ETHELONTÊR
Ethelontêr or "Spirit of Volunteerism" in Greek is a
social volunteering camp for incoming NUS students, and has been running annually since June 2004!
Ethelontêr aims to promotes interactions between students and community members through volunteering with different sectors, and introduce NUS CSC with its myriad of volunteering opportunities!
We hope to help build an enthusiastic youth volunteering community within NUS.
In addition, Ethelontêr also hopes to facilitate the meeting of like-minded youths, and the forging of meaningful, lasting friendships. Over the past 19 years, Ethelontêr has become one of the club's most crucial projects as a substantial number of freshmen, councillors and members of the Organizing Committee go on to serve the community by participating in the club's
Regular Volunteering Programmes (RVPs) and Special Projects (SPs).
(but not at the beach because it rained 🙁)
PAST ITERATIONS
Ethelontêr XIX with over 70 freshmen took part in a fully physical 4 day 3 nights camp! As part of Volunteer Extravaganza, we engaged over 200 community members from 9 partner organisations, a portion of whom were even brought outdoors to Gardens by the Bay, Jewel and the National Museum of Singapore!
The freshmen took part in fun-filled activities such as Amazing Race, Mass Games and Cluedo planned by the Programmes cell. Additionally, we had a beach day which was supposed to be at Sentosa, but due to bad weather, beach day was brought indoors instead.
ETHELONTÊR XVI
Ethelontêr XVI took in a capacity of up to 70 freshmen and 70 councillors. The camp took place over 4 days 3 nights where everyone immersed themselves in action-packed programmes and thought-provoking experiences!
Planning of Ethelontêr XVI started in February 2019 with the recruitment of Organising Committee, Key Councillors and Councillors. It is certainly joyous to see many familiar faces from Ethelontêr XV joining and taking up various new capacities - serving as testament to the enduring impact and legacy of Ethelontêr!
In the months that led up to June, the organising committee worked tirelessly reviewing and testing their plans to ensure a flawless orientation experience for the freshmen. Key councillors and councillors also spared no efforts in preparation to welcome freshmen, acting almost as an extension of the committee.
The journey with Ethelontêr XVI kicked off in June with some ice breakers and Internal Hunt, where Orientation Groups (OGs) had a campus wide hunt for stations where exciting and competitive games await! Through the exploration of the campus, freshmen were orientated to the Kent Ridge Campus and also got to break the ice with their fellow OG members. On that night, freshmen met their Special Buddy for the very first time. Buddies whom they would be spending time with over the course of the next few days to get to know each other better!
GALLERY
HEAR FROM OUR VOLUNTEERS
Ethelontêr XV was the first camp I'd joined in NUS as a freshman and through it I'd experienced volunteering with like-minded individuals. It was also why I'd join as an OC memeber in Ethelontêr XVI, as I was inspired to help create another fun-filled and fulfilling experience for upcoming freshmen! :))
My first experience in CSC was Ethelontêr XVI and I've no regrets joining it. Even though it was tough and tiring as we put in effort to make sur ethe camp was safe, fun and meaningful. It was all worth it when friendships were built, and seeing everyone enjoyed themselves in the camp.
One of the biggest takeaway from this camp is the joy of volunteering. During Volunteer Extravaganza, one of the elderly told me that he was very happy that we were there to spend time with them. I realised how our simple act like spending time together with the beneficiaries can make a huge difference to their lives even if it's short.
