Last April 23-25, I was in a youth camp. A youth camp is basically a "camp" filled with young people with hearts longing to encounter God. Before camp itself, I actually searched the word "unleash" in the dictionary to make sure what the meaning was.
I can't choose between the two meanings because both were pretty accurate. I realized that the camp was called "unleashed" for a reason. It is because we have to "free" ourselves from our own "leashes". We have to go out and explore the world on our own under God's control, of course.
Let me tell you my story. My parents met and got saved when they were in college. They were both pretty active in their Christian thing in their campus. So technically, I was born and raised in a Christian family. I used to join youth camps before and this camp was not the typical kind. This camp was definitely one for the books; one to remember and share to my kids or something.
I honestly didn't know what to expect during camp. And even before camp, I was already overthinking about stuff. Stuff that I'm not supposed to worry about; stuff that wasn't even making me feel any better. I hate overthinking very much. My family prayed for me right before camp, and it helped a whole lot.
I arrived at around 7 am. My parents dropped me by because they had to go to work that early. I met up with my friends. It was a relief knowing that they're my busmates. When we got inside the bus, we had to be with our guildmates. A guild is technically also called a "team" but a different term. So, I sat beside my friend who was also my guildmate. It was a good thing we already met during pre-camp so it wasn't really that uncomfortable for both of us. We waited in the bus til' we finally left at 9 am. The free WiFi in the bus kept everyone happy.
When we reached the place, I was surprised because it was a completely different venue. We got our bags and placed it inside the rooms. Then, we had to meet up with our guild for the flag making session. We finally got to meet all the members of our guild because some weren't there during the pre-camp. I, as the co-captain, made sure that everything was settled. I'm a perfectionist and so we made plans about our flag even before camp so we didn't have to suffer from thinking about what to put during flag making day itself. They called me a "girl scout" since I brought all the materials we needed to use - from paint, paint brushes, yarn, scissors, and even nails.
The day was about to end and the first session was about to happen. I am so blessed to be part of the Frontliners (also known as the worship team). I'm pretty nervous and excited because it was my very first time to sing for church and it was day one of camp, too. We lacked time and we didn't get to practice much but then it was God who just moved during the worship time. It was His presence that made everything perfect.
After the first session, I spent time with a few of my friends and the friends I just met. We had so much fun talking, laughing, and joking around with each other. I got back to my room at around 11 pm and fell asleep at once. But then, I woke up at 1 am and couldn't sleep until the clock hit 3 am. So, I basically only had 5 hours of sleep that night.
The next morning, we woke up at 6 am and had to do our guild devotion. My guild and I had a really wonderful time sharing and opening up to each other. Session two happened after our breakfast and we were awaken by the praise and worship. I was so sleepy that time but I kept reminding myself to wake up.
After lunch, it was game time. This is it, this is the very dangerous yet most fun part of camp. I mean, next to our own personal encounters of course. The game itself was very amusing, like what I stated earlier, it is not the typical kind of camp. I had a huge feeling we weren't going to win but then I had loads of fun. I also was tense during the game because I had a hint of competitiveness.
Session three left me without words. Not only because Pastor Joe Bonifacio preached, but also because I really felt the Holy Spirit. I mean, at that moment I felt all the exhaustion from the games and lack of sleep but I forgot all that after I actually encountered God, Himself. I started to cry when I knew that I already was feeling His presence and the tears just kept dripping down my face. There was a segment during the session where in you have the freedom to pray for people. I didn't hesitate but pray for the people around me. I prayed for my friends. And actually, no one prayed for me until someone came. I believe God used that person because it had such a powerful meaning. I kept crying some more right after her prayer. We prayed also for our fellow brothers and sisters in the youth.
After the third session, it was finally no lights off. I'm kidding, there was lights off but then me and my friends stayed up late just talking again and just enjoying the last night together. It was so fun to hang around with my friends especially at night. We drank hot chocolate for us to be more hyper. It was really epic. I slept at around 1 am and when I woke up, surprisingly, no one was awake.
It was past 7:30 am and most of us aren't even up yet and haven't done the guild devotion. We ate breakfast then enjoyed the last hours at the venue. Finally, we ate lunch and left.
I have no space to thoroughly talk about days one, two, or three. The thing is, I had loads of fun. I met a lot of new people. I got closer to my friends. I got to encounter God in a more personal way.
I would never forget this camp because it would be my first and last in Victory. It's amazing how God works with His children and never fails to light a fire in their hearts. I'm so thankful and blessed to be part of the Unleashed Camp 2014. No regrets, at all. Ignite 2015 is up next!
Feel free to view this recap video of our camp.
All credits goes to the owners. All the photos and videos are not mine.
