“’The love of a family is life’s greatest blessing.’

This is a message that has resonated with me since I attended the FamChamps Camp back in 2018. 

In the past, I often got into disagreements with my parents because I wanted to stay out late or hang out with friends, rather than make time for family. 

 The Camp showed me the possibility of the joy and fulfilment that could come with intentionally building strong family relations – which were what had initially drawn me to the friends I spent long hours with. 

During Honour Night, my parents and I had the opportunity to have conversations and share about things we normally would not talk about. Though it was awkward at first, it was a catalyst for us to be more expressive and real with the things less spoken about in our own lives. 

 The authenticity we unlocked that evening helped us to connect on a deeper level and for the first time in my life, I saw the human side of my parents. 

Through the Camp, I realised that where I am in life has a lot to do with the time and effort my family members have invested in loving me – and I am filled with a powerful sense of gratitude. 

I was inspired by the experiences I had during Camp and started to build the relationships I have at home – an action that I’ve kept over the years. Now that I’m serving my National Service term and only have the weekends free, I would always look forward to spending this limited time with my family first. 

Learning to enjoy time with my family as much as I did with my friends has been freeing and enjoyable. 

Strong families are important in building up strong individuals and a strong society and nation. As with all things that are of great value, it won’t always be easy, but it is, and will be, worth fighting for.” 

- Javen Teo, 2018 FamChamps Camper