Kayaking for Connection: ODAIG x MINDS Me Too! Club

SUSS Outdoor Adventure Interest Group (ODAIG) has partnered with the Movement for the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore (MINDS) in the past 5 months through a SUSS alumni, Lyndon Matthews, to make kayaking activities accessible to the clients from MINDS at the PAssion WaVe @ Bedok Reservoir. This collaboration was led by Lyndon who is now working held under the Me Too! Club (MTC), a post-18-year-old programme by MINDS that promotes social integration for persons with intellectual disabilities (PWIDs) through leisure and befriending activities. The programme is tailored for PWIDs who may not be suited for centre-based services or who prefer a more flexible, community-based setting.

 Over the course of four kayaking sessions, ODAIG volunteers and MINDS clients came together to paddle, connect, and share the joy of outdoor adventure. For many clients, it was their first experience on the water. Each session brought new memories filled with courage, laughter, and growing confidence. Beyond paddling, this collaboration created a safe and empowering space where individuals of different backgrounds and abilities could interact meaningfully.

M. Presanth, a Year 3 student from the Public Safety and Security programme, reflected on how the experience helped him step out of his comfort zone. “Simple actions like paddling together, listening, and being patient can make a huge impact. I gained a greater appreciation for the resilience and energy of the MINDS clients.” He also praised the ODAIG community for providing a supportive and inclusive environment that helped ease initial nervousness.

Lim Kym Suan, Esther, an alumna from the Social Work programme, described the collaboration as a valuable opportunity to interact with persons with special needs in a setting that combined her interests in social work and outdoor activities. She shared, “Whether we are typically developing or not, there is strength, courage, and bravery in each of us to step out of our comfort zones, try something new, and learn to conquer our fears.” Reflecting on the experience, she added, “We shouldn’t limit their exposure just because they are seen as persons with special needs, but should be given similar or modified versions for them to participate and learn too.”

Charlotte Yang, an alumna and staff member from the Public Safety and Security programme, shared how meaningful it was to support both the clients and their caregivers. “It was particularly memorable when we were just out in the water splashing each other, and they in turn splashed us, all for fun, getting in some joy and laughter.””

This collaboration reflects ODAIG’s belief in the power of the outdoors to build bridges, spark confidence, and foster meaningful community engagement. It served as a reminder that adventure can be inclusive and that through shared experiences, real connections can be made.