United Youth Camps 2024

United Youth Camps is a Christian camp organized by the United Church of God, an International Association, to provide youths with an environment that will demonstrate that God’s way works as they develop towards maturity in all aspects of life.

United Youth Camps 2024 - Philippines Camp Report

With the theme “Stand Strong” the United Youth Camps (UYC) Philippines 2024 was held at Eden Nature Park in Davao City, from July 21-28 for the third time in a row. The camp drew 52 campers, 40 staff members, and seven mini campers from across the Philippines, Malaysia, and Canada.

The weeklong summer UYC featured Christian Living Classes (CLC), team-building activities, outdoor sports, skill workshops, and career guidance, all anchored in the year’s theme “Stand Strong,” within the peaceful greenery of the park.

Every morning, one of the six dorms would serve breakfast. Each dorm had an assigned cuisine style that included Mexican, Chinese, and classic Filipino dishes.

After breakfast, the CLC sessions emphasized the “Whole Armor of God,” based on Ephesians 6:10-17. The discussions encouraged the youths to stand strong and be steadfast in battling the grip of progressive society, toxic entitlement, anxiety, and internet and social media norms. This year's CLC had a unique twist, with the counselors providing enriching activities in between, as follow-ups for better retention.

One of the most awaited part of the camp was the competitive outdoor sports. Soccer, kickball, and basketball challenged the campers to win while practicing teamanship, camaraderie and sportsmanship. The campers had fun, and the aspects of good sportsmanship lingered in their smiles, whether they won or lost.

Team-building activities followed every afternoon, where riding the sky cycle, zipline, sky wheel, and big swing put every camper to the test, leaving them with important lessons on courage and enthusiasm. The campers were also tested in their wilderness skills by trekking a 2.4 km mountain trail and cooking “sinugba” and “sabaw” native chicken and steamed rice using only bamboo.

Adding to the challenge, each camper was given an egg upon trekking and tasked with protecting it from cracking. Their efforts were rewarded with a bountiful “boodle fight” (a famous Filipino way of preparing a feast) that they prepared themselves.

Many of the campers were incoming senior high school and college students, so career guidance sessions were initiated to help them with their chosen strands and programs. One of the highlights was the emphasis on guts, resiliency, tenacity, and strength in overcoming academic stress and the pressures of adulthood.

Meanwhile, the campers enjoyed workshops that matched their interests. Campers could enroll in two workshops out of eight, allowing them to work with fellow youths who shared the same interests. This initiative, continued from last year, catered to every camper's strengths.

The Sabbath day came for everyone to rest physically. On Friday night, Mr. Rey Evasco, the Camp Director, conducted a bible study where he answered the campers' queries about social issues, including romantic love, troubles in keeping the Sabbath and the Feast of Tabernacles with academics, and Bible scriptures blurred by worldviews.

On Sabbath morning, the campers shared their Bible knowledge in the Bible-lympics. The tournament included questions from the CLC lessons, testing every camper's retention and notes. Later in the afternoon, there was a congregational Sabbath service with the Davao City congregation, making the place more jubilant with fellowship and greetings.

As the sunset befell the mountains, campers started preparing for the variety show that evening. Talents from every dorm were showcased culminating with a dance number that everyone performed, a product of their dance workshop.

The camp ultimately concluded with a recognition program that acknowledged exceptional campers and dorms who excelled in sports, workshops, individual development, and dorm cleaning and cooking contests.

The 2024 Philippine UYC was indeed a delightful experience for campers. The unique opportunity to gather in a scenic place, the friendships created and strengthened, and the spiritual lessons planted like mustard seeds in everyone's hearts were truly memorable. As everyone headed home, one thing was longed for—the next year’s UYC!

Report by Nevlim Baldelovar
UYC 2024 Staff/Reporter