Of Being Young Leaders

by Martin Jee Capuno
KNOT

I am not a Catholic yet my exposure to the Archdiocesan Youth Leader’s Camp helped me realized that I am a leader as was flaunted in also by the youth all over the Archdiocese of Davao.

The Youth Leader’s Camp themed as “Go and Make Disciples of God” from Matthew 28:19 on October 26-27, 2013, St. Francis Xavier College Seminary paved the way for our young leaders to express, empower, and improve themselves with various activities organized by the Davao Archdiocesan Youth Coordinating Apostolate (DAYCA), the center of all youth ministries with Fr. Leomel Puerto, DCD.

I conducted a random interview with one (1) participant from each vicariate, aiming to know their insights about the activity. Here are their comments:

With Deo Duarte from the Sta. Ana Vicariate

Martin: Hello! What were your most unforgettable experiences in this Archdiocesan Youth Leader’s Camp, so far?

Deo: First, would definitely be gaining new friends, specifically new youth members. Second, the games and the training we have undergone that truly strengthened our foundation.

Martin: So, is there anything you would like to tell our fellow youth?

Deo: Yes I have. I would like to encourage my fellow youth to serve the Lord in ministry rather than engaging to vices.

With Marvin Caminse from the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Vicariate

Martin: Hello Marvin! Is joining activities such as this (Archdiocesan Youth Leader’s camp), something that you always love to do?

Marvin: Of course! I always love to experience the feeling of becoming a leader. Through this I can practice and share my leadership skills.

Martin: Is there any message you would like to tell your fellow youth?

Marvin: I’m just hoping that my fellow youth would not stop serving the Church and God. Surely, this will keep them away from any wrongdoing.

With Jay Ann Peteros from the St. James Vicariate

Martin: Hi Jay! How does this activity help you as a young leader?

Jay Ann: Hello Martin! Well, this activity enables me to handle the pressures of life, especially the pressure of being a young leader.

Martin: How can you show to your fellow youth member the essence of being a leader?

Jay Ann: I think I can show it by how I live my life in which I always encourage my fellow youth to serve the Lord and make disciples.

Martin: If you would have to give one tip of becoming an effective leader, what would it be?

Jay Ann: If you want to become an effective leader, you must take Jesus as an example on how to lead.

*Martin is DCHerald’s newest volunteer