Children with chronic illnesses attend medically-supervised Camp Rainbow in Singapore
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Club Rainbow (Singapore) hosted its annual Camp Rainbow from May 31 to June 2, 2025, providing a medically supervised recreational experience for 65 children aged six to 16 with chronic illnesses. Held at D'Resort @ Downtown East in Pasir Ris, the event featured 113 volunteers, including 22 doctors and nurses.Most participants were paired with a befriender to ensure safety and companionship throughout the three-day, two-night camp. Those with special needs or disabilities were assigned two befrienders for additional assistance.Also read: Top insolvency lawyer and former Rajah & Tann managing partner Patrick Ang dies at 61 The camp itinerary included outdoor games at Pasir Ris Park, an indoor campfire event at the Singapore University of Technology and Design, and a sports carnival at Goodwood Park Hotel. Campers were organized into six groups, each accompanied by a dedicated doctor and nurse, with additional medical staff on standby.Camp Rainbow began in 1991 before the official formation of Club Rainbow (Singapore) the following year. Executive Director Teo Siang Loong noted that a group of volunteers launched the camp after identifying the lack of recreational opportunities for children with chronic illnesses.'Camp Rainbow existed before Club Rainbow. The organization was born out of the camp in 1992 because the volunteers realized there was so much more they could do for these kids,' Teo said.Volunteers continue to be the foundation of the program. They include tertiary students, working adults, and medical professionals, many of whom return annually. Among them is Dr. Junaidah Badron, a senior staff physician at KK Women's and Children's Hospital. After 11 years with Camp Rainbow, she currently serves as medical director on Club Rainbow's management council.Also read: From IP to cosplay influencer: Singapore student builds career in fashion and wig design 'The overnight camp offers these children an opportunity to build independence and confidence as they are away from their parents,' Dr. Junaidah said.Two participants, Syarifah Alawiyah Alaydrus, age seven, and Annabel Ong, age 12, received special arrangements due to their medical conditions.Alawiyah, diagnosed with osteogenesis imperfecta, a severe brittle bone disease, attended as a day camper. She used a wheelchair and received support from staff nurse Nurdiyanah Shaiffah, who served as her befriender.Annabel, diagnosed with central hypoventilation syndrome, a sleep-related breathing disorder, did not stay overnight with the other campers. Her father, Ken Ong, booked a room at the same resort to ensure close proximity while she participated in daytime activities.Her favorite activity was the indoor campfire and group dance performance. 'In that instant, they were simply children dancing and having fun, not defined by disabilities or special needs,' said her befriender Eileen Chang, a volunteer from Singapore Management University.Also read: Singapore faces tough times as US tariff move to hit growth, jobs Club Rainbow (Singapore) emphasizes the value of inclusive community engagement . Executive Director Teo Siang Loong explained that the camp helps young volunteers better understand the challenges faced by children with chronic conditions.'We aim to develop community inclusivity by giving volunteers the opportunity to engage with the vulnerable,' Teo said. 'Through this interaction, we hope they will gain a better understanding and realize that this group, although vulnerable, are not very different from able-bodied or neurotypical individuals.'The organization continues to support children with chronic illnesses through year-round programs and outreach, building resilience and social connection among its young beneficiaries.
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