FIN Province Holds Youth Leadership Camp

By Fr. Donnie Duchin Duya, SDB

Laguna, the Philippines, 12 May 2017 -- For three full days​ ​last week, Bosconian leaders from various settings of the FIN Province converged for a leadership training seminar-workshop. Two non-Salesian parishes, Sto Nino Parish in Tondo and Santa Maria Magdalena Parish Church in Calamba also sent youth contingents.​

Dubbed as Champoree, a portmanteau of the words Champion and jamboree, the participants were given various inputs on becoming “champions,” alongside a camp experience that is truly Salesian—outdoor activities, liturgical celebrations, group experience, goodnight talks, reflection and journaling, and a whole lot more.

The talks revolved around six concrete qualities which embody every champion: Cultivate character, Have a heart, Aim for a mission, Maintain balance, Prioritize the spirit, and Stay the course. The initial letters of these six form the word CHAMPS.

The over-all program was designed by the team of Fr. Armand Robleza, SDB, and has been adapted by the Commission on Youth Ministry headed by Fr. Joebeth Vivo, SDB.

A total of 145 young people from Don Bosco College and Don Bosco Youth Center (DBYC) in Canlubang, Don Bosco Technical Institute (DBTI)-Makati, Don Bosco Technical College-Mandaluyong, Don Bosco Training Center in Nueva Ecija, DBTI Tarlac, DBYC Tondo, Don Bosco Academy in Pampanga, Don Bosco Agro-Mechanical Technology Center in Legazpi, San Ildefonso Parish in Makati, and St. John Bosco Parish in Makati.

Ms. Alda Sumbingco of DBTI Makati served as camp master.

The camp was organized to provide a Salesian paradigm of formation and leadership training for youth leaders and to enhance the experience and consciousness of unity among our Salesians, seminarians, Lay Mission Partners and youth leaders.

Joaquin Tua, a student of DBTI—Makati, noted how the obstacle course led him to appreciate teamwork and trust with each other. Meanwhile, Ariel Escoto, Jr. of DBTI Tarlac believed that the Amazing Race of the camp made them work as one team despite coming from different Don Bosco settings.

Young Salesians from the Sacred Heart Postnovitiate community and Prenovices of Don Bosco Prenovitiate Seminary in Canlubang provided valuable assistance in the running of the camp from May 9 to 12.

The first Champoree was held in Lipa, Batangas in 2014.

---

---