Episcopal Commission for the Biblical Apostolate

3RD YOUTH BIBLE CAMP

Diocese of Tagum

The Youth Bible Camp wasconceived to provide the young people especially the students an avenue fordeveloping  a deeper knowledge andunderstanding of the word of God  throughthe various  biblical activities as wellas acquiring skills in spreading the word of God using these various biblicalactivities.

The 3rdYouth Bible Camp was held in the Diocese of Tagum  last December 21 to 23, 2009 at the Maryknoll High School of Sto. Tomas, Davao del Norte. Participatingstudents came from  seven schools within theDioceses of Tagum and Mati  administeredby  the Molo Dominican Sisters. The themewas: “Faithfulness to the Word of God, Faithfulness to  Christ.” Muslim students joined the biblecamp with great interest and enthusiasm.

The Youth Bible Camp started with the parade from the school to the townplaza back to the school with the participants bringing posters with bible verses.It was led by the Drum and Lyre Corps of the Maryknoll High School of Sto.Tomas. Bible enthronement in the school followed. Sr. Visitacion Alecto, OP Coordinator of the School Biblical Apostolatein the Archdiocese of Jaro, Iloilo City helped organizedthis Bible Camp.  She declared theopening  of the Bible Camp in lieu of theDiocesan Bible Director Father Anthony Jun Piguerra  who was sick. The releasing of doves tosymbolize peace and the raising of flag and banners followed.  Sr. Lolita Llaso, OP, the Principal ofAssumption of Mawab, Compostela Valley and the new Regional Superiorof the Dominican Sisters in Mindanao gave theopening remarks. Sr. Domitilla Sendino, OP, the Principal of Maryknoll ofKapalong presented the delegates while Sr. Antonina Paguntalan, OP , Principalof Cor Jesu Mabini High School, Compostela Valley Provincegladly welcomed all the participants.. Orientation of house rules and the camp activitiesin the camp was given by the teachers in the host school.

In the afternoon the participants were given orientation regarding thebasics of the Bible and the Prayer Response Method  of Bible sharing. The  participants were divided into groups, each usingthe names of the Bible books. The facilitators were the selected students ofthe host school who were trained to facilitate the bible sharing groups. Theparticipants not only shared what touched them in the passage  given to them but also their anxieties, painsand sorrows. ( The massacre in Maguindanao happened just a month ago). The  first day ended with the celebration of theMass by  Fr. Nick Consencino,  After dinner, the campers were encouraged tomake more friends during the Friendship hour. The evening ended with apenitential service for self- cleansing in preparation for the coming of Jesus.

The Bible Campers started the 2nd day with the dawn rosary tohonor Mary the  Mother of the Word. Thenthey had the proclamation of the Word contest.  Father Levi Manteca, the Diocesan Youth Directorofficiated the Eucharistic celebration before lunch. The participants receivedfirst the spiritual nourishment before they received physical food.

In the afternoon, they had the Bible encounter (Bible quiz). Muslimstudents joined the quiz and they even got high scores.  After dinner, there was a bonfire and an exoduswalk led by one of the participants as Moses. They did the Bibliodrama dancesaround the bonfire,  reflecting on thejourney of the Israelites out of slavery. It was followed with a birthdayprogram for Jesus. It was indeed  awonderful memorable and enriching activity for the young people.

On the third day , the participants woke up at  5:30 in the morning to give praise to the Lordfor the wonderful time they had with Him. Then they had aerobics to exercisethe body.  After  breakfast the school assigned to give acreative recap of the past activities did it in the form of broadcasting. The  review of what transpired in the past threedays was done in the manner very appealing to the young ones.  

The Bible Campers had varied reflections of the three days activities. Someconsidered it as enriching and impressive. Others were touched by the sharing.  Awarding of certificates  to participating schools and studentsfollowed.

The Bible Camp was culminated with the Eucharistic celebration presidedby his Excellency Wilfredo Manlapaz, Bishop of the Diocese of Tagum with Father Emerson de los Reyes, Superintendent ofSchools in the Diocese of Tagum. Sumptuous meal was served for lunch. IT WAS ABIRTHDAY PARTY FOR JESUS.

We thank the Lord for His special gift to the campers, the success ofthe 3rd Youth Bible Camp. We thank Him for touching people’s heartsto contribute their time and resources. We thank Him for our President, GloriaMacapagal Arroyo who  responded to ourrequest to help proclaim the word of God to our people in the country. She gaveall the participants a copy of the YOUTH BIBLE. We thank Him for ECBAspecifically Fr. Oscar Alunday and Lina for facilitating the delivery of theBibles on time for the Bible sharing schedule. We thank Him for all those whocontributed their time, talents and resources for the success of the Bible Camp.   

TrulyGod makes a way even if it seemed there is no way. May we continue to proclaimGod’s Word in the highways and by-ways. Let us shout His word in our lives. Christians are windows through which Jesus can shine. “ Jesus mustincrease, and we must decrease.” (Sr. Visitacion Alecto)