by the youths. Under the mentorship of adult volunteers, MOV also serves as a platform for the youths to develop their passion for the performing arts and backstage production, including drama, music, dance, script-writing, etc. It is a space where they can pursue their passion, gain in confidence, valuable lifeskills, and true to the Campvision spirit, “Live their Dreams!”

Extra Mile

elysianmuse — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 16:18:50 +0000

Extra Mile – like its name suggests, is a programme to go the extra mile with the youths, and support them further on their journey of self-discovery and empowerment. It aims to have the youths internalise the knowledge, insights and skills they have gained during CampVision “Live Your Dreams”, and truly live it in their daily lives, to take action towards their dreams and the future they want to create, starting from now. Extra Mile takes place once a month after the camp with varied and interesting activities like sports, games, telematches, and more!

3 Days 2 Nights Camp

elysianmuse — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 16:00:16 +0000

“Live Your Dreams” is the theme and rallying call of the 3 days 2 nights residential camp. The youths have a wonderful and rewarding time through the activities as they look inward within themselves to discover their dreams and share them with their friends. They also learn to challenge their comfort zones, and look at some of the fears and barriers that are holding them back. Beyond that, friendships are formed and affirmations are made, and often, they acquire a new skill or two!

Some of the activities the youths can look forward to are:

- outdoors adventure like kayaking, rock-climbing and archery
- team-building games and challenges
- campfire (and talent show)
- board-breaking ceremony
- experience sharings from individuals
- skills-based workshops e.g. dance, drama
- personal reflections and debriefings