3rd December 2011- Pre-TH Camp!

HiHi! Really sorry that i disappear for so long again~ =X don’t worry subsequent days and weeks I will upload all ASAP! =p hehehe.

After 3 weeks of programme, came Mindsville annual event: TH CAMP!! Haha. BUT of course, before that, there will be some preparations that we need to make beforehand right? (: hehe. Since TH camp is really near Christmas, we definitely have to do something related to Christmas! Does everyone remember the famous gingerbread man? HAHA. Yes! In this week pre-TH camp session, we will be making ginger breadman paperdolls~ really cute and nice (:

One of the sample:

“Gingerbread girl” really cute right? (:

Below are some of the photos showing the residents making the gingerbread man/girl dolls with volunteers guiding them (: I must really say that the residents did a really great job! Some of them were really creative too! They came up with their own gingerbread man design (: Haha.

Looks really alike to the sample right? (: Nice!

Another Gingerbread girl in process~

Resident used the circles to design ribbon hair clip, shoes etc. Really creative right? (:

All the residents “baking” the gingerbreads seriously… hehe

The most creative one!! Thumbs up!

TADA!! Some of the products:

Two gingerbread girl-friends hahaha

Some of the gingerbread boys!

Happy gingerbread boy!

Many gingerbread boys!! Hahahah

All the gingerbread man/boys/girls were nicely baked! (: Great job! Wonder if they will start running away? =p hahah

After the “baking” session, the residents had their tea break. But of course not eat the nicely baked gingerbreads=p HAHA.

Residents queuing up for water in orderly manner (: Thumbs up!

Volunteer interacting with resident(: Really nice to see this~ wonder what they talking about =p haha

After the tea break, the residents proceed to their dance session! In this dance session, they will be learning the TH Camp’s DANCE! (Paiseh I’m not really sure the theme song’s name =p But I remember the very important phrase in the song: “ONE FOR ALL, ALL FOR ONE!”) hehe. Really meaningful song (:

Below showed some photos of the residents actively learning the dance steps taught by our dance teachers- Calvin and Huiting! However, the photos are a bit blur as there were too much movement:( but the residents really have fun learning the steps (: I remember the step “ONE FOR ALL, ALL FOR ONE” hehe. There are really many steps which I can barely catch up or remember without guide=p But the residents learnt them well (: Good job!

Starting (: look how attentive they were~

Wave wave~

After the dance session, the residents went up to rest (: Thanks the dance teachers and also art teacher Liming for the gingerbread paperdolls and all the residents and volunteers for making this Pre-TH camp session a successful and fun one(:

Haven’t end yet! Hahaha. After that, the volunteers did not slack=p we continued to prepare the props needed for TH camp like Christmas tree, decorations etc.

Really hardworking right? (: Thumbs up to two of them!

Not forgetting to take a photo while making the props =p hahahah. Our two “Santa claus” Dar Dar and Ling Ling!

Side track a little:

Award ceremony for some of the volunteers (: Thanks so much for their contribution to Mindsville all these years (: Really appreciate!

HAHA okay back to topic =p haha. Excited excited! The following week will be the annual big event TH CAMP!! Hahaha. TH camp 2011 theme is about “GIVING and SHARING” (: really meaningful and heartwarming~ It was really the most memorable camp I have been to (: Look forward to the upcoming TH camp post! (:

Lights shining on our TH camp 2011 Chairperson Jie Hua! HEHE. Look forward~

Thank you! Once again, apologise for the late update! Will update soon!

 

All rolled into one!

*Really sorry ppl! I know it has been 2 months plus since the last update:/ sorry! Now start with the proper stuff.. *

End of October finally marked the beginning of the regular projects conducted by Mindsville CSC! The wait has been long due to unforeseen circumstances but ‘awesome’ programs were to follow in the following weeks which both residents and volunteers enjoyed! Hehe

This was the first time that we did rotation for 3 weeks of programme (mainly 29^th Oct, 5^th Nov, 12^th Nov 2011) for Funfit 1 and bet most of the volunteers would still remember some of the ‘interesting’ programs like yummy ice cream right?=p hehehe. Basically, the residents will be separated into 3 separate groups and they will go to the respective Funfit 1 programs that they were assigned to that week(:

We will first start with the Rotation of Funfit 1 (FF1):

To start with a short description, Funfit 1 is the first part of our usual projects where it mainly focuses on improving the residents’ skills and creativity. We usually have handicrafts session, simple games and once in a while food preparation (: Basically, it is more of hands on programs for them where it provides a platform for them to learn new skills and knowledge, train their brains and hand coordination as well as to allow them to display their talents and creativity. You will be amazed by some of their hidden talents! ((:

Below will be the reviews for the FF1s session for these 3 weeks programmes:

1.       Ice cream Making Factory

Preparation:

The only flavour we made is Chocolate ice cream! Hehe. And it’s really simple and everyone can actually try it out at home! (there will be a recipe below )

One of station masters (XY) preparing the ingredients for the ice cream making session!

