SFAP Ma-a Youth Conducted YASFAP Summer Youth Camp

The Summer Youth Camp was a three-day event conducted by the Youth Apostolate of St. Francis of Assisi Parish Ma-a which took place at St. Francis Xavier College Seminary in Catalunan Grande, Davao City, from Friday, June 24th, to Sunday, June 26th, 2022. Hundreds of young individuals from 43 GKKs of the 12 Zones in the Ma-a area have participated. During the first day, as the participants gathered and arrived at the venue, they were tasked to set up their tents at the camping grounds by zone. After a long day of preparations, the opening ceremony began formally the event. The program included opening remarks from Parish Vicar Rev. Fr. Marvin Del Campo, a lengthy performance by the YASFAP Animators, the torch lighting with each zone leader accompanying the torch bearer, and parish youth coordinator Narels Jay Tradio, the presentation of Cheers and Yells from each zone, and a dance-along showcased by the parish’s core group.

A praise and worship fest was one good way to close the program. As live music fills the gym, the attendees felt the presence of our Lord as they sang with pride.

The second day began with a living rosary and lively morning praise and worship. The participants were then given time afterward to prepare themselves for the day. With a long day ahead, the campers proceeded to the talk sessions and workshop activities. Four topics were discussed by a lineup of knowledgeable individuals; this includes Individual Growth and Social Involved – presented by Rev. Fr. Cristopher Alcayde, Mental Health – broached by Sir Lunar Tan Fayloga, Relationships 101 – assigned to Bro. Amiel Arado and Social Media Etiquette – conducted by Davao Catholic Herald staff members, Sir Luther Lutero and Miss Christine Mae Camus.

Later that day, the different groups went physical as they were given tasks in the Team Building activity. Despite the vigorous challenges that awaited them in the various stations, the individual groups had fun while giving it their all to achieve success. With great exhaustion, the campers returned to their zones and prepare for Social Night, a grand spectacle showcasing each zone’s extraordinary talents ranging from singing to dancing. With the variety of talent, the attendees cheer with joy and excitement as they perform. Once the performances were completed, the first set of certificates were presented to the different groups and zones, praised for their dedication and hard work. With the social night coming to a close, another praise and worship happened, with a mini-concert taking place right after.

With the final day everyone came together and sang the chaplet of the Divine Mercy, followed by one last praise and worship. The final set of certificates were presented thereafter, once again showcasing each group and zone strive to succeed. After breakfast, everyone walked to the Seminary chapel and attended Holy Mass which was presided by Parish Priest Rev. Msgr. Paul Cuison with Rev. Fr. Marvin Del Campo concelebrating.

While presiding the mass, Rev. Msgr. Paul Cuison stated the reason why the youth was participated in the camp which because of God’s love for us; He’s calling us and wishes us to follow Him. This momentous occasion made us, the youth, discover the spiritual aspect or spiritual dimension of our lives, where we can find Jesus and listen to His words. Msgr. Cuison hopes the other parishes in Davao City will follow and establish their own Youth Camps. “This is not the end; the summer camp is not the end. It’s just the beginning,” said Msgr. Cuison in the closing moments of the mass. With the theme: “Game On: Start God’s Mission, Rekindle the Faith”, the experience served as a religious learning experience catered to the youth through educational talks, cooperative tasks, spiritual practices, and all-around engaging fun. Despite this year’s camp being great as it is, the parish hopes that next year’s camp will be much grander, with more young individuals in attendance. (Alessandro Rikardo V. Millabe & Mae Kylla Cabadongga | St. Francis of Assisi Ma-a)