DAVAO CITY, Philippines — Thirty-two campers, 34 staff and four “mini-campers” gathered at Eden Nature Park from May 17 to 24 to attend this year’s United Youth Camp. The counselors and staff were required to report a week earlier to help setup camp and undergo training.

The camp was directed by Mr. Edmond D. Macaraeg, UCG Mindanao pastor and long-time camp director. This is now the 11th consecutive camp conducted by the United Church of God in the Philippines, and the 8th consecutive camp at this location.

As in previous camps, the 32 campers were organized into four groups or “dorms” of eight campers each [two boys dorms (1B and 2B) and two girls dorms (1G and 2G)], with a counselor and an assistant counselor heading each dorm.

Each dorm was provided with the necessary food, ingredients, and supplies to prepare and cook their own meals. This practice began five years ago (2004), and has continued for the sixth time this year. The campers reportedly enjoy this experience more than being served already-prepared food. Sometimes, two dorms prepare and eat together.

The theme chosen for this year was taken from the writings of King Solomon in the Bible (Ecclesiastes 12:1)—“Remember Your Creator.”

Each day, camp begins and ends with God. The whole camp has a Quiet Time from 5 a.m. to 6 a.m., where every camper and staff member is encouraged to pray and do their personal Bible study. Before lights out at 10 p.m., each dorm also has a group prayer to close the day.

The first activity of the day, conducted right after breakfast, is a two-hour interactive Bible study called Christian Living class conducted by Mr. Macaraeg. It’s not unusual for the discussions to last the whole morning. Before class ends, each dorm is given some “homework”—a thought-provoking question or a challenging biblical topic to discuss within the dorm and present before the group the next day. This encourages spiritual discussion among the campers throughout the day, especially at mealtimes. Occasionally, we would have a staff member volunteer to share a personal true story to drive the point home. The stories were very interesting—sometimes funny, but always encouraging and deeply moving.

Apart from the Christian Living classes, the Confidence Course and Wilderness Skills was probably the most popular activity. Like last year, we had rains on most afternoons, but all activities proceeded on as usual, albeit with some delays. Therefore, cooking dinner under the rain and under the cover of darkness was an extra challenge and took several hours. After going through several obstacles in the course while carrying one raw egg that shouldn’t be cracked (the Wall Climb, the Pulley Slide, the Monkey Bridge, and the perennial favorite—the Mud Tunnel), the campers arrived back at camp an hour past midnight—having survived the 10-12 hours of facing and conquering their fears.

The other activities were Dance, First Aid, Inline Skating, Riflery, Soccer, Softball, and Swimming. We also conducted various workshops on a Friday afternoon to pass on a marketable or useful skill. Each camper could attend up to two workshops: Art Illustration, Carpentry, Conversational English, Cooking & Baking, Calligraphy, House Painting, Journalism, and Photography.

On the evenings we had novelty games, fellowship time, a Bible study, and a talent show/dance night. One special thing we did on two evenings was show two DVD movies by Sherwood Pictures, Facing the Giants and Flywheel. It was very inspiring to everyone (except for the few who were too dead tired to stay awake!) The third and latest movie by the same producers, Fireproof, was also shown to all the staff and counselors during staff training week. For the Sabbath, we had Bible Bowl and Sabbath services. Selected campers and staff also performed a very fitting special number, “Remember Your Creator.”

On the final night of camp, each camper received a special surprise gift: a brand-new New King James Gift & Award Bible. We felt this was the best gift we could give to remind each of them to remember the One who made this camp such an enjoyable, successful, and unforgettable one.

—Reported by Daniel Macaraeg

Note: More photos and articles will be featured in the upcoming United Teens Philippines 2009 camp magazine.

© 2009 United Church of God, AIA - Pilipinas