From the picture, you can roughly see the important ingredients needed like chocolate milk, salt, ice and also materials like zip lock bag!

                              Looks really professional aye? =p

Everything is ready! All the materials are arranged properly!

The station masters will first demonstrate once for the residents to see and the residents lined up to take the ingredients and materials.

Basically, each person needs two zip loc bags, one large one small. One cup of chocolate milk will be distributed to each person and they will pour it into the small zip loc. And the small zip loc bag will put into a large zip loc bag filled with ice plus salt (can go check up the chemistry part behind! hehe).

The residents lining up to take the ingredients and the station masters and volunteers were busy distributing and teaching them the steps(:

Pour the milk into small zip loc bag (:

Zip the zip loc bag!!! Hahahaha

Shake shake shake!! Haha

Ice melted too fast!! ><

The residents sat in a line and enjoying the ice cream handmade by them!(:

Dig Dig! Yummy!

And how can the volunteers not try making one for themselves?? =p hehe. Looks like our TH chair was enjoying it hehe

Overall, it was really a great experience! The residents looked really excited and enjoyed eating them(: the best thing is they made them all by themselves (with a little external help) haha.  And they really put in the effort to make(: Thumbs up! Not sure if the volunteers enjoyed too? (hehe most likely they do, looking at how they all tried to make too hahaha) But for me, I find it really interesting and fun! And looking at the residents’ happy faces, all the hard work are worthwhile right? (: Thanks all the volunteers for all the help during the session!! ^^

Anw as promised the recipe as follows:

-          Two zip loc bags (one small, one large) *best to buy those that are suitable for frozen food

-          One cup of chocolate milk (*best recommend not to add extra sugar, too sweet!)

-          6 cups of ice

-          5 tablespoons of salt

Step 1: Pour the cup of chocolate milk into the small zip loc. Zip it tightly and try squeeze the air out! (*IMPT: must be really tightly if you don’t want to get salty ice cream! Hahaha)

Step 2: Pour the 6 cups of ice and 5 tablespoons of salt into the large zip loc bag. Mix them well

Step 3: Put the small bag (with choc milk) into the large zip loc bag and squeeze out excess air before zipping it up.

Step 4: Then shake the whole bag! Shake well and occasionally try to get the ice over the small zip loc. No need to keep shaking though. About 10 minutes or so… Tada! The ice cream is done! And you can add in some toppings ( like oreo) on it(:

Really simple right? Everyone can start making! Haha

2.    Role playing – Interactive classroom with memory game

In this station, the residents were taught the various animals through pictures and sounds(: They will also learn the different kinds of fruits! And at the end of the lesson, there will be a memory test for them where it will test on what they learnt during the lesson.

In the classroom, we will expect to find teachers(: And the teachers are our very own station masters! Haha

Teacher Joshua teaching the class the features of one animal and the sound it makes(: really looked like in a classroom right? The students were really attentive!(: good good!

Teacher Koh teaching the students about Pig and the ‘oink oink’ sound =p hehe

Teacher Joshua teaching them about fruits(: Identify the fruits.. there are pear, lemon and strawberry?

Haha in school, there will always be test after lessons right? After teaching them the animals and fruits, a memory game was conducted where they have to match the pictures of animals and fruits they just learnt. On top of that, there was also a ball in cups memory game! (there will be 3 cups and one ping pong ball is placed inside one of the cup, after some rotation, the residents have to guess where’s the ping pong ball)

The students and teaching assistants gathered at the memory game table (:

Remember this game? They have to match a pair of pictures based on their memory!

