Outing at Marina Barrage

Last afternoon was spent exploring Singapore’s 15th reservoir, the Marina Barrage! We first visited the gallery which showcased Singapore’s water conservation efforts and how it has worked its way around its constraint of not having this natural resource. The exhibits were highly interactive and enthralling with much of the content delivered via videos and images instead of text. Thereafter, we went to the open spaces to have snacks while our students entertained themselves with the man-made water features. :)

our shy students posing for a picture

the water features in the compound

they entertaining themselves beyond the intention of the developers :) haha those present would get what i mean.

the highly interactive exhibits which commands your attention at every turn

*National Education (NE) Content!* (information found in the official website http://www.pub.gov.sg/marina/Pages/default.aspx )
The Marina Barrage stands out from other reservoirs and developers pride itself in having achieved 3 objectives through one endeavor. The site serves as a catchment area, flood control and an avenue for recreation with the relaxing waterfront view and vast open spaces. The Sustainable Singapore Gallery (SSG) showcases Singapore’s sustainable story through the years since independence through 6 themed galleries we witness the gradual change in focus in conservation. The beautifully landscaped surroundings creates a comforting charm admist the buzz of the city as one takes in the breathtaking views of the city skyline.

Year End BBQ

Time flies... barely 2 weeks after the Gusto camp, a BBQ was organised last Sat (15 Nov) - thanks to Jack! Seems that our passion for Gusto still going strong~! This time round, it's not a Gusto session, kids can enjoy this activity and at the same time, enjoy their school holidays!

Looking back at the things we did at Yuhua Secondary, plans were revamped - during our meetup discussion on National Day. :) Camp were initiated and carried out. It was a successful event... We got a great bunch of kids from Yuhua, volunteers helping each other along the way. I hope that this spirit can be maintained as long as possible.

The BBQ may mark 'an end' to this year's Gusto Yuhua, but it also symbolise we managed through the whole year since Gusto Yuhua started. We got a great team here and certainly hope that we can work together again next year!

Time for some pics~!

Volunteers, Student Volunteers and students, all enjoying the BBQ!

Our Queen and King of Gamblers~! Or should I call them Prince and Princess of Gamblers? Haha...

An early birthday celebration for Li Ping!

The finale of the BBQ event!

Plans are on-going to have outings organised for the kids during their school holidays and also for the volunteers as well. And also, don't forget the 'major event' happening right at beginning of next year.

I guess this blog will not be 'orphaned' during this time! Much to talk about that is...

my personal favourites...

reminds me of Plato's parable...

pearls of the grasses!

WHO BIT ME? IS IT YOU? OR you?!!!

How to Beat the 3/5/7 Year Itch

I heard a comment from someone during the camp that got stuck in my head: "I got so discouraged by what the kid said that I felt really like quitting from this camp".

Why am I talking about this now? Reason being: this goes to the root of why each of us decided to volunteer. Obviously all of us have our own reasons. Some wanted exposure to students of that particular age group, some wanted to give something back to society, some have a streak of sado-masochism, while others have nothing better to do during the weekend... (that's me... lol).

Whatever our individual motivation, all of us would encounter periods of "downturn", when turning up for the weekly session is a pure punishment. After all, even the stock market has its ebb and flow, period of hot and cold.

Among those who have volunteered for a while, we have a saying that volunteers have the equivalent of 3/5/7 years itch. These are periods where the volunteers would be sick of volunteerism, but once they crossed these periods, they generally would stay for a while longer.

What are some additional motivations that may help?

1. Seeing past students of Club Gusto maturing and joining Club Gusto as volunteers. I am very proud of these students who are back to help out with Club Gusto. This photo simply says it all...

2. Seeing the smiles from the current batch of students.

3. Seeing the smiles from the volunteers.

JPG

Gusto Camp - Peng's Picks

The handshake that symbolises it all: Bonding

Teamwork at its very best

The very essence of Gusto: Volunteers & Students

V is for victory

I saw like 5-6 picture of this monkey but no one posted it here.

p.s the very evidence to prove that charles is innocent in the pearlene incident. haha

Gusto Camp - Insider, Outsider

Why did I put Insider, Outsider as the title?

I happened to be in a very special position in the camp, shuffling between various roles. This means that I'm not really "involved" in any fixed groups. But this is also a rare opportunity to see the entire camp from another perspective.

