Volunteering at Mont Lawn City Camp

Each year hundreds of children are impacted by organizations like Mont Lawn City Camp and the volunteers that so faithfully give of their time and abilities to mentor these kids. This week we would like to introduce you to Calvin Tam.

For the past eight months, Calvin, who works as a sourcing associate and goes to church at Oversea Chinese Mission, has been volunteering with Mont Lawn City Camp where he mentors youth in East Harlem. We are proud of Calvin and volunteers like him who show kids how valued and loved they truly are.

Why did you start volunteering with Mont Lawn?

I resonated with their vision and mission to build kids up to prevent them from entering the street life through studying scripture and developing a relationship with them throughout the year.

What's been rewarding to you about volunteering? What's been challenging?

Seeing my mentee's face light up when I encourage him. The challenging part is getting the kids to open up.

How have you used the volunteer impact grant from HFNY?

I took my mentee out to Macy's where we built a Spiderman build-a-bear. We later visited the Children's Museum uptown where we spent a majority of our time burning off calories on fixed bicycles educating us on exercising daily. Later we retreated to a small bakery to enjoy a nice cup of hot chocolate.

Any favorite memories from volunteering?

My favorite moment would be in the beginning when I went apple picking with the kids. The best part was finding our way through the maze at the location.

How do you feel you've grown in your relationship with Christ through volunteering?

I learned to lay down all of my expectations and let God direct the conversations I have with the mentees. Through it I learned to trust Him to grow the seeds planted or seeds watered.

What do you love about NYC? What are your favorite spots in the city?

I love any place by the waters. It offers peace and serenity amidst all the hustling and bustling that is NYC. The city is too crowded for me.

Anything else you want to tell us?

Volunteer! Be good stewards of what God has given you!