Companion Yu Mei Ha

I heard of Camp Quality by accident at a get-together with some friends. I had not thought of becoming a member of Camp Quality because I did not think I was able to take the responsibility. At one of their Christmas party, I had a go and took part in the activity, which offered me a different light to the situation. It was a precious experience for campers and companions enjoying themselves by supporting and helping each other. It has been almost four years since I joined Camp Quality, and I try my best to participate in the activities so long as my schedule allows me. I think I may have benefited more from doing so than the children who I help.

I remember during a China camp activity arranged with the children from the Mainland, one camper told me he was very fond of the camping activities organized by Camp Quality. He would, every time prior to the camp, get his homework done as soon as possible, and he even brought his homework with him to take part in the activity so that he could finish it at night. Fearing that his classmates knew his disease, he was unwilling to share happiness with them at school. I could not help admired them when I found out that they were far more sensible than children of their own age.

I think everyone has to face various problems at different stages in their life, which perhaps is the challenge! Children are entitled to enjoy their innocent life freely; but these children don’t know why they have to experience long-term physical and psychological sufferings. Seldom will people, if they have never had similar experience, understand the pain and suffering these children endure, as a result of the long period of treatment. These children, due to particular circumstances, become more mature and adamant and cherish life more than others.

A camper once said during an activity that he often quarreled with his brothers so that his parents would worry. He was sorry and realized that he needed to learn how to get along with other people. How can we imagine that he, viewed by others as a problem child seemed to be mature enough to know what’s right from wrong?

Now I take each activity or event as they come so that I can appreciate and enjoy the experience and be able to spread happiness to the children I encounter at camps because we don’t know when we will be apart. Who knows? So, why not enjoy the moment wholeheartedly, encouraging and supporting one another? This is what we should value most.

Yu Mei Ha - Camp Quality Companion