Volunteering in Singapore

Image (RHS) adapted from: Youth Corps Singapore

There’s a slew of new things to do every month, but this March is special: your calendar’s sure to be filled to the brim with the likes of art jamming and inclusive sports. The running theme across all activities? You’re wholeheartedly giving back to the community and having fun while doing so.

It doesn’t matter if you’re a first-time or regular volunteer – here are 7 volunteering activities to get you started:

– Workshops & activities –

1. Trash to Treasure – upcycling workshops with seniors

Making Instagram-worthy lamps with old glass bottles.
Image credit: @terravillage

Everyone’s gotten into the spirit of Kondo-ing their homes, but there’s no reason for discarded items to go to waste. Over at upcycling workshop Trash to Treasure, you and a group of seniors will be learning just that by transforming what some might disdainfully term as trash into treasured trinkets.

Image credit: Youth Corps Singapore

The workshop is led by Terra SG – you’ll be making home decor pieces like coconut husk planters and practical knick knacks like coin pouches. You’re sure to bond with the seniors quickly since lunch will be provided and there are plenty of group activities to break the ice.

There are 2 separate workshops: the first at Heartbeat@Bedok on 16 March and the second at Marina Barrage Courtyard Room on 22 March. The latter has the option to visit Marina Barrage’s Sustainable Singapore Gallery too!

When: Orientation & Training: 7:30PM-9PM, 9 March 2019 | Event: Heartbeat@Bedok – 8AM-2:30PM, 16 March 2019 & Marina Barrage – 10AM-3:45PM, 22 March 2019
Where: Heartbeat@Bedok & Marina Barrage Courtyard Room

Volunteer for Trash to Treasure as a:

• Volunteer Coordinator
• Social Media Volunteer
• Volunteer Event Photographer

Find out more and sign up to volunteer for Trash to Treasure here.

2. Art-bilities – art jamming with Persons With Intellectual Disabilities

Image credit: Youth Corps Singapore

You don’t have to be a full-fledged artist to join Art-bilities – anyone can get crafty with recycled materials. As a workshop led by National Arts Council, you’ll be befriending Persons With Intellectual Disabilities through a fun art jamming sesh. Lunch will also be provided so you’ll learn more about each other over a meal.  

When: Orientation & Training: 9 March 2019 | Event: 8:30AM-2PM, 9, 20 & 23 March 2019
Where: The Red Box, 113 Somerset Road, Singapore 238165 

Volunteer for Art-bilities as:

• Volunteer Coordinator
• Logistics Crew
• Volunteer Photographer
• Social Media Volunteer

Find out more and sign up to volunteer for Art-bilities here.

3. Sport-bilities – sport activities with Persons With Intellectual Disabilities

Image credit: Youth Corps Singapore

There’s a real sense of comradery when it comes to team sports, and that’s exactly what happens at Sport-bilities, an event led by SportCares with specially tailored activities for Persons With Intellectual Disabilities. Keeping active works wonders for both mind and body – besides encouraging the use of social and motor skills, it’s a fun way for PWIDs to get involved.

When: Orientation & Training: 9AM-12:30PM, 9 March 2019 | Event: 8AM-5PM, 16 March 2019 
Where: Sport Hall of Heartbeat@Bedok, 11 Bedok North Street 1, Singapore 469662 

Volunteer for Sport-bilities as:

• Game Master
• Logistics Crew
• Social Media Volunteer
• Volunteer Coordinator

Find out more and sign up to volunteer for Sport-bilities here.

– Guided walking trails –

4 . Nurture in Nature – nature trails & art activities with children

Image credit: Youth Corps Singapore

With Nurture in Nature, you’ll be wandering through Singapore’s leafy spots with children. Many simply dismiss Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve as ulu, but it’s filled with plenty of wildlife and migratory birds – everything from otters to kingfishers. There’ll also be a lineup of arts and crafts activities, for children to make their own binoculars and origami creations.

When: Orientation & Training: 7:30AM-12:30PM, 9 March 2019 | Event: 7AM-2PM, 19 & 23 March 2019
Where: Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve

Volunteer for Nurture in Nature as:

• Volunteer Coordinator
• Station Master
• Social Media Volunteer

Find out more and sign up to volunteer for Nurture in Nature here. 

5. A Walk Around Little India

Explore Little India with A Walk Around Little India, a guided trail that winds through heritage sites like Singapore’s oldest Hindu temple and conserved shophouses.

Image credit: @hindusingapore

Each volunteer will buddy up with a child – you’ll be with them the entire day – and you’ll be visiting the galleries of Indian Heritage Centre.

When: Orientation & Training: 9 March 2019 | Event: 8:30AM-3PM, 16 March 2019 & 8:30AM-3PM, 21 March 2019
Where: Little India 

Volunteer for A Walk Around Little India as:

• Volunteer Coordinator
• Station Master
• Logistics Crew
• Volunteer Event Photographer
• Social Media Volunteers

Find out more and sign up to volunteer for A Walk Around Little India here.

6. A Walk Around Kampong Glam

Image credit: @furkan3000

Another area that’s worth exploring is Kampong Glam, with A Walk Around Kampong Glam. You’ll be bringing children around sites like Malay Heritage Centre, Bussorah Street, and Masjid Sultan. There’ll also be a traditional Malay music performance by NUS Dikir Barat, craft activities, and Malay kueh sampling.

Image credit: Youth Corps Singapore

When: Orientation & Training: 9 March 2019 | Event: 9:15AM-4:45PM, 19 & 23 March 2019
Where: Malay Heritage Centre Auditorium, 85 Sultan Gate, Singapore 198501  

Volunteer for A Walk Around Kampong Glam as:

• Volunteer Coordinator
• Volunteer Event Photographer
• Social Media Volunteer
• Station Master

Find out more and sign up to volunteer for A Walk Around Kampong Glam here.

7. A Walk Around Kreta Ayer

Image credit: Youth Corps Singapore

For those interested in Chinese heritage, take the chance to go on A Walk Around Kreta Ayer. You’ll be leading children around Chinatown where they can learn more about the role of Chinese immigrants – there’ll also be a lantern-making workshop and other craft activities.

When: Orientation & Training: 9 March 2019 | Event: 8AM-3PM, 20 & 23 March 2019
Where: Kreta Ayer Community Club, 28A Kreta Ayer Road, Singapore 088995 

Volunteer for A Walk Around Kreta Ayer as:

• Volunteer Befriender
• Volunteer Event Photographer
• Social Media Volunteer
• Station Master

Find out more and sign up to volunteer for A Walk Around Kreta Ayer here.

Volunteering for Youth Corps Service Week

Start your volunteering journey with Youth Corps Service Week – there are more than 1,100 opportunities from 16 to 23 March 2019. With the launch event coming soon at Heartbeat@Bedok, they’ve got an exciting lineup that’s sure to get you into the spirit of volunteering – look forward to giant games, mass exercise sessions, digital clinics, and community simulation booths.

Whether you’re art jamming or walking the trails of Singapore’s heritage sites, there’s plenty for you to try this March. Quick tip for first-time volunteers: you can hone your volunteering skills with Youth Corps Service Week lead-in workshops – they’ve got group activities, sharing sessions, and expert-led talks.

Find out more about Youth Corps Service Week here!

This post was brought to you by Youth Corps Singapore.