More than 50 youth volunteers were awarded for their community service efforts by Outward Bound Singapore (OBS) on Saturday.

Held for the first time at Tampines East Community Club, the OBS Volunteers Appreciation Ceremony recognised OBS alumni members who had contributed to the community through various post-course community service projects. These projects ranged from organising an outing to the park for wheelchair-bound elderly residents to art-and-craft and sing-a-long sessions for at-risk children and planning a 3D 2N camp for children from the Singapore Children's Society.

Trained nurse Noreen Taha, 28, was one of the youth volunteers who helped organise an outing to the park for wheelchair-bound senior citizens, "Spending time with the wheelchair-bound seniors made me realise that we often take doing daily actives such as a stroll in the park, for granted," said Ms Noreen. "To these seniors, an outing to the park is not a daily affair."

All the award recipients are part of the OBS Alumni network, which is formed in 2012 for past participants of OBS to network and engage in alumni-initiated community projects. Those who qualified for the awards "demonstrated commitment and contribution," said OBS in its statement. Added OBS director Nicholas Conceicao: "I am proud of our alumni members, setting aside time to help others and their peers - this is very commendable. To all youths out there, I urge you to take a chance at volunteering. It is indeed a very rewarding journey."