The main objective of this station is to teach them the various animals and fruits (knowledge) and most importantly trained their memory (:

Overall, the residents really enjoyed themselves especially the sound making part=p haha. Thanks the teaching assistants (volunteers) for all the help! And of course the teachers and students too! ^^

3.       Making Windmill

How can we miss out the traditional art and craft session? haha. In this station, they will learn how to make one of our childhood favourite toy! Windmills!! Haha. It’s really nice to see the colourful windmills spinning right? Furthermore, it is relatively easy to make too(:

Coloured construction papers will be given to the residents, where they will have to follow the instructions to cut out the necessary shape and slits to make the windmill(:

Designed by one of the resident(: really nice right?

Volunteers patiently guiding the residents to make and decorate the windmills (: really heart-warming to see such scenes (:

After that, they will have to make simple folds and secure it to a straw with a pin and some blue tack at the back to prevent the pin from pricking their hands(:

One of the final product!(: Nice nice! Thumbs up!

Another final product!(: And the residents can’t bear to put it down even during their tea break haha. They really like it alot!^^

All the amazing and awesome final products! Really nice and beautiful and colourful right?(: and not to forget the two pretty station masters! Haha

Windmill is really a nice and relatively simple toy to make with just a coloured paper, straw, a pin or thumb tack (with some blue tack too) and of course some easy cutting(: Everyone can try! haha

After reviewing all the funfit 1, we will now focus on the second part of our usual projects which is fun fit 2! There was no rotation for FF2 where all the residents will participate in the same FF2 programs together! However, there were interesting and fun themes planned for them!

Unlike fun fit 1, fun fit 2 focuses more on programs that involve movement and the main purpose is to let them exercise and move about more often to train their physical movements and coordination(: We usually have interesting station games, dancing and also exercising sessions.

In these 3 weeks, the FF2 programs were as follow:

1.       Music Festival (29^th Oct)

Listening and dancing to music is a favourite pastime of our residents and so it would be impossible to not grab hold of this hobby to get the residents to move around and sway to the music!(: This not only allow them to enjoy themselves and have fun, but also at the same time make them exercise!

There were 2 parts to this session- musical chairs and dances

-Musical chairs

One of our residents’ favourite games! Music was played and the residents will fight for the limited seats when the music stopped in order to win!

The residents and volunteers walking around the chairs scattered around in the hall (:

So many people eyeing that chair!!

Kor kor and jie jie snatching residents’ seats! Tsk Tsk! Hahahaha

-Acid camp and chicken dance

After musical chairs, acid camp dance song (still remember?) was played and the residents dance to it!

Volunteers demonstrating the acid camp mass dance(:

*Due to some reasons, the photos of the residents dancing are not able to show here.

There was also chicken dance after this mass dance(: Chicken dance is our residents’ favourite dance which they will never get tired of! ((:

 2.        IPPT (5^th Nov)

Army guys! Does this sound familiar?? Hahahah. In order to make the residents to exercise more extensively, we came up with our own IPPT course for them! There are 4 stations in this course(: All of them were originate from the original IPPT but of course with modifications haha. The residents were separated into 4 groups where they will proceed to different stations and rotate after finish one station.

Below are the few stations:

-          Chin up (dumb bell)

This station focus on training their arm strength, where the residents are required to carry dumbbells! This is improvise by using filled water bottles as makeshift dumb bells and the series of exercise includes training their bicep curl, shoulder raise and the side shoulder raise (quoted from ‘professional’ trainer hahaha).

The residents raising the ‘dumb bells’ in different positions (like use different hands etc).  These were directed by the ‘professional’ trainer! Hahaha

Raise high high! Good job!((:

-          Standing Broad Jump

The station focus on training the explosive power in the legs of our residents~ It involved them jumping pass 10 hula hoops!

One of the residents jumping pass the hula hoops(:

Station masters ‘showing off’ their hula hoop skills! Pro hor? Hahaha

-          Shuttle Run

This station is shuttle run! But instead of the usual shuttle run, it was modified to something more like a ‘Shuttle Climb’, where residents had to ascend 1 or 2 flights of stairs to collect the bean bag and return to the starting point in the shortest time possible!

Resident trying her best to climb up the stairs despite the pain at her leg! 精神可嘉! Thumbs up!!

Climbing down the stairs after taking the bean bag!(:

-          Balancing the Ping Pong ball

This station focus on the balancing and coordination skills of the residents, where they have to balance the ping pong ball on the spoon and walk the path with “moving obstacles” hehe. This is also not the usual IPPT!

