A SUMMER LIKE NEVER BEFORE

The JYA camp has always been the highlight of my summer activities for the past 3 years, and I always look forward to making new friends, and renewing ties with old ones. But it wasn’t always like this.  During my first camp I was anxious about being on my own, and not knowing many people there.

This year, being my last camp in JYA, I was very excited. We made preparations long before but still ended up sleeping in the wee hours of the morning out of excitement.

When I woke up, I started to feel doubtful. I wasn’t sure if I was ready to leave or not. I felt anxious because I wasn’t sure if I had packed everything I needed, if I was going to get along well with my group mates, and if everything would turn out right. And because I felt very excited, I developed a stomach ache. Mom saw me puking and asked me not to go anymore but I insisted on going with the rest of the campers.

And I was sure glad I did.

Anya (second from the bottom) hamming it up with her friends

The next four days was something that made summer like never before. We did mud slides and mud crawls, something not done by many. There was zip lining and a hanging bridge too. We got to experience being in teams with other kids, working together in different activities. The amazing race and e-night were some of the activities that showed the unity and friendship we developed in each team. And in the end, everyone couldn’t get enough.

I for one really enjoyed the Amazing race. With the help of my teammates and with the moral support of our leaders, we won. I know that it isn’t about winning, but the efforts we put into it and that we had such a grand time. Winning wasn’t really the point.

I felt happy. There was nothing to worry; it was all fun and excitement for us. Even if unplanned events like the rain on the first and second nights came, we still found a way to enjoy it. At first, it made me feel uneasy, thinking about activities we may have to cancel. The workers and servers went out to save our things and we were led into prayer for the weather. Although the waters reminded me of Typhoon Ondoy, I don’t know why, but somehow I felt at peace and secure. I put it all into God’s hands. I was reassured that despite the bad weather, we would be alright. After all, what worse could happen when God’s people are gathered together, knowing that He is in our midst. He is our God after all, right? And besides we were on top of the mountains, far from being flooded.

We were taken to our cabins and there we entertained ourselves. The boys decided to have a disco party while us girls prayed and bonded. I think that this is the best way to get to know and spend time with one another.

The last day came and everyone felt great. The past four days earned us new friends, experiences that don’t happen every day, and we grew closer to God. I learned how to work with new people, how to be independent and how as a team, if everyone participates, cooperates and gives it his/her all, anything is achievable. Together, we learned that God is with us all throughout. We saw how good God is and how he works through everyone and that everything is part of His great plan even when they seemingly appear not with the rain and the initial anxiety of going to camp.

I learned that God is in control and that he won’t let anything happen without it being good for us. And with that I will entrust God with everything. I will not again doubt His decisions because it’s always for our own good. And with that, going to camp and other Ligaya activities will always be on top of my list when I think of fun.

- Anya Supe (North B)