by Mr Wong Boon Onn
I brought my daughters for the 5th annual Fathers and Children Camp. This is my third time attending the popular Fathers and Children Camp. I still vividly remember the first camp I went for, together with my eldest daughter, Chelsea. Back then, my younger daughter, Debbie, was not able to attend as she did not make the age limit, so she made me promise to take her once she was old enough. In 2011, I finally fulfilled my promise when my two daughters and I attended the camp in Kota Tinggi, Malaysia. After having much fun, we were back for more in 2012 at Christ Church Secondary School in Woodlands, Singapore!
Leaving for the Camp
The Fathers and Children Camp 2012 coincides with the National Royal Ranger 7th Camporamara, which resulted in a camp of a larger scale. More than 600 children from different churches attended the camp.
Test of courage
At the camp, I witnessed my daughters’ remarkable growth, particularly my younger daughter, Debbie. She used to be shy and cry most of the time, but at this camp, I was amazed at her determination as she practiced her rope craft so as to earn the remaining Palau Ubin pin to complete the Singapore map collection – one of the activities at the Fathers and Children Camp 2012. After much practice, she plucked up her courage and walked over to the commander-in-charge confidently to demonstrate her rope craft. When she finally earned the pin, I could sense her satisfaction and was proud of her efforts.
Looking back, I must say from personal experience that the Fathers and Children Camp can be physically exhausting for the fathers, although ultimately it is worth it! After all, how many years do we have with our children before they grow up – 10 years?
I truly thank God for the opportunity to attend the Fathers and Children Camps together with my daughters, as it was through these camps that I was able to spend precious moments creating fond memories together with them in their growing years.
Every single activity performed together with our children at the camp is imprinted in their childhood memories and will become a part of their lives. Such an unforgettable experience is definitely worth the time and effort put in!