“Youth Camp kay aron magkiat”: A Working Committee’s Reflection

“Basta kiat, abtik!”, how many of us have encountered this question before or even perhaps during youth camp? Maybe those sharp-ended words come from your PSK, mom or dad, grandparents, or prolly from your older or younger siblings.

“It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye,” said the Fox in The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. By heart, I yearn for opportunities to serve and respond to the needs of fellow youth—activities that rekindle my passion and strengthen my commitment to the community. However, in the eyes of others, youth ministry may simply appear as young people gathering together, creating noise without purpose.

As a Youth Apostle, it has never been my mission to argue, but to evangelize. As the youth camp concludes, it is my hope and prayer that the values and insights gained from the experience will continue to be echoed within the community and shared with those who were unable to attend for personal reasons. Despite comments such as “Camping-camping para magkiat ra!”, I continue to believe that young people embody the Church’s mission through their enthusiasm, faith, and willingness to serve, becoming living witnesses of the Church’s presence in today’s world.

Rather than viewing such remarks negatively, I choose to see them as opportunities to witness, educate, and evangelize rather than create division. By addressing misconceptions in a Christ-centered manner, I seek not to prove myself right, but to help others understand the importance of youth ministry within the community. In doing so, I am reminded to discern with the guidance of the Holy Spirit before speaking, recognizing that a heart wounded by criticism can easily respond out of disappointment rather than evangelization. Through words and actions that build bridges instead of walls, I strive to reflect Christ, whom I serve. In this way, criticism becomes not an invitation to argument, but an opportunity for evangelization rooted in discernment, charity, and love.

As the San Pablo Youth Apostolate’s first ever Summer Youth Camp comeback, officially commenced last May 22-24 of 2026, which took place at the Regional Major Seminary of Catalunan Grande, our mission does not end when the camp ends. It continues by pursuing and walking with young people, gathering more of them, and building a ministry within the Basic Ecclesial Community. I cannot exactly stress enough how to serve the Church better, for each of us practices our faith in unique ways. However, as Rev. Msgr. Julius Rodulfa, our Priest-In-Charge and Youth Spiritual Director, elaborated concisely: “We cannot always say YES to Jesus without serving His Church.” Serving His Church is also found in listening to and journeying with young people as they juggle their struggles in school, family life, and even within the ministry itself.

It is not only about being at the campsite, cooking meals, or calling the young people to the gym because the next speaker is already on deck. As I continue to learn in ministry, I realize that the camp is only one chapter of a much longer story. The invitation to accompany, listen, and serve does not end at the campsite—it becomes a lifelong response to Christ’s call to love His people through His Church. (Sophia Beatrice V. Sison | San Pablo Youth Apostolate)