‘Moving obstacles’ blocking their path! Haha

More ‘Moving obstacles’! hahaha

How are the IPPT stations? Better than the original IPPT right? =p hehehe

 3.    Amazing Race MINDSVILLE STYLE (12^th Nov)

We conducted our own amazing race within the compounds of the hostel. Residents had to race around different parts of Mindsville, completing various obstacles before being able to claim the ‘prestigious’ prizes available! At first there were 10 stations but due to wet weather condition, the race was modified to only 7 stations. At the different stations, the residents were required to complete a task as a group before they can get the next clue and proceed to next station. The clues are photographs of the next location(: The residents were divided into 6 groups and the race begins!

Briefing:

The 7 locations where the residents have to complete the tasks are (they are in sequence):

1. Koi Pond – the residents are required to form a MINDS word at the wall using their hands and bodies and a picture taken(: after which, the clue to next location is given to them upon completion of task.

1. 

Volunteers guiding the residents to form the MINDS word! (:

2. Lift Lobby at level 1- there were envelopes pasted on the wall where one of the envelopes has the clue while others are empty. The residents are required to find the envelope with clue(:

3. Alley- music was played and the residents are required to perform cat walk down the slope(: upon completion, a clue will be given to them!

                                                                Resident posing during the cat walk! (:

Volunteer Weichung demonstrating! Nice pose!(: haha

4. Entrances at MV- the residents are required to line up and form a train and walk around the center in circles. A clue to the next location will be given to them upon completion of task(:

Forming the train at the entrance! ^^

5. Swimming pool at 2^nd level- As it is relatively difficult to find this location, a clue will be given to them once they found the place(: haha

Residents deciphering the next clue at the swimming pool! haha

6.  Hall – dancing station! Haha. The residents have to dance to chicken dance at the hall and after they complete the task, the next clue will be given to them(:

Dancing chicken dance!(: They look so happy!

7.  Art and Craft Room- in this station, the residents are required to write their names on the paper provided for them(: The purpose is to let them learn to write their full name.  Upon completion, a clue will be given to them(:

At the end of the race, the residents were rewarded with nice goodies for their enthusiasm, participation and efforts ((: Yay!! Haha.

Hope these 3 weeks programmes brought alot of fun and memories for both the residents and volunteers! Thanks all the volunteers so much for all the help and participation in making these 3 week programmes relatively successful (?)!! hahaha. Thanks everyone!

IMPT: Thanks all the YJC students who came down on the 2^nd week to help out! Thanks (; Hope it was enjoyable for you all!

Lastly, I apologise again for the lag in updating the blog! Anticipate the next post! =p

Credits: Thanks Wen Hui for the photos and also boss for some of the ideas! (:

Acid Camp 2011 <3

*Sorry guys and gals for the Super Super Super lag update!! Hahaha! It’s due to certain unforeseen circumstances=p *

On the 15^th and 16^th Oct 2011, we had a two days one night camp—Acid Camp! It was really a memorable one and bet all the residents and volunteers did enjoyed themselves alot!

Acid camp is an Annual Camp for the Intellectually Disabled (ACID). The purpose of this camp is to encourage interactions between the various MYGs as well as fun for the residents. The camp theme is CAMP ROCK whereby it involved several popular Kpop, Chinese or America Pop groups like Super Junior, 2PM, Spice Girls, Backstreet Boys, SHE, Girls’ Generation etc ((: The year the camp was held at Sembawang Camp Challenge which is really comfortable=p

All the volunteers gathered at MV foyer at 7.30am in morning! Apparently some volunteers haven’t eaten their breakfast yet… haha

Before setting off, residents are paired with the respective volunteers.

Volunteers helped to check the residents’ bags to ensure that they have brought all the necessary stuff (:

All well-prepared! And we were ready to set off! Woohoo! There is even a coach to drive us there! (:

When we reached the camp site, we are allocated to the respective bunks.

The bunks (: Looks comfortable aye?(: It’s air-conditioned too!

Resident trying to prepare the bed herself (: while the volunteer help a bit haha

High Five!! *Hmm who is this?? New resident?? =p hahahaha*

Distributing Acid Camp shirts to the residents (:

After settling all the necessary stuff such as unpacking their stuff, all the volunteers and residents changed into their new camp shirt and gathered at the hall. The residents and volunteers were split up into different groups which consist of other beneficiaries too. This was in hope of building greater camaraderie between trainees of different backgrounds! (:

Residents and volunteers sitting in their respective groups.

