Children's Fellowship Camp

Back in 1999, a group of teachers together with a few enthusiastic youths decided to organise a holiday camp for BISDS students aged 9 to 12 years old. During that time, the concept of having Buddhist camps was new not only to the students but their parents as well.



Led by Vincent Oh, this camp was successfully organised and the overwhelming response from both the participants and also their parents meant that a second camp was a surety.



Year after year, the Children's Fellowship Camp, or CFC as it is fondly known, was held during the May school holidays and each year, students came in huge numbers to participate. The youths had managed to bring diversity to each year's camp, yet maintaining its core principles.



Main activities of the camp include a talent night where the participants' parents are invited to witness what skills the children have acquired throughout the camp, be it dancing, singing, designing clothes or drama-acting.


The camp also helped instilled good moral values in the children so as to guide them towards the right teachings and so that they would be wise in their actions when they are growing up.



The camp's initial purpose was to allow young students to spend their holidays meaningfully and to get to know friends in a safe, friendly environment. However, throughout the years, it managed to accomplish another no less significant objective. The kids who had participated in the camp have now grown up and are assisting in organising the camp. What the participants had learnt was the importance of "giving back" to the society. They had as kids, appreciated the fun that they experienced and are now planning activities so that they too could let other kids enjoy and have fun.



Last year in 2008, the CFC turned 10 years old and with it, a birthday celebration night was held. The committees of the camp had invited past organisers including Bro Vincent Oh and the teachers of the sunday school to commerate the night. The camp was extended to 4 days, 3 nights from its usual 3 days, 2 nights duration.



Now, even right after the camp, the parents are asking for the youth group to organise another one during the year-end school holidays and there is even a demand for a camp for the 6 to 8 year olds.



As Sister Vineeta, the Deputy Principal of BISDS puts it, we are the "experts of CFCs". This trend has caught on in recent years in other Buddhist societies and the BISDS Youth Group continue to be the model of excellence in organising children's camps.



Even after the current batch of commitee members have moved on, the Children's Fellowship Camp will continue to be organised by enthusiastic youths for the benefit of the children.