Wesley Youth Centre (WYC), a sub-ministry of Wesley’s Christian Outreach & Social Concerns (COSC), took the plunge and bravely led the preparations for a carnival held at the Kampong Glam Community Club, located along Beach Road. The Kampong Glam Family Carnival took place on 14 June from 2 pm to 4 pm. The carnival was held in the cool, air-conditioned badminton court area of the community centre, approximately the size of three badminton courts. This allowed families living nearby to enjoy the fun-filled event in comfort, away from the sweltering afternoon heat.
Publicity for the Family Carnival commenced a few months before the event, generating anticipation and excitement. The Wesley team displayed posters to promote the event at locations along North Bridge Road, Jalan Sultan Road, Crawford Lane, Jalan Berseh, Kelantan Road, Maude Road, Kitchener Road, French Road, Jellicoe Road and King George’s Avenue.
The event catered to families residing in these residential areas with young children.
WYC planned the Carnival to raise awareness about its location at Jalan Berseh as well as to spread the word that WYC plans to offer similar programmes to those living in Jalan Besar. The WYC is about one and a half kilometres away from Jalan Besar.
This is the first Family Carnival at Jalan Besar. The Wesley Methodist Church has organised similar carnivals in the Kelantan area previously.
An afternoon of fun and laughter
At the end of registration, before the carnival, 113 families had registered to participate. There were over 250 people at the carnival. At the entrance, there was high-spirited and animated chatter as the families thronged in eagerly for an afternoon of fun-filled moments.
Coupons were distributed at the registration counter and attendees could use them at the booths. This was designed to encourage family members to participate in the games and enjoy the snacks provided at the booths.
There were booths distributing food managed by Wesley’s Small Groups. Volunteers were briskly offering snacks such as Kueh Salat and ice cream for those who favour a sweet treat. One booth provided finger-licking savoury nibbles such as curry puffs and fish balls to keep hunger pangs at bay.
Attendees took the opportunity to visit the photo booth, creating lasting memories with their family and friends through a fun keepsake.
Many attendees, brimming with excitement, had a go at the interactive and fun-filled carnival games, with some walking away happily with prizes from the booths.
Throughout the Carnival, the Wesley Creative Expression Ministry’s (CEM) fast-paced drumming and heart-pounding music created an electric atmosphere, adding to the festive vibes. The band members wore samba costumes and elaborate headgear. Various instruments, including electric drums, Taiko drums, Surdo drums, keyboards, bass, classical guitars, ukulele, djembe, angklung and timbales, provided an upbeat rendition of our national community songs, such as Di Tanjong Katong, Chan Mali Chan and Dayung Sampan.
“The Family Carnival is an outreach project by COSC for families at Kampong Glam. I am truly blessed to work alongside Wesley’s volunteers and staff on this project. Through the many months of preparation, we see God’s hand at work in providing many talents to make this carnival possible as we come with one objective and one mind, that is to glorify God,” said Peter Wong, Executive for WYC.
Extending a well-loved programme
The ministry, along with the staff at WYC, aims to extend the Owl Programme to Jalan Besar, expanding beyond Jalan Berseh to reach the communities in the North Bridge Road and Beach Road areas.
At the carnival residents were informed about the WYC and the Owl Programme, which is suitable for children aged 5 to 18 years.
WYC, located at 25 Jalan Berseh, presently runs the Owl Programme, which includes activities promoting reading through storytelling, arts and crafts and music. Biblical themes, drawn from five parables related to kindness, grace, service and forgiveness, take centre stage in these activities. Children participating in the Owl Programme are given opportunities to demonstrate their creativity and understanding of these themes by acting out these stories through play.
Sandra Leong, a volunteer at the WYC said: “The children look forward to each session of the OWL Programme, participating eagerly in the activities and games at the Youth Centre. We encourage children to ask questions and create a safe environment for them to improve their vocabulary.”
Join us in our outreach efforts
The WYC aims to recruit more volunteers to support onsite activities at the centre as well as community initiatives.
Our church is praying for a suitable location to expand the efforts of the WYC to the Jalan Berseh area. Join us in praying together as we seek God’s guidance and spiritual insights to lead us to the right venue and in His appointed time.
Photos by Elaine Tan, William Choo and Gaius Ho
View and download more photos of the WYC’s Family Carnival here
Read also: The Saturday Club at Wesley Youth Centre; Teaching Children through Parables @ Wesley Youth Centre
