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:
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:
Find out more and sign up to volunteer for Trash to Treasure here.
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:
Find out more and sign up to volunteer for Art-bilities here.
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:
Find out more and sign up to volunteer for Sport-bilities here.
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:
Find out more and sign up to volunteer for Nurture in Nature here.
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:
Find out more and sign up to volunteer for A Walk Around Little India here.
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:
Find out more and sign up to volunteer for A Walk Around Kampong Glam here.
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:
Find out more and sign up to volunteer for A Walk Around Kreta Ayer here.
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.
This post was brought to you by Youth Corps Singapore.
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