All listening attentively to the brief introduction made by the camp PD (:

The various groups:

 

After the briefing, the various groups proceed to play ice breakers and think of their group cheer. This was facilitated by the respective GLs of the groups.

After the bonding session within the groups, the groups are once gathered together again to dance this year ACID camp dance! The song “Black and White” was played and everyone participated actively! *Believe some of us will always rmb this camp dance whenever we hear this song right? =p* hahaha

After exercising and resting for a short while, the hungry stomachs are filled with delicious lunch!

*Sorry didn’t manage to take the delicious lunch=p*

And now… It was finally the time to start the exciting journey…

The various groups were settled down and all prepared. A skit about a lovely princess being poisoned by an evil Witch was performed for us…

This is how the story goes…

Long long time ago, there is a lovely princess who is really good at singing and dancing. The people living in the town adore her.

The princess (in pink dress) dancing with the prince-charming and the civilians (:

But little did they know, there is an evil with who is really jealous of the princess and wanted to destroy her.

The witch passing the poison water to the princess

The innocent princess drank the poison… and fell in a deep deep sleep…

The town no longer filled with laughter… we need to save the princess… and the prince needs help from the beneficiaries in finding the cure!

Being brave and righteous, the beneficiaries were the chosen knights tasked with the duty of finding the cure for the princess.  As such, this embarked the journey of finding the cure through series of station games…

And the journey of their quest begins…

The different groups walking towards Sembawang Park while series of obstacles are waiting for them…

There are various obstacles that the groups need to overcome before they can get the necessary items to help the prince to save the princess!

1. Mass Dance (two teams will versus each other to see which team perform the camp dance better and will be awarded stickers)

2. Quest of finding the potion

In this station, there are two teams competing with each other. Each team is required to line up in a row and they have to pass water down using cups with holes to fill the bottle at the end. The team with the bottle fully filled first or filled more within the time limit will win the game and will be awarded the potion.

The resourceful knights (resident) find ways to block up the holes to prevent leakage such as using their palms and fingers to block the holes. Last picture: it shows the resident carefully pouring the water into the bottle to minimize loss. Good Job!! ((:

3. Spider Web

In this station, a spider web obstacle is set up where the knights have to cross the obstacle (strings), following the number tracks on the ground. At the end, they will be awarded the key to save the princess out.

They really did a great job in this, where many of them can complete it without much help from the volunteers ((:

4. Follow the tempo with Instruments

Remember the instruments we made during the Acid Camp preparation? (refer to previous post). The different beneficiaries have prepared different creative instruments and they were used in this station. In this station, 2 to 3 groups were gathered at the mat, where they have to follow the instruction made by the station masters to follow certain tempo and make some music.

                                            Follow the tempo station (:

While waiting, some of our volunteers started the whole series of camwhoring =p hahaha

5. Three-legged Race

In this station, the volunteer- resident pair was required to tie their legs and walk towards their destination. This requires a lot of cooperation between the pair.

It is really heart-warming to see both the volunteer and resident holding onto each other and helping one another to complete the journey (:

Side track a little…

This may seem to be a simple picture but I find it really meaningful and touching as it shows the interaction between the volunteers and residents and how they enjoyed each other accompaniment (:  (Look at the middle and left portion of the picture).

6. Blind-folded trail

The residents were required to line up and all of them were blindfolded and they have to follow a certain trail where there are obstacles for them to overcome. This station requires a lot of  mutual trust between resident-resident and resident-volunteer as when they were blindfolded, they can only depend on the guidance by their fellow volunteers and the resident in front of them.

Volunteer helping the resident to step up the stone chair (:  This shows the mutual trust!(:

After enduring all the strenuous and difficult challenges, the beneficiaries finally returned successfully back to the hall. And… the princess was saved successfully! Yay! Thanks to all the courage and efforts by the knights! Thumbs up! ^^

After taking a well deserved break, residents and volunteers finally had the opportunity to fill their empty stomachs! with the princess saved and peace restored, the different knights (beneficiaries) were treated with nice buffet and also given the opportunity to indulge in some good fun!

Nice buffet dinner!! Yummy!

After the sumptuous dinner, there was a series of performances put up by the different beneficiaries (e.g. CW, West End, AMK etc)!!

