Easter Camp - April 5th - 7th 2002

A crowd of over 150 campers and companions gathered at Kowloon Tong KCRC station on Friday afternoon of April 5th to embark on a much-anticipated 3-day camping trip. About half of the crowd were newcomers to the camp and all held a sense of new adventure.

After a 45-minute scenic ride on two double-decker buses, we arrived at the Sai Kung Jockey Club Outdoor training camp. The kids were already running around rather excitedly as soon as we arrived. The first order of the day was to get everyone organized into their respective camp houses, which were clean and tidy, and had exceptional views of the water.

The first event of the day was a BBQ, and as some kids put it, "a real BBQ!" Everyone got a chance to burn a few hotdogs and taste their own cooking.

The success of Camp Quality is not a given if not for many of the supporters, loving and caring individuals who devote their time and effort to this cause. Amongst the group was one individual who has dedicated his life to the cause of childhood cancer. This was Prof. Patrick Yuen, who was honoured with an evening of children's performances in his recognition. It was very moving to see the children performing their great many talents, including singing, playing various musical instruments including the trumpet, keyboard and a Chinese music instrument 'Zheng'. It was amazing to see the ease and lack of nervousness on stage. Thank you Professor Yuen!

Highlight of the opening night of the camp: Surprise guests were there to welcome the kids. There were screams of excitement as "Twins"; popular twosome singers were announced.

It was unforgettable to see the twinkle in the kids' eyes, the light in their faces, and the excitement in their voice as they whispered "Ttttwwwins ah!!"

Every kid, including the adult kids! Could not wait for their turn to take pictures with Twins. To top this surprise, all the kids brought home a souvenir of a CD autographed by Twins. Our special thanks to Mrs Judy Mui for arranging this wonderful surprise for the kids.

After the excitement of the night, the next morning saw many of us rising early at 6 a.m. It was time for the main attraction of the camp - the Hot Air Balloon rides.

For many, it was a once in a lifetime adventure. Some kids were very excited but a bit scared when they rose into the sky in this big basket with fire blowing into this huge 'tent'. Even the sky was good to us as it only started to rain once everyone finished riding!

A special arrangement was also made to have members from the Hong Kong Yo-Yo Society to come on site and perform as well as teach the kids the amazing tricks with this great toy. Three members were sent over by the society because of their personal love of the yo-yo and we were very fortunate to have them at camp because all the boys were busy performing and competing all over Hong Kong. Our childern were completely mesmerized and you could hear them say "Wow! Look at this!" It really was a world of fun on a string for childern of all ages!

The next activity on this fun filled, well-organized camp was the arts & craft session and the Easter egg competition.

It was a chance to take a breather after the excitement of the morning to let the kids and adults show off their creative painting talents in coming up with the beautiful Easter eggs.

It would not be Easter Camp without an "Easter Egg Hunt". To see and to hear the laughter as the excited kids all scrambling and running around to gather as many chocolate eggs as they could was well worth all the efforts. After all, they were 'chocolate' Easter eggs and everyone loves those.

The evening of the second day saw the kids and friends gathered around playing and competing in some fun games. It was very gratifying to see all the interaction among their buddies increasing. It was certainly a time to play, to learn and to be a team together.

Before departing on the third day, there were many more activities planned for the different age groups, including: an arts & craft session, rafting and canoeing, even rock climbing for the venturesome types. Of course all activities were held under professional supervision and everyone had such a wonderful time.

It was then time to pack ourselves onto the 2 double-decker buses to take us back to Kowloon Tong, where the kid's parents were waiting. There was sadness in all of us knowing that we have to temporarily part from our friends until we see each other again.

In all of these three days events, the most memorable ones were the times when we hear the children's laughter, their anticipation and the excitement in their eyes and faces when they looked forward to something. Even their bouts of mischief and naughtiness were mere reflections and reminders to us that they were after all, still children. Our hearts went out to those that wanted to be there but could not make it, and we wish that they get well soon.