CDM Penang holds First Stay-in Youth Camp
“So what have you learned from this Camp?” This was the question that parents of 39 youths were told to ask their children during a session at the first stay-in Camp at CDM from 28 - 30 November, 2014.
Dec 24, 2014

By Ivan Filmer
“So what have you learned from this Camp?” This was the question that parents of 39 youths were told to ask their children during a session at the first stay-in Camp at CDM from 28 - 30 November, 2014. Parents were asked to form groups with their children, and some “adopted” children of those parents who did not turn up. Later, they shared what their children had told them.
Some of the answers surprised those around them. “Water games was really fun!” “I learned that to be a leader, you need to communicate well, listen and get the cooperation of those in your group.” “To be a leader, you need to have disciplined like in martial sports, to not be afraid to fail, to be humble.” “Leaders may not be successful all the time.” “There are different types of leadership and communication styles.” “Everyone is special.”
This year’s Youth Camp theme focused on “Leaders for Christ.” It was the intention of Fr. Martin Arlando, the parish priest of CDM, to bring all the youth in the parish together for closer bonding in order that they may know the talents and strengths of other youth in CDM. In doing so, it is easier for them to know who they can ask for help when they needed to do something and to strengthen their sense of community spirit in serving the less fortunate. The camp had sessions on Leadership, Communication, Discovering Oneself, Discipline, Obedience and Commitment in Leadership and Disciple Leadership. Fr Martin conducted the session on Disciple Leadership and led by example in an activity that included washing and kissing the feet of each of the 39 youths. It was an emotional moment for them as they saw the humility of a leader and a person whom they all respected. In addition, some wept when their parents present decided to follow the example of Fr Martin to wash and kiss their children’s feet.
Another highlight of the camp was the Outreach Activity where the youths made home visits to 12 CDM parishioners who were homebound and unable to come to church. They brought with them a basket of fruits, a candle, a prayer cup, a thanksgiving cup (filled with good wishes) and a Christmas card from Fr. Martin. The groups were especially restricted to a maximum of four youths so that everyone of them would have a chance to talk with the people they visited. Some youths commented that the people they visited were so happy to see and speak to them. Some asked, “How did Fr know my name? Please read to me what Fr had to say in his Christmas card. Come sing me a Christmas carol!”
The camp ended with a potbless and a talent night where the parents saw skits and songs presented by their children on various topics of the Bible. The success of the camp was largely due to the cooperation of the parents and teachers who came and cooked meals, chaperoned the overnight stay, prepared the fruit baskets, assisted in the sessions and transported the children to homes in the outreach activity. Some youths asked for the next camp to be longer. Others wanted more praise and worship and a later curfew time. The real success of the camp was reflected in the comment of one quiet participant who said that he found a best friend at camp.
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