About Us
Swamp Camp Malaysia is a locally led initiative inspired by the global mission of the Swamp Camp Mission Alliance. Our purpose is to bring the heart of the Swamp Camp experience to Malaysia by offering a safe, uplifting, and faith-centered youth camp once a year. We have carefully selected a location that is well-suited for our programmes, allowing us to create an environment that reflects the values and spirit of Swamp Camp. We collaborate with churches within Malaysia and across the Southeast Asia region to host and carry out our camp activities.
Our Mission
A little slice of heaven.
Partnering with God to create a safe, spiritual space for belonging and learning through play, connection, community and wonder.
Our Values
1. Safety
Everyone (parents, volunteers, counselors, and campers) must feel mentally, physically, and emotionally safe, which will encourage spiritual engagement and connection. We deal with bullies of all kinds, enforce standards on language and behavior, and create a culture of agape love. We live out our motto: 'The safest place on the planet, besides your home.'
2. Diversity
Accept and celebrate differences! We embrace different talents, interests and quirks whether athletic, scholarly, musical, or other, including domino expert, hula hoop champion, or avid book reader.
3. Food
Provide good food. We create palatable (pun intended) memories around delicious food and yummy canteen / tuck-shop treats. We promote mealtimes as special gatherings of our community.
4. Fun
Have fun! We prioritize smiles, laughter, and playfulness as we offer activities that engage a wide age-range of participants considering their interests and needs when planning activities and events. We never have fun at the expense of others remembering that no one will want to come back if it is not fun.
5. Investment
Give to Camp. We partner together to give one hundred percent love, energy, attention, time, and money towards fulfilling camp's mission. We always think, plan, and train with an eye to future generations.
6. Leadership
Lead strongly and humbly. We articulate clear rules, boundaries, and expectations to counselors, campers and volunteers, and enforce them consistently and fairly. We cultivate a safe spiritual space for everyone to learn to lead like Jesus.
7. Respect
Create a culture of value. We hold every image bearer of Christ in high esteem, no matter their age or their station in life. We prioritize a culture where everyone is important and belongs.
8. Roles
Define and clarify responsibilities at camp. We communicate expectations so each person will know whether they are fulfilling their roles and responsibilities. We foster accountability and encourage ownership of any given role.
9. Spirituality
Have a spiritual camp not a religious camp. We recognize the difference between the two. We trust the Holy Spirit to work through play, connection, community, and wonder.
10. YHWH
Always point towards God. We believe that God is powerful, faithful, compassionate, gracious, and abounding in love. As we witness God revealing himself through the Bible, nature, and relationships, we steer away from outward compliance and allow each person the space and time for wonder, curiosity, and wrestling for personal faith.
How we got here
The dream to start Swamp Corps Malaysia began with our friends. Our church partners in Cambodia and Taiwan told us about an amazing youth program called Swamp Camp. They said it was a safe place where young people could grow in their faith through fun, adventure, and love. We were so curious that in 2024, we sent four people to see it for themselves - a married couple and two teenage girls from our church. They joined the Swamp Camp in Taiwan and had a life-changing experience. When they came home, they were excited and inspired. Their stories made us believe that this was something we needed in Malaysia. So, this past July, we sent a bigger team, including our youth ministers, to the Swamp Camp in Taiwan. We did not just watch; we joined in. We met the wonderful American volunteers and the camp director, and we shared our big dream with them: to bring Swamp Camp to Malaysia in 2026. They were supportive and encouraging. Now, the dream is becoming real. We are working hard to launch Swamp Corps Malaysia for our youth. And we invite you to be a part of this from the very beginning. Come help us build something beautiful that will impact young lives for years to come.
Why the name?
Swamp Camp started in the USA and got its name in 1998 when the camp property was purchased and construction began; some say it earned the name because it rained so much and the ground became 'swampy,' while others say it was the influence of some University of Florida fans. Either way, the name stuck like the mud on the bottom of the volunteers' boots, but the vision for this camp began long before that.
Why the logo?
The Swamp Camp Malaysia logo is a joyful celebration of our shared spirit, values, and partnership with Swamp Corps. Our logo represents the vibrant Malaysian identity while honouring the legacy and mentorship of the original Swamp Camp. At its heart stands the Malaysian Tapir - a national treasure symbolizing our youth: unique, grounded, and ready to embark on new adventures of faith, discovery, and connection. Beside it, the Gecko, the beloved mascot of Camp Swamp Atlanta, serves as a mentor and guide - a visual metaphor of the partnership between Swamp Camp Malaysia and Swamp Corps, where legacy and fresh energy walk hand in hand. Together, they embody our spirit of play, connection, community, and wonder - nurturing youth in a safe, adventurous, and deeply relational environment.
Our Staff
Camp Directors
Cheong Hom Tai & Kit
Dear Swamp Campers, Welcome or in Bahasa Malaysia 'Selamat datang' to Swamp Camp - a place where one week can change your life. This is a safe space to be yourself, where we come together not just to play, but to explore and wonder. Swamp Camp is profoundly about connection - with each other, with our Creator, and with the beautiful diversity that makes Malaysia home. Expect meaningful conversations, crazy challenges, moments of quiet reflection, great food and plenty of opportunities to build lasting friendships. We will share our lives, our laughter, and celebrate the joy of community. So come as you are but leave with life-changing experiences.
Head of Counsellors (Male)
Yogen
My Swamp Camp journey began in Taiwan in 2025, where I served as a counsellor and experienced how real and powerful God's love can be. When the vision for Swamp Camp Malaysia was shared, I felt a deep conviction to be part of it; to help build a space where young ones and teens can play with open hearts and fearless joy, form genuine connections, grow together in faith and community, and experience how real and personal God's love truly is. As someone who has been walking alongside the next generation over the years, I believe Swamp Camp is not just another event; it is a movement where hearts come alive. It is where faith becomes real, friendships become family, and each camper discovers who they are in God's eyes and how deeply they are loved. Being part of Swamp Camp Malaysia is a huge honour and blessing. My hope is that every camper will leave Swamp Camp renewed in heart; carrying a faith that is personal, a courage that lasts, and a love that reflects God wherever life takes them.
Head of Counsellors (Female)
Dana Gan
I joined my first Swamp Camp in Taiwan in 2025, where I experienced firsthand what it meant to be transformed by God's love in one week. Through laughter, connection, and heartfelt moments with my campers, I caught a glimpse of heaven on earth. As someone currently training to be a professional counsellor, I have grown passionate about walking alongside the younger generation in their growth and faith journey. When the vision for Swamp Camp Malaysia was shared, I felt a strong calling to be part of it, to create a space where teens can play freely, connect genuinely, grow in community, and experience the wonder of God's love. It is an honour and privilege to serve as Head Counsellor. My prayer is that every camper will not only have fun and make friends, but also encounter our living God personally and be deeply moved by His love, just as I was during that unforgettable week.
Swamp Camp Mission Alliance
Swamp Corps is Swamp Camp Mission Alliance's global missionary program purposed to provide a three-year training process that establishes a perennial spiritual, fun-filled summer camp while offering missional leadership training and experiences for the Next Generation.
