The Survivor: Challenge Accepted

Sep 20, 2019

By Nicholas Kuan
The SFA Youth Camp 2019 organised by the Youth Ministry of St Francis of Assisi (SFA), Cheras, was held at the parish and at Outbac Broga August 30 - September 1.

The camp was facilitated by several members from ASAYO Kuala Lumpur. The sessions were filled with examples from Christus Vivit, a post-synodal apostolic exhortation by Pope Francis, and were related to how we, as youths, are a community and are all survivors in this ever-changing, fast-paced world.

The first day was about inner beauty and how each of us is unique in our own way. We were reminded of the “GotongRoyong” concept and how each one of us forms a unique community. It was also highlighted that we should not be afraid to take charge in our community despite being youths.

Before the night ended, participants were divided into 14 groups. During the Stations of the Cross, each assigned group had to present a short sketch relating their respective station to current events. This was a form of meditation for us to remember the hardships that Jesus went through during His time and what we as youths are also going through in this world.

The second day began with praise and worship led by the ASAYO team. There was a session about young Saints who lived their lives through troubled and difficult times. We were then separated into several groups. Each group had  to reflect and share on a young Saint. Some young Saints included Blessed Chiara Badano, Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati and St Therese of Lisieux. It was interesting to know more about these young Saints and to be inspired by their life stories. The session continued with all of us reflecting on our own uniqueness and gifts from God and how we are all young Saints ready to be of service.

The youths then proceeded to OUTBAC, Broga. A treasure hunt had been organised where two teams had to complete a series of obstacles in order to collect the necessary items to start a fire and prepare a pot of Milo. It was a thrilling and exciting experience which created an adrenaline rush and the sense  of competitiveness to complete the hunt. After the team building activities were concluded, we participated in rock climbing and flying fox.

After dinner, we were back in the session hall for “Malam Sarung”. During this session, everyone wore a “sarung” to brighten up the atmosphere. Some of the activities carried out included passing the ball with a “sarung” and tossing it into the goal, follow the leader games, charades and the blanket game. Having completed all the “sarung” activities, we had some free and easy time to sing songs and dance till midnight. The night’s activities concluded with night prayer and sharing.

After breakfast the next morning, our final session touched on our promises to God; we got into groups of three and shared our promises to God. We then had to mould our promises with the clay given to us to symbolise our covenant with God. After lunch, we headed back to our parish for Mass at the Chapel which was celebrated by Fr Michael Teng OFM Cap. It was after Mass that we bid farewell to one another.

It was truly an amazing camp where our faith was deepened, our knowledge broadened and both new and lasting friendships were made.

Indeed, there is no YOUth without YOU.