‘Youngest’ Parish Youth Ministry makes name as it sets its milestone with the First Summer Youth Camp

DAVAO CITY, PHILIPPINES – The San Pedro Poveda Parish Youth Apostolate held its highly-anticipated First Summer Youth Camp on July 12-14, 2024. Around 190 delegates joyfully embarked for a three-day activity at the St. Francis Xavier College Seminary, Catalunan Grande, Davao City.

“POVEDA YOUTH: Joyful in Hope!” – The concept for this year’s Summer Youth Camp was inspired by the 5th DADITAMA Youth Convention 2024 theme. The theme is in synchronization with the latter’s objectives. Alternatively, the GKK Dynamic Group Discussions were further enhanced by including Povedan Core Values catechism.

Rev. Fr. Elneri “Menying” B. Meñez, Parish Priest presided over the Eucharistic Celebration in three separate days. Despite the heavy downpour on the first day after the Holy Mass, the delegates showed no signs of slowing down. Throughout the Opening Program, which showcased the Parade of Delegates and some animation, they never wavered, instead maximizing their energetic and youthful spirits to the utmost level. A solemn observance of Bible Enthronement followed the Opening Program.

Several resource speakers were present in the Learning Tracks and Plenary Talks from the first day. Bro. Errol James Santos headlined the camp with an insightful discussion about the theme, which is centered in finding joy in hope amidst uncertainty. Then followed by “BOKAFE: Mga Kwento ng Buhay at Pag-ibig,” a vocation symposium hosted by Rev. Fr. Ronald “Dodong” Arcillas, Commission on Vocations Director. Various lay faithful across all backgrounds and the Davao Vocation Promoters were present in the said segment. It was followed by a townhall meeting where the delegates can freely ask their questions to the vocation advocates. The first day activities wrapped up with Taizé Prayer, a prayer of all Christian Faith that is sung and recited solemnly.

The second day was the most productive day for the campers. Some of them woke up early in the morning to participate in a community Zumba, while some others had to prepare for their breakfast. Even if it meant they have to deal with eye strain caused by the smoke released from the charcoal made out of the coconut shell. I, for one, can attest that going through this rather ‘minor inconvenience’ is a part of a wholesome camp experience. When you cope with it, you gain indispensable lessons about life. Experience is the teacher of all things.

The campers were able to showcase the spirit of camaraderie and unity during the teambuilding activity. It was followed by an energy-inducing Solidarity Night where the GKK Servant Leaders were invited. The Solidarity Night was divided into three segments, namely: (1) Kwentuhan with Father Menying; (2) Socio-Cultural Night, and; (3) Praise and Worship.

The first segment, where Fr. Menying appears on the spotlight, was a productive, hilarious, witty, and insightful activity. Everyone tuned in as the parish priest spoke on where the church stands on various current issues that shapes the status quo of our society today.

The segment ended with a cheerful and moving note where Fr. Menying left a wholesome message to the Poveda Youth. He hopes that after he leaves the parish, the youth of San Pedro Poveda will continue to grow into one, large and inclusive community. A community that fosters unity, where everyone is visible, celebrated, and appreciated, thus welcoming every young people with open arms. Fr. Menying also challenged the Poveda Youth to ensure its relentless dedication in bringing the youth closer to church.

Right after Fr. Menying exits the curtain, a cultural show followed, exhibiting a wide array of culture that promoted unity in diversity and showcases the beauty of our common home. From the elegant ensemble of European cultural dance to the expressionist dance of South American culture, followed by the pulse and beat of African culture, and the colorful Asian culture. In addition to these versatile performances, the Povedan seminarians across Theology Years serenaded the audience.

The campers spent the whole morning on the third day by sharing their experiences during ‘Sulo Sa Pagtoo’ activity. Prior to Sulo Sa Pagtoo, the delegates also signed up into various ministry during the ‘Ministerial Hopping’ activity. This observance of Ministerial Hopping is rather novel to our Parish Youth Ministry, aimed at upskilling the ministries in a more inclusive way. A Send-off Mass presided by Fr. Menying concluded the three-day transformative journey.

Bro. Roy Felix T. Abrio, resource speaker for HINGA and Parish Youth Coordinator of Immaculate Conception Parish of Mintal commented that the Working Committee of the First Summer Youth Camp comprised of SPP-PYA Core Group cohesively established its standards for a summer youth camp in the future. He believes that it was well beyond expectations, particularly for a historic First Summer Youth Camp.

In a now-concluded First Summer Youth Camp, the entire program is a resounding success. In just less than three days, the delegates were able to internalize the camp objectives adapted from DADITAMA Youth Convention 2024, which seeks to: (1) relive their understanding of faith; (2) reignite their experience of encounter with Christ, and; (3) renew the sense of unity and belongingness.

Without the delegates and its GKK Servant Leaders’ support, the unprecedented First Summer Youth Camp would not have been such a huge success. On behalf of the Core Group of San Pedro Poveda Parish Youth Apostolate, we thank everyone who helped make this fruitful gathering happen, whether behind the scenes or not.

Lastly, to the Father Almighty, Our Lady, and San Pedro Poveda, for sustaining us and protecting us along the way. We look forward to more Christ-centered bonds like this. (John Emman Magallanes | SoCCom – San Pedro Poveda Parish)