The campsite we have been using for 10 years has been converted to a vanilla plantation, so camp this year moved to new sites. Though relatively smaller and a bit more expensive than the previous campsite, these new sites have been favorable to the camp in many ways. They are closer to all but one of the activity sites, camper accommodations have improved from tents to huts, and hot showers provided comfort for the early morning bath.

The 32 campers were organized into four dorms, each with a counselor and an assistant counselor. For eight days they built friendships, learned lessons and faced the day’s challenges together as a family.

This year’s theme, “Pursue the Light,” was adapted from John 8:12 where Jesus said, “I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness but shall have the light of life.” It emphasizes the importance of knowing and following the true source of light, Jesus Christ, and His way of life, while living in this world of spiritual darkness and confusion.

Every day, an hour of quiet time from 5:00-6:00 a.m. is set for personal Bible study, prayer, and meditation. Just before lights off at 10:00 p.m., each dorm and staff prays again to acknowledge God’s guidance, protection and blessings during the day. Thus, each day begins and ends with God—a very important habit that UYC tries to develop into each camper.

Christian living classes begin at 8 a.m., and each day focuses on different areas of Christian life as it relates to the theme. After Christian living classes, each dorm prepares a healthy lunch to gear themselves up for the next activities. The activities give each camper not just fun but valuable lessons and practical ways to conduct themselves properly as they reflect the true light to the world.

Campers were taught to respect each other in the dance activity. The ball games taught them the spirit of sportsmanship and humility. In-line skating and riflery emphasized the importance of balance, focus and self-control in our life.

Aside from fun activities and sports, the campers were also taught basic wilderness survival skills. Without the convenience of gas stoves and modern kitchen utensils, the campers learned to build a fire and cook unpolished rice, unleavened bread and chicken curry in bamboo tubes. Banana leaves were used as table place mats while banana bark peeled off from its upright stem and cut in pieces were used as plates. The campers were so creative to have thought of carving spoons out of bamboo.

Perhaps the most popular activity that has always been the highlight of camp is the confidence course. With safety harnesses secured and a raw egg tied to their necks, each camper and counselor have to pass through different obstacles along the way and return back to the campsite with their egg unbroken. Aside from more than a kilometer uphill and downhill mountain hike, each dorm has to climb up a 35-foot vertical wall, gripping on stone holds and rappelling down as soon as they reach the top. The next obstacle is a 150-foot zip line crossing over a ravine about 50 feet deep. Next to the slide is a 120-foot long monkey bridge, suspended some 20 feet over a rocky stream. The final obstacle and the most challenging of all is the mud tunnel. Campers and counselors alike crawl through a dark, muddy, slippery and narrow tunnel going up to another extremely narrow concrete culvert about 30 ft. long and 24 in. in diameter. Though tired, dirty and exhausted, the campers hike their way back to the campsite in a dark trail, with joy and a deep sense of accomplishment and self-confidence rebuilt having succeeded in going through the difficult challenges of the day.

Workshops, Bible games, Christian living Q&A sessions, a Sabbath service and Indian theme night rounded out the rest of camp. On the final morning at camp, everyone gathered to write encouraging notes on each other’s notebook. Certificates and awards were given at the closing ceremony. As a token, everyone was given a mini-keychain LED flashlight as a reminder to always pursue the True Light.

All credit and praise belong to our Almighty Father and to our elder brother Jesus Christ, the only true light, for making this year’s camp successful once
again!