YMCA Inclusive Camp 2025: Fostering Empathy, Unity, and Inclusivity Across Cultures and Abilities
Last Updated (Thursday, 31 July 2025 17:48)
YMCA Inclusive Camp 2025: Fostering Empathy, Unity, and Inclusivity Across Cultures and Abilities
From 30 June to 4 July 2025, YMCA of Singapore organised the YMCA Inclusive Camp 2025 — a vibrant intercultural gathering of youths aimed at fostering empathy, collaboration, and inclusivity. The camp, held at YMCA of Singapore and Sarimbun Scout Campsite, brought together youths living with autism and intellectual disabilities and youth volunteers and leaders from YMCA of Shanghai, Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong, YMCA of Makati and YMCA of Singapore.
Over 50 youths participated in the camp. Through collaboration and shared challenges, participants engaged in experiential learning that promotes personal growth, mutual understanding and the development of body, mind and spirit. These included activities such as tent-pitching, and low- and high-element obstacle courses, including the Universal Design (UD) Element — a fully accessible adventure facility designed for youths with physical or developmental challenges. The UD Zipline experience was a powerful moment of inclusion, with youths cheering one another on and conquering fears together.
Guest-of-Honour, Mr Eric Chua, Senior Parliamentary Secretary (SPS) for the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) of Singapore visited the camp together with Mr Albert Ching, Board Director of YMCA of Singapore and Ms Wu Mei Ling, General Secretary and CEO of YMCA of Singapore, to cheer the participants on. SPS Eric Chua delivered an uplifting message on inclusion and the role of youth in shaping a more caring society.
The camp successfully broke down barriers across cultures, abilities and social backgrounds. Participants learned that inclusivity begins with shared human experiences. Many Uni-Y members noted how their perspectives shifted after interacting with peers with special needs and understanding the challenges they and their caregivers face. Participant Kelly Tay shared how she overcame initial nervousness and quickly bonded with campers, noting the heartwarming connections that formed. Hannah Chew emphasised the joy of working together with people from diverse backgrounds, highlighting the importance of building a caring community. Dior Lim reflected on her first experience working with youths with special needs, where simple moments like a costume-making activity reminded her to appreciate the little things in life and embrace others for who they are.
Other notable reflections on the camp included:
“I stepped out of my comfort zone and found out what I can do better every day.”
- Mr Chan On Tik, Uni-Y Participant from Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong
“Participating in activities with our friends with special needs made us genuinely feel that they can be independent on their own. We feel really happy for them!”
- Miss Shi Mingyue, Participant from YMCA of Shanghai
Each participant left the camp with a deeper understanding of inclusivity and lasting friendships.
