Journeying with Mary towards spiritual growth

After four years since the covid-19 pandemic, the Immaculate Conception Parish conducted its first ever summer youth camp at Tracer Heights, Licup, Samal Island on July 1-2, 2023 with the theme of “Mary arose and went with haste.”

The first day of the camp was filled with insightful thoughts and heartfelt messages as youth campers were taught on how Mary arose and prayed, obeyed and went with haste. The following topics were discussed by Ms. Mary Ann Batu, Mr. Jon Gales, and Rev. Amiel Arado.

Moreover, a praise and worship session led by the Singles for Christ ICP chapter was also conducted allowing the youth to express their heartfelt gratitude towards God. An ice breaker also happened for the participants to know more about each other and enjoy each other’s company through identifying commonalities among them.

The youth offered a rosary prayer first thing in the morning during the second day of the camp and a moment of silence for the youth to meditate. A talk on mental health and suicide awareness were also presented to them with a purpose to increase their knowledge on this social issue and be able to help other people who are in crisis.

Furthermore, a team building named “Way to Jesus” was participated by the campers to test their ability to unite and apply what they have learned during the two-day camp.

Filled with laughter, self-discovery, discernment and joyous memories, the summer youth camp was conducted successfully with the help of the ICPYA core members, ICP Singles for Christ, PNP Samal, BFP Samal, Fr. Rommel Banilad, Fr. Jerick Asdang, Rev. Amiel Arado and other sponsors that made the event possible.

With almost a 100 participants from different GKKs under the Immaculate Conception Parish of Peñaplata, everyone received a certificate of recognition as a token of appreciation for their active participation and support for this spiritual life growth gathering.

As the summer youth camp 2023 came to and end, everyone was encouraged to become a steward of God, and follow His way just like how the Virgin Mary arose and went with haste to the life of holiness. May the experiences of everyone during the summer youth camp become a living memory that we are united with the help of God’s love for everyone.

To God be all the Glory!

(Febbi Akizah Sibay | CPYA SocCom, ICP Peñaplata)