As the programmes IC for the Bukit Timah trek and beach games, the first thing I learnt was how to develop games for the students. I must say this is a challenging role and there is still much room for improvement. Being involved in planning and conducting allowed me to learn from the other volunteers the importance of engagement, how the success of the camp is strongly influenced by this rule. Without this, no matter how well-executed the plan, how "great" the lessons to be learned, it is very difficult to connect with the students.

Other than doing programmes, I spent the other half of my time moving across groups as a roaming facilitator (Last Man/Sweeper). This is a good chance for me to get involved with the different groups and get to see "real-action" that as a organising committee rarely get to see. The trek was great and it is indeed heart-warming to see students helping out each other along the way, carrying each other's bag and sharing the limited water supply.

I personally learnt a lot from this camp, and yes, even though I often say I wanna "test" the students, I'm not trying to put all my pyschology stuff into them. haha. Do not mistake me as some weird fellow. I believed the best way for these students to learn is through direct exposure. Every new lesson they learn will go a long way in the future.

Rather than being passive in the camp, putting them in situations "unwillingly force" them to be more proactive so that they can learn more. I prefer to groom potential leaders, and I truly believe there's one in everyone :)

-choonpeng-

Gusto Camp - top 3 picks

the quiet determination to cook their meal - improvisation in practice as they used cans to prop their mess tin.:)

all aboard to solve the riddle- but sometimes, do we need to take a step back to see the big picture?

a matter of perspective - carrying water on a plate is brought to a whole new level as it served as a funnel than a vessel.

ok this is me being random again - do you see the 3 states of matter? haha go figure.:)

Gusto Camp - CZY's photos picks... (Just for laughs)

Left: "Bro, I'm dead... real dead this time."
Right: "Sigh, I know what you mean..."

I am the true beauty of all man...

You all ah, BEHOLD! The ultimate super duper water bomb... who wants~!

Gusto Camp - through the eyes of the camp chief

The camp presented an opportunity for me to work with my volunteers at a deeper level as planning this camp required a lot more effort than the usual Saturday sessions. During this phase, I received much support from the numerous recce trips and brainstorming sessions that ensued. I enjoyed the planning process and was encouraged to receive advice from senior volunteers.

The camp programme took an abrupt turn barely a week before camp and I’m glad to say it was the resolve of the volunteers who made it run smoothly. The pressure to make the camp a success was unavoidable was it served to conclude this year’s effort. All that worry was unfounded as everyone played their role well – the students, the volunteers…and even the weather. :) I’m thankful I have a supportive team.

Looking back, I’m glad to have the opportunity to organize a camp and the experience has been awesome. This endeavor was an avenue for personal growth as I got to experience firsthand the difference between planning and execution, the limits of technology in correspondence, and how to adapt to differing viewpoints and make a stand.

Though camp was over a week ago, the lessons learned and the memory lives on. :)

-Huihui

Gusto Camp - Group Leader

Being assigned the role as a group leader initially gave me an indescribable pressure as I am a newly joined volunteer and do not know the kids very well.

But it's because of the camp, I can get some time alone with my team especially during the trekking to understand the students, SVs and fellow volunteer better. To the kids, they need to endure the harsh environment. Having said that, they knew it's not easy but no one mentioned above giving up. More importantly, it's their selfless concern for each other along the way, allowing us to see their true inner character. This really makes the trip a very memorable one, everyone enjoying the trip not as individual, but as a team...

We may see them as kids who misbehave, mischievous and rebellious but deep within them, I believe they are gradually becoming responsible and mature, looking at the things they had done in the camp.

As a Group Leader, we need to consistently oversee them, ensuring their safety and well-being. But certain things, we are not able to teach them... but rather, guide them. Team spirit, caring and responsible...

Shawn Ng, knowing that the slope is steep, insists to slide down with his lower body than to "jump" down the slope as he would rather dirty his pants than to have injuries.

Dion and Junci to name a few, took initiative to attend the person when he had a fall or seeing people struggling along the way with their bags, rendering help to lighten their load.


My thoughts about this camp is not only looking at the objectives of this Camp or visions of Gusto in general, whether the kids achieve whatever we set. We have kids from all walks of life. They may not understand the real rationale of why this camp or Gusto is planned for them at their age. But from their little actions, you feel consoled, knowing that they are a bunch of good kids, with proper guidance, they will grow up to be useful people.

You may find me a person who is easily contented but this is who I am, my 'attitude' towards volunteerism. A self-motivating character to ensure my passion remains alive as long as possible as a volunteer.

Kudos to my team, who completed the camp and kudos to everyone who made this camp possible! =)

-CZY-