Companion So Chi Leong

I still remember my first experience at Camp Quality, it was in summer 2004. That was my first time and it was a rather special experience. I became interested in the camping activities from this initial contact. As a member of the St John’s First-aid organization, I was only in charge of simple first-aid cases. I never imagined I would also become a camp companion.

I am an outgoing and fun person. Therefore I was able to integrate into the camps very quickly and had a great time with the campers and companions. Before becoming a companion that was not really the case. I was rather moody and would remain silent if I was in bad mood. Being with the campers, I started to learn to be patient and to respect different opinions. Most importantly, I realized that I should treasure all the people and things around me.

I was deeply moved during a day trip to the Ocean Park last November. That was a sunny day, and as usual I was having a great time playing with the campers. While we were playing on some of the different amusements rides, I met one of our campers.

I saw her stepping down a long range of steps very slowly. Beside her were two companions, one carrying her wheelchair, the other holding her hand tightly and escorting her down the steps.

Then I asked her curiously, “Hey little girl, the steps are long. How about I carry you down the steps?” I walked toward her and was ready to carry her on my back but she politely refused. At that time I was very confused, not because of her refusal, but because she did not even look at me when refusing me. I suddenly noticed she was blind. I asked her again but she insisted to walk down the steps by herself. I was deeply moved by her determination and willpower and I believed that she could walk down by herself.

Successfully, she conquered the steps. I talked to her and she was really brave, the physical handicap meant almost nothing to her. She played and enjoyed half of all the amusement rides in the park and she shared her experience and feelings with me excitedly. I admired her braveness and morale very much. Many boys could not even compare themselves to her!

I know we can all be weak sometimes, certainly including me! Now, whenever I am unhappy, I will recall the girl and her struggle against fate. It makes me enlightened and inspired. I will now courageously face all the hardships in my life, rather than stagger there complaining about my ill fate.

I hope I can take part in the camp activities with this camper, to share her happiness and to see the world from her point of view.

In conclusion, I treasure all the laughter with all the campers and companions. I look forward to having more opportunities to take part in the camp events; to share every memorable moment with all the campers, companions and friends and enrich my life experience.

So Chi Leung (Ah So)