UYC 2018 - Luzon Regional Camp Report

A total of ten campers and 11 staff members attended this year’s United Youth Camp from April 25 to May 1 in Baguio City, the summer capital of the Philippines. This was the second year that United Church of God, IA sponsored a regional camp for church teens in the Philippines' Luzon area. (Two other regional camps were also held in the Visayas and Mindanao areas.)

Blessed with temperate and beautiful weather throughout the seven-day camp, the campers enjoyed both indoor and outdoor activities during the day and social gatherings in the evening within the premises of the Girl Scout of the Philippines (GSP) Ang Ating Tahanan (“Our Home”) camp site.

Each day started with a Christian Living class in the morning presented by Adolfo “Bong” Remo, an elder in Luzon who served as camp director. The presentations focused on God’s vision for the campers which was also the UYC theme for this year. The classes were followed by activities to reinforce the lessons taught earlier, which included archery, inline skating, basic wilderness survival skills, dance clinic, the “amazing race” course; carpentry, flower arranging, cooking & baking workshops; and hymn singing and a Bible bowl during the Sabbath.

Evening activities included a fireside chat to recap the day’s activities, watching an educational documentary about the Sabbath and an inspirational movie. A talent show and dance night was held after the Sabbath. Meal times were also among the highlights of each day as campers and staff fellowshipped over delectable and nutritious meals.

Some of the male campers were also involved in song leading as well as opening and closing prayers during the Sabbath service at camp with the neighboring San Carlos (Pangasinan) congregation joining in. Mr. Remo gave a sermonette about the importance of visualizing our calling and Rey Evasco, pastor of the Luzon area, gave a fitting sermon about catching God’s vision for us. Special music and biblical skits were also presented by the campers.

UYC-Luzon 2018 inspired the campers with a clearer view of God’s vision for them—to be kings and priests in the Kingdom of God and to be glorified sons and daughters in His family. Both campers and staff were thankful to God and to those who made this camp possible.

[Click here to view camp photos.]