My name is May Yong from Singapore and I was born on the 27th of October 1990 which made me 16 at the Australian Summer Camp last year. Right now I am in Junior College finishing up my last two years of school. Growing up in the Church in a place where there are virtually no other youths besides my brother and myself made me totally amazed at my first summer camp. The love and joy in the atmosphere between youths in the Church was fantastic and it just made me want to return again for more.

This was my third summer camp and by far the best yet. Summer Camp just seems to get better and better every year as we grow and mature into young adults. This Summer Camp was chock-full of activities that kept us busy and exhilarated. In my opinion, the best thing about camp was meeting all the other youths who know God’s laws. It was wonderful to reunite with old friends and make new ones and just spend time with youths that truly understand why we do the things we do.

I was in Team 1 with team leaders Dave Archer and Rachel Grams. From an utterly biased point of view, I’d have to say that Team 1 was the best. One of the highlights of camp was the Giant Swing. This was a milder (but not much) version of Bungee Jumping. The whole team would haul their teammate up to about the height of a three-storey building or maybe even more and that person would yank a string that would disconnect them from the rope holding them up. This action would send them plummeting to the ground at a terrifying speed swinging them back and forth just like a pendulum. For some of those afraid of heights, it truly was a leap of faith.

Another major highlight of camp was the hike. The hike was emotionally and physically taxing. We were Israelites, moving through the wilderness in search of the Promise Land. Trials and tribulations were many throughout and a constant adversary in our midst at all times. But I’m happy to say that all of us completed the hike safe, satisfied and with a whole lot more to think about.

Of course, there were many other enjoyable activities like Arts and Craft where we designed our own T-Shirts, Drama Class where we put together skits based on Bible Stories, Speech Club, and Dancing Classes where we attempted to transform into graceful swans. And of course, the essential element that made every camp complete was the morning Christian Living Classes. The theme this year was “Developing Character.” Ministers and staff who led us into in-depth discussions about the varied aspects of character development did a fantastic job.

Before we knew it, camp was over for the year. A sentimental moment was shared when campers balled their eyes out together on the last night when one of our Tongan brethren echoed our emotions through an impromptu speech. A huge round of appreciation to Mr. Bruce Dean and all the staff who worked so hard to make this camp a success. Lastly, thank you to all the United Youth Campers who made camp complete—it was truly a blessing to be able to experience this Summer Camp 2006.

© 2007 United Church of God, AIA - Pilipinas