After which, there was also an award ceremony for the various 劳苦功高 chairpersons of the different MYGs (:

Our very own TH chairperson!(: haha *sorry the picture a bit blurred*

This was followed by a sing along session which includes songs such as top of the world, Xiao Wei etc.

The residents looking at the lyrics and sang along(:

After a day of actions and celebrations, the residents finally have a good bathe and returned to the pre-allocated dormitories for a good night’s sleep!

The next morning, everyone woke up really early to get freshen up and prepare for the exciting activities awaiting them!

Everyone was gathered in the hall after they washed up.

Judging from their smiling faces, bet they had a ‘good sleep’ aye? =p hahaha

Everyone was warmed up first by dancing the Acid camp dance and their favourite Chicken dance! Hahaha

Turn Turn Turn… Clap Clap Clap Clap! ^^

After which, there was also some instructors to teach us Aerobics exercises!

After all the morning exercises, everyone finally can stop their stomach growling and enjoy the Ai xin breakfast provided (: haha

This was followed by the cup cake making session! A teacher was specially invited to teach all of the residents how to design nice and delicious cupcakes. Several ingredients such as marshmallows, colourful sugar crystals, chocolate and of course plain cupcakes were provided. haha.

Starting:

In the progress of making:

Final product:

Looks really appetising isn’t it? (:

After the cup cake making session, a prize ceremony was conducted to reward all the trainees for their participation and enthusiasm. And the camp was finished off by dancing the Acid camp dance for the last time(:

After packing up all the stuff and we were all ready to go back to our HOME SWEET HOME! <3

*Bonus!

Reflection by one of the volunteers about the camp:

“ACID Camp ’11 is the first ACID Camp I’ve attended. In fact, it wasn’t too long ago before I started volunteering with the intellectually disabled. I must say it was a real eye-opener, because even though the beneficiaries are all intellectually disabled, you can see at the camp that the degree of disability varies greatly.

Seeing all the pespiration and effort volunteers put into coaching the beneficiaries to be independent, even as they support them, spurs me to do more for those who need our help in standing on their own.”

-WH-

Thanks so much to everyone who participated in this camp! Hope everyone have enjoyed themselves during the camp and of course created many precious memories (: It might be tiring but all the efforts are worthwhile right? Thumbs up to all the volunteers and residents!^^ Xin ku le!

With that, I shall end here then…

Bet she’s really tired… Xin ku le! Good bye everyone! Yawns.. hahaha

Precious Memories:

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Credits: Thanks Wenhui for pictures and SS for some of the ideas and the volunteer for the reflection =p

P.S. Really sorry for taking so long to do this post! And sorry that some of the pictures are not presented as they cannot be used openly…

 

 

1st October 2011- ACID Camp Preparation

After the two big events, we are finally resuming our regular projects J haha. Today, we mainly prepared for the props and dance required for the coming ACID camp! In fun fit 1, we did the musical instruments (peas in cups!), while in fun fit 2, TH chairperson taught the residents the ACID camp dance that he performed on MAF. Haha

In fun fit 1,

Sample of the musical instrument (: Shake shake!

Volunteer helping the resident to attach the 2 cups together (:

Residents sticking the cups together on his own J Good job!

 

Examples of the master pieces by the residents:

All of them are really creative and nice right? The residents are all doing a great job in decorating the instruments! Some were even modified with different shapes and using different materials instead of the usual cups and masking tape

Bonus:

While the residents were waiting for their turn to wash their hands, the volunteers start to self entertains and entertain the residents… hahaha… proof? See below:

Hahaha hope both of them won’t mind posting their awesome pictures here =p haha

During tea break:

One of the volunteers helping to plaid the resident’s hair (: so sweet right?  Haha

Fun fit 2:

The dancing section! Haha. This year ACID camp dance theme song is ‘Black and White’ by G.NA (:

The residents looking attentively and trying to follow the dance moves (:

 

Due to the space constraints, so we all shifted out of the room to learn the dance.

The volunteers leading the residents in the dance (: the residents were having a lot of fun and were working hard in learning the dance. Thumbs up for them!

 

Overall, it was an enjoyable session!(: Look forward to the next project next Saturday!

 

 

“MAKING A DIFFERENCE” !

 

 

 

 

Credits: Thanks Wen Hui for the photos!

Mid Autumn Festival 2011

On 24th Sept, we have our very own MAF celebration with the residents! There were series of station games, followed by the lantern and eating moon cake session(: It was really fun though it was a belated one. Haha.

