ACID camp is an event organised by MINDS (Movement for the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore) Youth Group. Basically, it's an annual camp to allow the Intellectually Disabled persons to let their hair down and to enjoy.
If you want to know more about this organisation, you can visit their website to take a look.
http://www.myg.org.sg/
So, it's ACID Camp 2008, and me and vkp were there in one of the old types (he know what i am talking about) went down to Pasir Ris Carpark C to cover their activities.
Arrival of the excited campers, and their volunteers.
There are various activities organised around Pasir Ris Park, and thanks to some of the organisation and companies, notably People's Association, Gallop Stables, bicycle rental kiosk, and some others, those campers are able to enjoy pony riding (YES!! PONY RIDING!!), learn how to ride bicycles, being entertained by dog shows, or take a leisure walk, enjoying the nature of the swamp.
I never know there's a stable over at Pasir Ris park. It's 2 minute walk (My speed) from Carpark C, and they do offer riding course for those interested.
White horse... (RIngs a bell during NS days? These are the white horses that everyone is talking about?)
Small ponies, that are so shy that they did not move at all when you are close to them... When i say they did not move, i mean it.. so much so that they can actually put snipers to shame with their staying still skills...
Last but not least...
Wooden horse... I almost wanted to examine the wooden horse's stomach to see if there are any Trojian warriors hidden inside...
Pony rides for the campers...
Over at the bicycle track... face a congestion.. so many campers wanted to ride bicycles that the track outside the kiosk were congested, to the point i wonder if the NParks gonna put a ERP gantry for those riding bicycles.
Those who had never rode a bike before, need not worry, coz the poor volunteers and teachers will be running besides the bike, ensuring that they do not fall.
But alas!! Sky no do beauty (direct translation from a chinese proverb) and it rained. All the way...
And the rain only stopped when the organisers cancelled the whole thing and went back to the campsite.
Grrr... dear heavens, what has those campers done to offend you?? They are so happy enjoying themselves, and you have to disturb their happiness..
So in the shelter from the rain, i took out my camera and here's the results...
Proudly presenting to you, The many faces of VKP!!!
The stern look...
The joyous look...
The "falling in love" look... Just looking at this picture can make the my hair stand... Don't you?
Okie... enough of vkp...
Back to the campsite, which happens to be vkp's former school, Pioneer JC, (thanks to the management of Pioneer JC, who provided their grounds for ACID camp 2008) it's slacking time, till after dinner, where there are some activities planned for the campers.
At the hall...
Magic shows...
Sing a long sessions, whereby some of the campers and volunteers started to dance...
and playing balloons while having sing-a-long sessions...
And the best part of the whole camp, i would say, the disco night!!!
This is where from observation, i learned the most things... Different campers have different concepts about disco night.
A young kid being the central of attraction...
Kungfu master... From his stand and his actions, i would say he is either trained in Martial arts or he spend a lot of time practising the moves.. Very impressive... I was stunned...
And there's others who is just contented blowing bubbles.
While there's others who are busy sweeping the floor when the disco is in full swing.
The scene is beautiful. Watching the campers dance before our eyes is a sign that is absolutely beautiful... Their faces say it all... I see smiles and laugher all over. From kids to elderly. I see people dancing non stop. I see chinese traditional tribal dances also. With the exception of a few, the rest are all smiling and laughing.
In a way, i was touched. I did not know much about MINDS and the kinda activities they they organised for their members, but sad to say, the Intellectually Disabled people are still being looked down by some people in this society. Their lives are quite monotonous, and how often can they enjoy a disco night, while all those so claimed "normal" youngsters are chionging discos every alternate night?
In this society, we are all enjoying, be it them or us. They are enjoying doing simple things, or even other people chatting with them, while we all are enjoying movies, arcades, drinks and even internet. Their lives are so much simplier then us... They don't worry about fiancial difficults, they don't worry about ERPs, the raising cost of petrol, their school results, BGR relationships, or even that of Singapore hopes for world cup faded!!
For the first time, i felt very lucky and blessed that i am present for this ACID Camp 2008 to witness the beautiful scene unfolded in front of my eyes...
The next day... Wet carnival games for the campers...
Yes.. they are enjoying themselves...
Playing with games.. indeed.. they are happy and enjoying themselves... How i know?
Simple... It's written on their faces...
No need me to explain liao right?
There's this guy, when he is extremely happy, he will just jump non-stop while clapping his hands at a rate faster than a machine gun... He jumped quite a number of times that morning... Really warms my heart to see them laughing and smiling...
I left Pioneer JC with an heavy heart. In a way, i missed ACID Camp 2008 even before i left the school.
I respected the volunteers, and organisers of ACID Camp 2008 for doing such a meaningful volunteer work... I know i cannot be a volunteer. I do not have the patience. That's why i respect those volunteers and the organisers.
To my surprise, when i told that to one of the teachers, and he commented.. "The volunteers are nothing. You should respect their parents!!"
How true those words are!!
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