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)

I have joined the camp for four years (and counting) not as a happy camper but as a happy team leader. I don’t see myself petering out in the service soon, well, not until my body tells me to call it quits. Of course, I don’t want my team to run around with a lola in slow motion instead of an ate who’s as gung-ho as them. I am making the most out of it while I still can.

"Ate, you are like my mom .. "

It got me thinking—what draws me in? I could write a novel of the kids’ hilarious adventures and misadventures in the camp. But I might run out of space here. Let me just give you a good grasp of the top three reasons why I don’t want to pass up the chance to bond with the JYAs in the summer camp.

Being ‘trans-gen’ in the truest sense

You say forming significant relationships with the kids after becoming their Ate’s and Kuya’s in camp is enough to be thankful for. It will surely secure you a place in their memory banks and lives in general. Chances are you will be BFF’s as in best friends forever. Now here’s the equation: if you are friends with the kid, you will most likely be friends with the parents and the whole family, even with the yaya, because of a common denominator—love and concern for your BFF. Isn’t that what ‘trans-gen’ is all about, building relationships that cut across all age groups?

Singles in service to our Young Adults

Touching base with the nurturing side

Sometimes when we are so caught up with a multitude of concerns as single people we forget to exercise our maternal/paternal instinct, whatever you may want to call it. Yes we have that side which ought to be used should we or should we not plan raise our own kids. Handling a team of five to six kids with varying needs is a good practice. In one camp, a team member came up to me and said, “Ate, you are like my mom.” Then I asked, “Is that a compliment?” Innocently, she replied to me with a smile, “Of course! My mom is so caring and I love her very much!” I melted and could only utter, “Awwwww…” It was sweet.

The de-stressing factor

The camp is usually action-packed and the activities designed for the kids’ energy level can often send you puffed and wanting to hit your sleeping bag before nightfall. Honestly, it is quite stressful because the demand is not only physical but emotional and spiritual especially when you are lucky to have a problem kid in your team. But then a hug, kiss or some silly jokes from the kids can easily ease the stress away. In those down moments in the camp when exhaustion set in, only a funny story or joke from my comic relief Josh Rivas can perk me up (it makes me sad realizing that he wont be in JYA camp this year as he is stepping up to YA). At the end of the day, the best ever rewards are the tight hugs and simple “thank you’s” from the kids, enough to convince you that roughing it up with them in the activities is indeed worth your while.

Serving the youth brings unadulterated joy!

The joy of serving the kids is so unadulterated that it leaves you hankering for more. I wish I could share my bagful of JYA camp experiences but I’d rather that you carve your own.

After all, Jesus said “Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever receives one child such as this is my name receives me.” (Matthew 18: 3-5)

- Mae Chatto, North E