| 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.”
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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!!