Coz' yeah its exactly a week after the SEP Luzon 2014 (Summer Enrichment Program) - the annual youth camp of our denomination (Grace Communion International). This year's SEP has been so memorable for me because it was my first time to serve as a staff, more specifically as an assistant counselor. I am privileged to be paired with my counselor kuya Al Santillian who is a youth leader, musician, creative person, intelligent and all. Preparations has been week after week, through facebook chats and we met once for a 2 hour meeting when he went here in Baguio.
The theme for this year's SEP is - "Beyond Our Boundaries". Actually, even before the camp, God already has been challenging me to go beyond my boundaries by serving as a staff. This is beyond my own boundary because it is my first time to be an assistant counselor. I had mixed emotions - nervousness and excitement, and this emotions has been with me all through the journey.
I attended the general meeting of the staff last May 5 at the GCI National Office. I had the opportunity to pray and bond with my fellow staff members before the camp. That night, we took time to pray intentionally for each of the campers, praying for them to have a personal God-encounter during and after the camp.
The next day, we woke up early to load all the things needed for the camp. That day was intended for campsite set-up and last minute preparations. The set-up was finished early, that's why we staff, again took the oppoertunity to relax and bond together. We went swimming and sharing stories. We decided to sleep early to gain enough rest for the big week.
The 1st day came, registration started, campers lined up, paid their registration fees and lead their way to their respective dorm assignments. Our dorm was easily completed. While I was waiting for the campers, kuya Al started to orient the early birds. I am amazed that even at the first day or even the first hour together as a group to stay in one dorm, it felt like we've known each other for a long time! The camp started with a camp wide worship and orientation by our camp director Ptr. Aron Tolentino. He reminded us of the 3 important rules : 1. Take care of YOURSELF 2. Take care of OTHERS 3. Take care of the EQUIPMENTS.
For the next 5 days of the camp, waking up is always at 4am to take a bath and have our short dorm devotionals before the breakfast. The day won't be complete without camp-wide praise and worship. After that, we now follow our respective schedules for the activities like swimming, basketball, volleyball, christian living classes, community services, ballroom, modern dance and bonsai class which was revived this year. Since it was my first time to have this class, I personally enjoyed all the discussions and lessons from Ptr. Gil Llaneza, a nature lover. Evening activities like team building,dorm chats, bonfire, trekking and variety show was also enjoyed and as always is...full of fun.
Saturday came (2nd to the last day of the camp), this day was anticipated by the staff and campers because in the afternoon, we had the 'Sports Fest' where there will be a staff vs. camper(all star players chosen per dorm) game in volleyball and basketball. In the volleyball, the campers won but in the basketball...still the unbeatable staff won! Hehe!
Since Saturday evening was the last day, all were excited for the SEP Luzon 2014 Dance Night. Everyone wore their best evening attires; men prepared their roses,serenaded the ladies and escorted them to the dance floor. As the music began to fill the hall, the guys grabbed their partners and danced with the beat of every song. No one was left sitting down, all were dancing and enjoying the night.The dance night ended at exactly 11pm. All were invited to eat snacks to end the beautiful evening.
The last great day of the camp came. All were sad and gave their best last cheers and in the worship. Ptr. Rex Dela Pena gave the final devotional on - "When God takes you our of your boundaries". Ptr. Rex reminded the campers that going beyond their boundaries won't be easy but be rest assured that God will be with us no matter what a long the way. Awarding ceremony of the "bests" took place right after the final devotional. Photo op and modern dance formally ended the SEP Luzon 2014.
I have a lot of experiences and learning during this camp and here I enumerate them:
-My leadership skills were enhanced as I handled our dorm.
-I learned to be discipled in time manangement.
-I had the opportunity to listen to some of the life stories of the campers.
-I have come to understand the unconditional love of God for me and for all humanilty.
-I was mentored by my Counselor Kuya Al Santillan.
-My self confidence was enhanced.
But apart from all of these...I came to understand what it means to go "Beyond my boundaries" in all areas of my life whether in school, church, family and community to participate in what God - Father, Son and Holy Spirit is doing despite cultural diversities, gender, stereotypes, social and geographical boundaries. Just as Jesus went beyond His boundaries to reach humanity...from Divine to humanity.
I would want to end my blog with the song by Kristian Stanfill that led all of us to LSS(Last Song Syndrome):
ONE THING REMAINS
Higher than the mountains that I face
Stronger than the power of the grave
Constant through the trial and the change
One thing remains
Your love never fails, never gives up
Never runs out on me
On and on and on and on it goes
It overwhelms and satisfies my soul
And I never, ever, have to be afraid
One thing remains
In death, In life, I’m confident and
covered by the power of Your great love
My debt is paid, there’s nothing that can
separate my heart from Your great love...
