Camp OutReach '09 Committee - Programmers

Programmers (aka PRO) are the people who source for possible destinations and plan the exciting and fun-filled programmes that we are going to experience during COR 09! Let's listen to what they've got to say!

Name: Tabitha Tan Hui Ting

Course: Business/Year 1

Email: tweety_tabby@hotmail.com

Tabitha is someone who loves travelling, camps and even more so - adventures! Hence, she decided to join as a programmer so that she is able to share her wonderful travel experiences. What makes joining COR meaningful, is the ability for her to share her passion with the hearing impaired, people who she has never had a close experience with. Thus, Tabitha is looking forward to seeing everyone stepping out of their comfort zone to help others who are in greater need than themselves!

Name: Low Ying Xu

Course: Business/Yr 1

Email: slamdunk161@hotmail.com

5 years ago, Ying Xu went to an orphanage in Thailand and interacted with Deaf children - they're lovely and the feeling was overwhelming. Ever since she came back to Singpapore, she went to SaDeaf to volunteer. Ying Xu hopes that she can help make a difference in all their lives for she believes that each of them hears melodious music within them.

Name: Goh Yeh Lin

Course: Econs/Yr 1

Email: Sandrock_87@hotmail.com

Interview

1) Why do you want to join the Camp Outreach Organising Committee?

Yeh Lin: I got to know about COR through the word of mouth. COR is unique. While other overseas expeditions and community involvement projects strives to give aid to foreign countries and communities, COR believes in helping the local population as well. I feel that I can give back to the local society and impact the lives of others, as well as craft a meaningful experience for myself during this stint as a programmer for COR.


2) What does your role as Programmers require you to do?

Ying Xu: The role of the programmer denotes the planning and scheduling of activities and itineraries for the upcoming COR. The programmers act as a platform of communication between the various tour agencies and operators with the COR committee as well as the school. The essence of the work of programmers involves liaising with the agencies and sourcing for potential destinations to meet the requirements set for the camp. We strive to bring out the potential of every individual participant of the camp, endeavors to create beautiful COR’09 memories.


3) How have the economic recession affected COR 09's choice of destination? Will this make our trip less fun?

Tabitha: The un-timely economic recession has its adverse impact on the planning process of COR ’09. Faced with shrinking wallets, reduced sponsorships and tightening belts, funding for COR has definitely taken a blow. As such, we are restricted to destinations of closer proximity to reduce the expenses on air travels and other administrative costs. Regardless, we try to our best of abilities to keep the gist of the camp same. Activities would be kept to our pre-planned criteria, a fun and adventurous COR would definitely be the top on the list of our priorities! As the camp motto goes "where friendship emerges, where determination conquers" we believe that determination and friendship would carry us far no matter the distance or location! Do look out for the latest COR Newsletter for further trip details!


4) Any challenges you all have met thus far and how did you overcome them?

Besides the budget constraints, the main challenge of planning for COR’09 has been corresponding with external agencies for quotes and to work hand in hand to formulate a program on a basis of mutual understanding and co-operation. We also need to sieve out potential destinations which fit our bill from seemingly infinite possibilities. With persistence and determination, with a clear goal in mind, we will overcome these glitches.


5) What are some of the exciting programmes we can look forward to? What do you hope the participants can gain or achieve from COR 09?

We have activities such as mountain trekking as well as real wilderness camping experience in stalls for the upcoming COR. Well then, I shall not divulge too much on the "top secret" itineraries! Rests assure, it would definitely be one which you wouldn’t want to miss! The programmers strongly believe in stretching the physical and mental limits of every participant. Activities are challenging, but definitely manageable.

Lastly, with a helping hand from friends and fellow participants nothing is impossible! Strong bonds of friendship and everlasting memories are forged from unforgettable experiences!