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PhASes YouNG WRiterS’ CamP fAq

Curious about our upcoming Young Writers’ Camp? Wondering about all the fuss we’re kickin’ up? We have the answers here!


Q: Why should I go for Young Writers’ Camp? Got BRATS and NST Blog what, all also writers’ camp for teenagers. What is so different about Phases Young Writers’ Camp?

A: Because the journey starts HERE! : )

The Phases Young Writers’ Camp has its own distinctions—for one, we encourage our campers to express themselves thru’ writing, in light of their own faith and spirituality.

Nombor dua, the small size of YWC (places are limited to 30 people only!) will allow you to interact with everyone and mingle-mingle-mingle.

Nombor tiga, it costs heaps less: our camp fees are only RM 100, and an additional RM 15 for transporting you to and from PJ and Melaka. Money should not be a deciding factor—sponsorship is available (email us!).


Q: What will campers do at camp? Will we go deep-sea diving to uncover the hidden treasures of the past?

A: Maybe not deep-sea diving (we’re talking Straits of Melaka here lah) but definitely investigative reporting. Yes, it’s the time to get those latent kay-poh skills out!

There will be a time of learning through interactive sessions. This year, we have new si-fu’s: young, twenty-something’s who have made their mark, whether in the world of newspapers, book-residing insects, or in the community of the Phases Young Writers (PhYW).

Speaking of the PhYW, we will present you our special YWC ConFEWsion™. Although slightly different from the OR ConFEWsion™, things like stomach-inducing laughter, tear-jerking scenes, stunned silence, good food and FUN will not be lost.

We will also have discussion(s) about movie(s), book(s), and why particles have life. Well, only if you want lah. That last bit’s probably too chim (deep) for most of us, but if you do want to know, feel free to ask and argue.

Note: The ‘(s)’s are because we don’t know if you only want to have one discussion about one subject, or two discussions about three subjects, or… or… You get the idea. =P

There are many, many more activities lined up for you. But hey, don’t worry; we will have plenty of free time!


Q: Where is this Methodist place and why did you pick that spot? Never heard of it before, how to go there?

A: Wesley Methodist Centre in Melaka, you mean? It’s this big peach-coloured building opposite Wesley Methodist Church, right smack in Melaka town. It has rooms (where we will sleep), a lounge area (where we will have our sessions), and corridors (where we will walk/run/skip) linking them. There’s also a wide balcony that’s fantastic for star-gazing and a playground.

Information on how to make your way there will be given to you at a later date. Alternatively, view the Wesley church’s sketch map here.


Q: Why did you choose Melaka?

A: We wanted to venture down south this year. Melaka seemed a good option. The location also went well with the general theme we wanted to have this year. See the nextquestion about our theme.


Q: How did the theme of the camp come about?

A: “Chronicles of Melaka: Fact or Fiction?” was birthed while throwing mandarin oranges deftly into the air as we thought of reunion dinners and Chap Goh Mei. Seriously, though, the theme was formed by gazing at an iBook screen.


Q: Do we have to do any incantation to interview Hang Tuah or Hang Jebat? Just wondering, maybe they would end up arguing if we successfully summoned them.

A: I hope not! We won’t be summoning them, or anyone, for that matter, from the after-life. (Remember the witch of Edom and God’s displeasure?) We will, however, be interviewing various people who might know what actually happened to them.


Q: Do we need to know any historical information about Melaka or anything about it at all before we come to camp?

A: Huh? Apa itu sejarah? *innocent, doe-eyed* The answer is “No.”


Q: This camp is for how old? What’s with the age limit?

A: YWC is for anyone from 13 to 19 years old. We don’t want the ages too spread out because it would be difficult for our speakers to impart their precious writing skills. Then again, whosoever that may be over or below the age limit is most welcomed as well.


Q: Can I get my work published on Phases Online, whether I go or don’t go for camp?

A: Yes. Email us at phasesonline@gmail.com to submit your work.


Q: My engrish not so powderful. Still can come ah? My writing also one kind one but I want to make good my writing and s-sp-speaking.

A: Of course! We wouldn’t be having a writers’ camp if all our writing super-duper perfect right? ;-)


Q: Need to bring anything specific for camp?

A: Pens/pencils, a notebook, money for outing, and a sense of HUMOUR. Further information will be given to campers at a later date.


Q: The camp form says closing date is 2 May but I still want to go! How?

A: Then hurry, send us your camp form and the fee by May 6 (postmark date)! If you cannot meet that date, email Tien Li at tienli.w@gmail.com. Be sure to include your particulars as per the camp form.

[ Phases Young Writers' Camp | 27-29 May | Wesley Methodist Centre, Melaka]

Labour Day or truly is it?

Today a bunch of Phywers gathered at Mid Valley to hang out and have lunch. About 10 of us came and lunch was at Sushi King and Annalakshmi. Well Sushi King didn't have an ideal area to sit all together and talk while eating. Also, not everyone had a lot of money to spare for Sushi King's pricy menu. Annalakshmi stood as a somewhat ideal choice. Nevertheless, we had a great time catching up and just chillin' to Coffee Bean lattes at the end.

In other news, Phases Young Writers Camp is coming soon! Details are as follows:

May 27-29 (Sat, Sun, Mon)
Melaka Wesley Methodist Centre
RM 100 (additional RM 15 required for transport pj-Melaka-pj)
Age: 13-19

Download camp forms here!


Updates in the Columns:

Beyond Fiction
Simple Elementary By Tee Shern Ren

Rated R
The Four Men in My Life in Four Parts By Sarah Lee

What's with SMALL?
Away from Bukit Mertajam By Chong Joan-Lynn

Updates in the Entrees:

Homeschool Edition
Life Without Computers By Kimberly Koh, 13

The Reading Rack
Ghosts, Rabbits, Grammaticians and Thinkers

In Retrospect
Camp review: Residential Bible School By Chong Joan-Lynn