Empowering youths to break out

A total of 59 students and six catechists from the Pre-Confirmation Class of St Ignatius Church (SIC) participated in a camp themed Empower Me at the Marist Brothers Champagnat Youth Centre, Port Dickson November 9-11.

Nov 30, 2018

PETALING JAYA: A total of 59 students and six catechists from the Pre-Confirmation Class of St Ignatius Church (SIC) participated in a camp themed Empower Me at the Marist Brothers Champagnat Youth Centre, Port Dickson November 9-11.

The camp was facilitated by Martin Jalleh. Despite the age gap, Jalleh was able to capture the students’ interest by having them participate in the activities. Martin hosted a total of eight sessions which covered relationships, handling pressure and inner healing.

A session that particularly stands out was the Inner Healing Session. It was more serious as the students asked God for strength to help them forgive those who had hurt them, and for forgiveness for the sins and pain that they had inflicted onto others.

Many students broke down in tears that night, but all were rejuvenated by the Holy Spirit. Both catechists and students stayed up till the wee hours building greater rapport as well as bonding to form a stronger Catholic community.

The students were fortunate to be able to participate at the sunset Mass celebrated by Fr Paul Sia, who was newly ordained on November 6, 2018.

Besides participating in the activities organised by Jalleh, the students had the opportunity to plan some games. There were many games purposefully designed to get the students out of their comfort zone. These activities helped them build their communication skills as they were forced to cooperate with the other teammates to finish the games which included charades, coin finding and finding the ball.

Some of the students, particularly the shy ones and those who preferred working alone, found it very difficult to break out of their shells and cooperate with their team members. Fortunately the other members were very supportive and helped motivate them to get out of their comfort zones and to acquire a stronger voice.

Many students learned a variety of new things and skills to help them as they grow older and face more challenges emotionally, physically and spiritually.

Some learned how to socialise with people. Some learned to put their mobile devices aside and have face-to-face conversations. Others learned that God is humorous. Some even learned how to face their fears. It was truly an unforgettable camp because everyone had made new friends.
It had been one rollercoaster of a camp, with many ups and downs (but mostly ups). What a blast it was! — By Alexander Thomas and Ashley Chooi

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