Summer Youth Camp 2026 Prepares the Young Church of San Roque Parish for Mission

The most anticipated youthful event of the year, the Summer Youth Camp 2026, has just commenced at San Roque Parish, Malabog, last April 24–26, 2026, where young people engaged in a three-day gathering of prayer, joy, formation, and fellowship, anchored on this year’s theme, “Rooted. Radiant. Ready: The Young Church in Mission,” inspired by the National Youth Day Program.

Holy Masses were celebrated by Rev. Fr. Amado B. Arroyo, Parish Priest, on the first and second days, and by Rev. Fr. Junel E. Bustamante, DAYCA Director, on the third day, nourishing the spiritual lives of the youth. The Holy Rosary, which deepened their relationship with God through His Mother, and the Divine Mercy Chaplet, which led them to the Merciful Father, both strengthened their roots in the Catholic faith.

“Youth Camp is a lifetime experience that you will never forget,” Rev. Fr. Amado B. Arroyo, Parish Priest, said as he welcomed the youth.

From the fun challenges in the Amazing Race that broke social barriers, to exhilarating ball games and Larong Pinoy that brought back true Filipino culture, the young energy was unstoppable. They felt tired but kept going.

The plenary sessions, Rooted by Jozeil Crodua (PYC), Radiant by Sir Rolen Bocog (Guest Speaker), and Ready by Bro. Kim Amparo (Guest Speaker, DAYCA Youth Leader), fed the young people with wisdom and allowed them to understand their theme.

A moment of expression it was, as the young people expressed their creativity through banner-making, their humor through a comical skit, and their wit through the Bible Quiz Bee, making their radiance shine to inspire others, as how the gifts of God should be used.

Highlighting the event was the SRPYA Ambassador and Ambassadress 2026. Candidates portrayed their chosen saints by dressing like them and presenting their values and stories, proving their confidence as they answered the question on how important it is to become ready as the young Church in mission. Ivan Fuentes Lusadio (Zone 8), portraying San Lorenzo Ruiz, was named SRPYA Ambassador 2026, while Althea Sevilla Esmeralda (Zone 6), portraying the Immaculate Conception (Blessed Virgin Mary), was named SRPYA Ambassadress 2026.

The participants expressed their gratitude to one another as they tied green yarns onto each other’s wrists, signifying that every presence is much appreciated, and a colored yarn symbolizing interest in getting to know someone more.

And indeed, it was an experience we will never forget.

“SYC 2026, thank you for gently bringing me back to myself and reminding me that I am never lost,” a participant penned on her Facebook timeline.

Returning home and to their respective GKKs, they are hoped to take their mission with courage to stand for truth, carrying the values they learned from their team names (Mapaubsanon, Matinabangon, Masinabtanon, Maluloy-on, Malipayon, Maabiabihon, Mapasalamaton, Masinugtanon, Madasigon, and Matinud-anon), with anticipation of what lies ahead.

To conclude, the Summer Youth Camp is not just an ordinary event; it provides holistic growth for the young Church, preparing them to be ready in mission.

To God be the glory.

(By Jozeil Crodua)