Preparation for the station games:

There are several station games (: Top: 猜灯谜 station, Bottom: shooting sun station (remember the sun legend? Haha). There are also other stations like Pictionary and Mass dance (:

Let’s see some of the interactions between the volunteers and residents while waiting for the start of the games (:

*observed their smiling faces

First, start off with the猜灯谜 station- the residents have to find similar pictures corresponding to the picture (clue) inside the envelope attached to the lanterns.

E.g.

                                             One of the clues is the picture of Chang-e Jie Jie (:

The residents listening attentively to the station master (:

            One of the residents chose the pink lantern(: They really like pink! haha

Everyone searching high and low for the corresponding pictures that can be found around the whole playground! Jiayou!^^

A clever resident found the perfect location to hide the picture for the next group to find (: hahaha

At the “Shooting sun” station- the residents have to use water guns to shoot down the 9 suns

Station master explaining the rules of the game! (:

The station masters have to wear a poncho to prevent themselves from getting “attacked” by the water guns! Haha. Thumbs up for both station masters ((:

At the mass dance station- cute and easy follow dance song (from Barney!)

Station master leading the dance (: And even though she needs to repeat the dance for several times, she never complains ((:

At the Pictionary station- volunteer will draw a picture related to Mid Autumn and the residents will follow and pass down the row.

Residents and volunteers sitting in rows (:

Our 美女 station master explaining the rules of the game (: haha

Top: Volunteers drew a picture first, rabbit (first) and lantern (third), Bottom: Residents followed the picture drawn by the respective volunteers (second and fourth pic)

Some of the masterpieces:

Bonus pic:

Felix the cat! HAHAHA

After the station games, the residents went up for dinner and prepared for the lantern session!(:

Our dinner!

Plus the special performance (ACID dance) by the TH chairperson! (: hahahaha

* Highlights!

Volunteers preparing the lantern for the residents:

Starting of the walk (:

The residents were really excited for the walk! (: During the walk, many of them were singing their favourite songs! A nice bonding session between the volunteers and the residents (:

… We walked until a pavilion at a nearby park (: At there, several residents showcased their talent, such as singing, and put up great performance for us!

Top: Volunteers helped to light the lanterns for the residents again (:  Bottom: One of the lanterns was burnt! Haha

After that, we proceeded back to MV for the Moon cakes feast! hahaha

Residents enjoying the moon cakes (sponsored by Prima Deli) after the long walk:

                                            Yummy!

Thanks Prima Deli for the delicious moon cakes!

Volunteers teasing one of the residents =p hahaha

It was really an enjoyable session with the residents! Thumbs up for all the volunteers and residents! Hope everyone enjoyed the celebration ((: HAPPY MID AUTUMN FESTIVAL!^^ 中秋节快乐!

(Credits: Thanks Calvin and Wen Hui for the photos )

TH 6th Anniversary Celebration!^^

On the 17^th Sept, we have our very own belated TH 6^th Anniversary Celebration! Haha. Many of our volunteers came down early to help preparing for this SPECIAL day (:

Preparation:

TH chairperson preparing the sound system(:

While some volunteers help in decorating the hall(: It was quite “scary” when decorating the hall with balloons (below) as they keep bursting>< and our balloon supply is running “low” too… hehe

Other volunteers also help to pack the presents (full of delicious snacks!):

One of our volunteers nicely wrapping the present (:

It was really nice to see all the volunteers working hard together and having fun while preparing for this event. Plus the new volunteers came down to help out too!

After all the hard work.. Tada!

After all the bursting of the balloons, we finally managed to form the word ‘6^TH’, which means both 6^th anniversary and 6 yrs old Terra Hope (TH)! Haha.

Some of the stations for station games:

First: Kungfu Soccer, Second: Modelling, Third: Magic show, Fourth: Music/Singing corner (One of the new volunteers, J, preparing himself ) and the last station is “Who is Picasso?” (drawing)

Last preparation:

Briefing session for the new volunteers  They are really attentive! Thumbs up! Haha

The awesome group leaders having their final discussion(:

And we are all ready to start! First, we start off with series of station games (as mentioned above)..

Arranging the residents into 4 groups: 6^th, TH, Anni, Versary

Interactions between volunteers and volunteers(: It’s really heart-warming to witness such scenes don’t you think so?(:

At the Kung Fu Soccer station:

High Five between a volunteer and resident!

