Hello hello again good day to each and every one of us! It's me again, haruki.tls123 back with a newest blog! So, today I'm here to share with you to one of the biggest event of our Youth Organization...which is the Two Day Summer Youth Camp which is being held in Cogon, City of Naga, Cebu.
Since I'm the current President of Children's Rights Advocacy in our City, also I hold a position of another organization which is the Pag-asa Youth Organization Of The Philippines (PYAP) which is kinda big. We advocate positive change and empowerment especially for our youth in our generation. Our mission is clear: to support and uplift the youth, particularly those who are out of school, by providing them with opportunities for growth and development. Our organization is driven by the belief that every young individual deserves a chance to succeed, regardless of their background or circumstances. As advocates for youth empowerment, our organizatio is committed to providing a platform where young people can voice their concerns, share their ideas, and access the resources they need to thrive and one of it is the PYAP summer youth camp 2024.
This Summer Youth Camp is an annual event organized by our youth organization, bringing together participants from all the barangays in our city. It's a time for collaboration, meeting new people, and learning through various discussions. The camp provides a platform for young individuals to showcase their skills and talents, fostering a sense of community and mutual support. It's not just about having fun, but also about building connections and enhancing communication with peers from different barangays. This event is crucial because it strengthens the bonds within our community and empowers the youth by giving them opportunities to grow and learn together.
As for me, this is the second time I'm attending the Summer Youth Camp, and the experience of the first one was truly memorable. This year, just like last year, I am a facilitator at the camp. I can confidently say that the two-day event was both successful and enjoyable. Being part of this camp again allowed me to see familiar faces and meet new participants, making the experience even more enriching. So yeah, let's dive into the details and stories of my blog today!
DAY 1
On the first day morning, we prepared our clothes, utensils, supplies, and cooking equipment. We also met up with our Barangay Chairman, who I'll refer to as Chairman Kriesha. Thanks to her, she sponsored the food we would cook, even though the LGU provided meals for the camping. On the second day morning, we were scheduled to cook our own food. Once we had everything ready, we took a jeepney to meet with another barangay chairman so we could travel together to Cogon.
Cogon is somewhat mountainous and difficult to reach due to its rough and bumpy roads. Despite the challenging journey, we started chatting and bonding as soon as we got on the service vehicle. By the time we arrived at the event place, everyone was already in high spirits, ready to make the most of the camp.
Upon our arrival, I immediately got to work as a facilitator and we were given t-shirts to signify that we were campers. We were then seated in the covered court, where each barangay had a designated area. Our barangay, by the way, is Barangay West Poblacion. The first activity was for each barangay to introduce themselves through yells or cheers, which was a really fun and amusing moment.
After the introductions, the spokespersons introduced themselves and explained what would happen over the two days of camping, including the rules and activities.
After the orientation, the lessons began. On the first day, there were discussions about youth issues, starting with teenage pregnancy. The lesson covered the differentiation of gender and sex, dos and don'ts, causes and effects, and statistics on this growing issue in our country. This lesson was important to raise awareness among the youth that this is one of the main issues in society and a significant factor hindering our progress.
The discussion and camping officially started at 10 AM, and the first lesson concluded at 12 PM.
After the first lesson, it was time for lunch. On the first day, our organization had a budget for food, so we provided meals, drinks, and snacks for the youth. Everyone enjoyed their lunch while chatting and getting to know each other better.
After lunch, there was another activity where the participants were asked about their expectations for the camp. Following that, we had another discussion on one of the major issues in our society—the use of illegal drugs. Despite the rainy weather, the discussion continued for the youth's benefit. They showed short films about drug use, types of drugs, their causes and effects, and this session was led by our city's beloved police officers.
In the afternoon, the DRRRMO (Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office) held an activity on first aid in case of emergencies. They taught proper chest compressions and basic disaster response strategies. All these activities continued until the evening, when we had dinner again. By this time, I noticed that participants were beginning to communicate more with each other across different barangays, making new friends and adjusting well to the camp environment.
After all the activities, the campers were finally allowed to rest in their designated rooms at the school in Cogon. Meanwhile, we, the facilitators, held a meeting to prepare for the second day of camping.
The first day was successful, but the second day was exhausting. This day was packed with events, the highlight being the Amazing Race. This game was designed for participants to showcase their leadership and communication skills, along with other abilities, while collaborating with participants from other barangays. We were 30 facilitators in total, and our Sir divided us into groups of 10, with each group overseeing three stations. The Amazing Race had 10 stations, and each station featured different games that the participants needed to complete. Our group was assigned to Station 3, where participants had to crawl through the mud like soldiers—a challenge I was particularly excited about. After our short meeting, we went to sleep, ready and eager for the second day.
Day 2
On day two, we woke up early because it was our turn to cook breakfast. The day started with a lively Zumba session to energize everyone.
After Zumba, we enjoyed the breakfast we prepared, thanks to Chairman Kriesha, who generously provided pancit canton, rice, tuna, corned beef, and soft drinks.
Once breakfast was over, we prepared for the Amazing Race, the highlight of the camp. The race began with great excitement, as participants used various tactics to successfully complete each station. It was thrilling to see the creativity and teamwork displayed by the campers as they navigated through the challenges.
Following the Amazing Race was the grand finale—our awarding ceremony. This was the moment to recognize and celebrate the efforts and achievements of everyone involved. Awards were given to the best barangays, best leaders, and best campers. Even the facilitators were acknowledged for their hard work and dedication throughout the camp. The sense of camaraderie and accomplishment was palpable, making it a fitting conclusion to an unforgettable experience.
The Summer Youth Camp 2024 in Cogon, City of Naga, Cebu was truly memorable. From the camaraderie built during the challenging yet fun activities to the invaluable lessons learned about significant social issues, every moment was worthwhile. The experience not only strengthened bonds among the youth from different barangays but also equipped us with essential skills and knowledge that will undoubtedly benefit our communities.
To the youth, I encourage you to take every opportunity to participate in events like this. These camps are not just about fun and games—they're about learning, growing, and becoming better individuals. Embrace the challenges, build new friendships, and most importantly, apply the lessons you learn to make a positive impact in your communities. Remember, we are the future, and it is up to us to lead and inspire others.
Thank you for reading my blog! I hope you enjoyed this glimpse into our Summer Youth Camp. Stay tuned for more updates and stories in my next blog. haruki.tls123 out! Please support this blog of mine today! Thank you and God bless.