Where: 41 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui What: Established in 1901, YMCA of Hong Kong is a Christian organisation dedicated to fostering the values of equality, justice and peace by providing fun and educational activities for young people as well as social services for the community. How: Enthusiastic and motivated young people can volunteer for the group's Camping and Community Programmes section. The work involves teaching and attending to children in a wide variety of camping activities. You can join their Counsellor-In-Training (CIT) Programme, which trains volunteers to work with children and also as part of a team. Call 2268 7079 or visit www.ymcahk.org.hk for more information. Volunteer: Clar Mak Shuk-ying is a hearing-impaired CIT volunteer who works with children. 'I like outdoor activities a lot. That's why I sought out volunteering opportunities with the YMCA. As a CIT volunteer, I work in pairs with a counsellor and am responsible for taking care of campers aged five to 14. We teach them safety rules and hiking routes, and also plan and implement programmes. I will notify the camp co-ordinator beforehand about my disability so that he or she will be prepared to communicate with me through lip-reading or writing. The children like me and do not shy away from me. Sometimes the children get upset quickly and become gloomy or moody. When this happens, I'll notify the camp counsellor, who will then lecture the children and help them to realise their own strengths and weaknesses. The children are great, as they understand why their behaviour is wrong and will work on improving themselves. I feel very happy when I'm working with them. The best thing about doing volunteer work is that it gives you the chance to improve yourself. You learn to work as a group, explore your leadership skills, cope with problems and to not be selfish. My three tips for aspiring volunteers are: to get training to solve problems as a group or independently; to open up and be ready to share; and also to cherish your friends. Teamwork is very important, because it has taught me to co-operate and listen to others. I used to be a very self-centered person. I am very happy to do work for the YMCA. I hope other similar organisations and the government will allow more disabled people like me to take part in their activities and become part of their establishments.'