YAY GOAL! Good job! It’s really cute aye?((:

One of our residents, who is really good at kung fu, doing kung fu movements with one of the volunteers (: Don’t you think the resident is doing better than the volunteer?? Hahaha

At the “Who is Picasso?” station:

The creative residents drawing intently(:

End product:

Wow! Some are really impressive right? (:

At the Magic show station:

Our magician (Elvin) showing the residents the “bottle trick” where the floating ketchup pack can suddenly sink to the bottom of the bottle. Amazing aye? (Tip: density!)

Other magic tricks! Left: Make the coin disappear! Right: Card trick!

Singing station:

One of the JJs serenading for the residents (: And actively asking the residents to participate!

P.S. Sorry not much footage for this station but bet the residents really enjoyed it because they love singing! (:

Modelling station:

Residents queuing up to choose their favourite costume and props (:

The residents are having a lot of fun while performing their catwalk and photo shoot! (:

Volunteers also participated! Haha

                                           Surprisingly XY outfit totally suit the witch image! haha

And not to forget:

The AWESOME demonstration by the volunteers! ㅋㅋㅋ!

After the station games, the residents went upstairs for dinner and prepare themselves for the performances at night! Whereas, the volunteers have our D&D (dinner and discussion) session(:

Our dinner(finishing though)! Yummy!

Dinner + Bonding session between volunteers (: And also discussing for the performances later.

Performance time!

The two emcees, Dar Dar and Ling Ling! (:

Exciting performances are put up by the different groups! One example below:

                                            hahaha why are everyone laughing??

Prize ceremony (presented by Mindsville Person-in-Charge):

                                            4th place(:

Pauline’s group got 3rd (: yay! Sorry no photo because of some reasons.. hehs

                                            2nd place(:

                                        1st place! Yay Ah Gong wins!(: haha

Winning is not important! Most importantly is everyone had fun and a good laugh right? haha. Everyone did well! thumbs up!

Volunteers serenading for the residents led by the 2 JJ (:

Meanwhile, birthday cakes are prepared for the residents…

And last but not least…

The performance put up by both NUS chair and vice-chair! They are singing 童话 by 光良, with piano accompaniment by one of the JJ. Very 深情 hor? Haha

It was a wonderful day spent for both the residents and volunteers! After not seeing each other for quite a long period of time, both the residents and volunteers are really excited! The residents really enjoyed themselves (from their smiling faces) and so did the volunteers! (:

Bonus pic:

It’s really sweet to see how close the residents are, isn’t it? (:

It has been 6 years since the establishment of TERRA HOPE! It has help to bring a lot of fun to the residents as well as helping them to integrate back to the society. Hope this meaningful project will continue, bringing more fun and creating more precious memories for the residents, as well as for the volunteers! Thumbs up to all the volunteers and the residents for making this event a success! Thank you everyone! 감사합니다! Hahaha.

Lastly, HAPPY 6^th BIRTHDAY! ^^

BYE! ㅋㅋㅋ! =p

 

 

 

 

(credits: Thanks Calvin and Wen Hui for the pictures! )

P.S. Sorry for the super late post! haha. Hope everyone likes the post! I’m still a newbie in blogging, forgive me if there is any mistakes, ok? hehes

Happy 6th Anniversary! (3rd September)

On 3^rd September, we had a mini celebration for TH 6^th Anniversary after our CW visit! (:

Instead of using cake, we have mooncakes (contributed by VC)! (:

We sang ‘Happy Birthday’ song in both English and Chinese ver. And one of our volunteers “playing” a song on the keyboard that totally suits the mood! haha

Happy birthday to you~

Happy birthday to you~~

Happy birthday to Terra Hope!

Happy Birthday to you <3

Two chairpersons cutting the ‘cake’ together but not properly aligned… haha

… So our sweet VC helped to cut the remaining portion (:

End product:

Not bad! The mooncakes taste nice i guess(; haha

Both Dar Dar and Ling Ling enjoying the mooncakes (:

Overall, the CW visit was enjoyable! And we have new volunteers joining us too((: Though the mini celebration was kind of impromptu, it was really heartwarming(: Terra Hope, HAPPY 6^th BIRTHDAY! 生日快乐! お誕生日おめでとうございます ! 생일축하합니다 ! Selamat hari jadi! hahaha!