SUMMER CAMP
Cheung Muk Tau Holiday Centre, Ma On Shan

Traditionally held during the second weekend in August, our Camp Quality summer camp went ahead despite some adverse weather conditions in Hong Kong! Our campsite was the Cheung Muk Tau Holiday Centre at Ma On Shan.

This wonderful summer retreat offered our children an array of sporting, recreational and cultural activities. Boasting an indoor swimming pool, various carp ponds, a vegetable garden, tea garden, cycling path and spacious recreational areas, the holiday centre felt more like a resort than a campsite. We could hardly believe such a place existed in
Hong Kong.

Sleeping arrangements saw no more than four campers to a room, each of which was air-conditioned, spacious and comfortable. The camp cafe created a tasty variety of wholesome "camp food". The chicken wings and spare ribs became a camp favourite and the "yellow bean pudding" was really something to write home about!

The "Arts & Crafts Room" was a favourite among campers. The children painted faces and tattoos, made decorative masks, friendship bracelets and necklaces. The companions and Camp Quality staff were kept busy helping to inspire the campers
to try new things and learn new skills! This camp allowed many of the more enthusiastic campers to participate in new arts and crafts projects such as tie-dye and silk-screen printing. For the less active kids, board games were also available for them to play.

Our Campers just loved throwing on their swimsuits and escaping the August heat by the pool! It was very cute to see the companions teaching the kids the fundamentals of swimming!!

The children were also given the chance to race and compete with each other and play water games with their friends. Our two excellent St. John's volunteers who were manning the pool when swimming was allowed, covered the rules of the pool and the safety aspects. The centre also had two qualified lifeguards on duty. Thankfully none of their services were required!

Archery instruction and safety procedures were given to all campers before they are allowed to participate. Campers shot at targets and ended the session with the "winners circle".

The weather was unfortunately very unsettled on Saturday morning, which meant we could not launch the Camp Quality balloon, normally the highlight of our camp. However, arrangements were made to take the children to see "Stuart Little 2" at the UA Cinema in Tseung Kwan O.

Friday evening's entertainment was certainly a night to remember, we were treated to a wonderful collection of popular and classical music scores with an added twist.

These were very well performed by our own Harry Wong and his friends, the "Trio" group which kept us all in stitches with their added comedy elements. Companion Thomas Li even braved the audience and burst into song to the surprise of everyone!

On Saturday night, our games committee helped to create camp unity by leading team building games, cooperative play and initiatives with each group. The aim of the group activities was to bring out the best in ech camper. We split the children into four groups and the games are designed to foster new friendships, learning and self-confidence.

It was great to see some familiar faces with many children being repeat campers, and to see them mixing and making new friends with the new campers. We also had the biggest turnout of new companions ever on this camp.

As all good things must come to end, it was not long before it was time to pack our bags and go home on the Sunday. It was certainly a wet and stormy camp but that didn't dampen the fun had by all the children and the companions. Finally, we would also like to particularly thank the Rotary Club of Kowloon North who funded this summer camp through their fundraising efforts at the "Camp Hollywood" ball.