International China Concern
  • Sandwhich
    • Home
    • About Us
      • Our Story
      • Our Vision & Mission
      • Our Beliefs & Values
      • ICC Milestones
      • Our Team
      • Careers
    • Overall Impact
      • Situation in China Today
      • Our Work In China
      • Our Impact
    • Support & Join
      • Coronavirus Response
      • Sponsor a Child
      • Partner with a Family
      • Leave a Legacy Gift
      • More Ways to Give
      • Join Circle of Hope
      • Join Walk the Wall
      • Be a Volunteer
    • Partnership
      • Corporations
      • Foundations
      • Churches
      • Schools
      • Ambassadors & Celebrities
    • Resources
      • ICC News
      • Newsletters
      • Financials
      • Prayer Calendar
      • Gallery
    • Contact Us
    • 繁體字
    • 简体字
  • English
  • 繁體字
  • 简体字
  • SPONSOR
  • DONATE
  • EN
  • 繁
  • 简
  • NL
International China Concern
Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Search in posts
Search in pages
Filter by Categories
Coronavirus Response
Government
News
Newsletter
Podcast Episode
Stories of Impact
Transformed Families
Uncategorized
Vocational Training
Volunteer

More results

  • Home
  • About Us
    • Our Story and Milestones
    • Our Vision & Mission
    • Our Beliefs & Values
    • Our Team
    • Careers
  • Our Work & Impact
    • Situation in China Today
    • Our Work In China
    • Our Impact
  • Support & Join
    • Coronavirus Response
    • ICC Medical Fund
    • Sponsor a Child
    • Partner with a Family
    • Leave a Legacy Gift
    • More Ways to Give
    • Join Circle of Hope
    • Join Walk the Wall
    • Be a Volunteer
  • Partnership
    • Corporations
    • Foundations
    • Churches
    • Schools
    • Ambassadors & Celebrities
  • Resources
    • ICC News
    • Newsletters
    • Financials
    • Prayer Calendar
    • Gallery
  • Contact Us
Newsletter, Transformed Families

Family Partners Programme: Serving as a 32-hour Caregiver at the Summer Camp

2019-08-27
By David Bondy
0 Comment
2367 Views

Family Partners Programme Development Manager shares what it was like to take on the responsibility of caring for 20-year-old Tianhang over the weekend summer camp.

During the final week of July, ICC’s Family Partners Programme put on a weekend summer camp designed for children and young adults with moderate to severe special needs.  

My heart was deeply touched as the parents began to arrive.  Most were shy and a bit embarrassed that they were unburdening themselves temporarily by leaving their children in our care.  As we eagerly got ready to serve, we were also feeling a bit apprehensive, taking full responsibility for these children for the next 32 hours.

We held the event on a college campus, and our staff did a great job of organising teams (complete with mascots and slogans), games, magic shows and the like.

I was responsible for a 20-year-old young man named Tianhang.  He was non-verbal, physically strong and had a mind of his own.  I found this out minutes after his parents departed.  He took me to see a water tower he liked to look at and when I “encouraged” him to return to home base, he had other ideas.  

I was due to give a speech at the opening ceremonies, but instead found myself in a swing with a contented Tianhang who had no intention of being displaced. Eventually, I was rescued by other volunteers who guided him inside so I could give my remarks.

At meal time, if he did eat, it usually wasn’t for very long.  My partner, Peggy and I typically had about three minutes to serve ourselves and scarf down some nutrients before we would have to be in hot pursuit again.  At night-time, I recruited my 14-year-old son, Caleb to assist. Even without a midday nap, Tianhang was active until after 3 a.m. So day two took on an extra level of difficulty with a total of six hours of sleep between the both of us (Caleb and I)!

Throughout the weekend, up until the minute his parents arrived and picked him up (leaving me feeling a bit dazed that it was over), my mind and attention were fully absorbed in both caring for his needs and keeping him safe.  The experience gave me a deep level of appreciation for his devoted parents who care for his needs and try to keep him happy for much more than just those 32 hours.  

It was an honour to play a small part in giving so many sets of dedicated caregivers a breather.   

Join us as a Family Partner to keep struggling families together!

Tags: newsletter-2019-sep

Previous Story
CEO Message
Next Story
Volunteering: Training Day

Related Articles

Child Sponsorship: Love, Life and Opportunity – Story of Gang

That day, outside the Little Ark, the leaders were served...

【CEO Report】Life in Action: Saying Farewell and Welcome in the Same Season

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] ICC’s work brings great joy and satisfaction that is...

Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Search in posts
Search in pages
Filter by Categories
Coronavirus Response
Government
News
Newsletter
Podcast Episode
Stories of Impact
Transformed Families
Uncategorized
Vocational Training
Volunteer

More results

  • About Us
  • Support & Join
  • News
  • Legal
  • Privacy Policy
  • Child & Young Adults Protection Policy
  • Terms of Use

Contact Us
Media Contact:
press@chinaconcern.org

Careers

Follow Us

2021 © International China Concern   |    Tax-exempt Charities - IR File Number (Hong Kong): 91/04700

USA Giving Options

WFG Champions for Children

An elite group of ICC supporters who are making an annual contribution of $5,000 or more. Champions for Children receive exclusive opportunities and benefits including a self-funded vision trip to visit the young people in China.

Make a Donation

Your donation helps provide the foundations for a life of opportunity including: nutrition, medical care, therapy, special education, a Care Team to surround each child, life-skills training, vocational programs and the opportunity for children and families to dream for a better future.

Canadian Giving Options

WFG Champions for Children

An elite group of ICC supporters who are making an annual contribution of $5,000 or more. Champions for Children receive exclusive opportunities and benefits including a self-funded vision trip to visit the young people in China.

Make a Donation

Your donation helps provide the foundations for a life of opportunity including: nutrition, medical care, therapy, special education, a Care Team to surround each child, life-skills training, vocational programs and the opportunity for children and families to dream for a better future.

SearchPostsLogin
Monday, 22, Feb
Meet Yu Chen
Thursday, 18, Feb
Meet Hao Zi
Thursday, 18, Feb
Voices of ICC
Tuesday, 9, Feb
Chinese New Year’s Greetings from FPP Families
Wednesday, 9, Dec
FEATURE | Bonding Hearts at ICC
Wednesday, 2, Dec
【CEO Report】4th Quarter Newsletter

Welcome back,