Imagine a place where our children can forget about their daily challenges and just be kids — laughing, playing, making new friends and lifelong memories. That’s exactly what happens at Camp Rainbow, an annual event organized by us, Club Rainbow (Singapore).
Camp Rainbow is the largest and the only medically-supervised 3D2N stay-in event for children with chronic illnesses in Singapore. The event’s key objectives are centered on inculcating desired values such as independence, resilience and teamwork through specially tailored activities. More importantly, Camp Rainbow provides a platform for youth development, where our youth, having benefitted from the event will be given opportunities to hone their leadership skills to eventually assume roles in the Organising Committee to plan and implement camp for future cohorts.
Day 1 of Camp Rainbow kicked off with excitement and anticipation as the campers arrived for registration and a quick medical check provided by on-site doctors and nurses to ensure everyone was ready for the adventure ahead.
The day began with an inspiring Opening Ceremony, setting the tone for the camp. The campers then bonded with their befrienders and peers through fun team- building exercises before travelling to their accommodation, where they settled in and took time for goal setting and reflection. After a hearty dinner, the day ended on a high note with a cozy movie night at Golden Village Yishun, leaving everyone eager for the days to come.
Day 2 of Camp Rainbow started early, our kids and volunteers had a hearty breakfast to fuel up for the day’s adventures, the campers then set off on an exciting journey to Bird Paradise. The campers were thrilled as they explored the vibrant aviary, marveling at the colourful birds and engaging in interactive exhibits that brought them closer to nature. The morning was filled with laughter, curiosity, and a sense of wonder. After a delightful lunch at Bird Paradise, where everyone shared their favorite moments, the group traveled back to Singapore Sports School. The afternoon allowed for some well-deserved rest and relaxation, giving campers time to recharge.
As evening approached, the energy levels soared again with a lively dinner, setting the stage for an unforgettable night. The fun continued with Carnival Night, where the campers enjoyed games, prizes, snacks that were sponsored by Old Chang Kee and a festive atmosphere. The day ended with Disco Night, where the kids hit the dance floor, showing off their moves and celebrating a day full of adventure and joy.
The combination of exploration, fun and friendship made Day 2 an extraordinary experience, leaving the campers eagerly anticipating the rest of the camp.
Day 3 of Camp Rainbow began with a spirited “Rise & Shine”, followed by a hearty breakfast to get the campers ready for a day full of magic and celebration. The morning kicked off with an exciting magic programme led by SIT Magic Hearts. where the kids got engaged in creating their own magic envelop and painting their own masks, unleashing their creativity. After a fulfilling lunch, the campers took some time for goal setting reflection, thinking about their camp experiences and the personal growth they each have achieved over the past few days. In the afternoon, the focus shifted to preparing for the kids’ performance, where they eagerly practiced their acts, ready to take the stage.
As the sun sets, the campgrounds transformed into a warm and lively setting for the Eco Campfire by Handstack, where performances from both the campers and Handstack entertained everyone. The night carried a special meaning as the appreciation segment dedicated heartfelt thanks to the parents, recognizing their unwavering support. Finally, the day culminated in a beautiful closing ceremony, where each camper was celebrated with certificates for their participation, marking the end of an unforgettable journey.
The campfire’s glow mirrored the sense of accomplishment and camaraderie, leaving everyone with full hearts, cherished memories, and a shared hope for the future.
At Camp Rainbow, we have always recognised the invaluable role of dedicated volunteer befrienders in ensuring the well-being of our children, and inculcating desirable values in them. This year, we are embarking on a paradigm shift that aims to offer unparalleled opportunity to a much wider network of youth volunteers and organisations to learn and understand the intricacies of our diverse community. By actively engaging with the vulnerable segments of our society, the volunteer befrienders will gain a deeper appreciation for the challenges faced by these individuals and the importance of fostering inclusivity and empathy within our social fabric.
This initiative aligns with the overarching goals of Forward Singapore, as we collectively strive to build a more inclusive and caring society. By nurturing empathy and understanding among our youth, we are laying the foundation for a future generation that is equipped with the values and skills necessary to create positive change in our community.
The camp wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication of volunteers, the support of caregivers, and the generosity of donors who believe in the importance of creating a space for these children to thrive. As the flames of the eco campfire dimmed and the certificates were handed out, one thing was clear—Camp Rainbow is not just an event, but a beacon of hope and resilience for everyone involved.
We look forward to seeing the continued growth of these remarkable young individuals, and with every camp, we’re reminded that, together, we can light up their futures with hope and endless possibilities. Until next time, Camp Rainbow will remain a shining example of what can be achieved when a community comes together with love and support.