After 5 long years (because of COVID), the stage was set to kick off the long-awaited Missionary Families of Christ Senior Kids Camp on November 11, 2023. This year’s batch consisted of 26 Senior Kids (ages 9 -12).
The program for this year’s camp was planned and put into action by 12 of our own MFC Youth Section … the same youths that participated as Senior Kids in the last camp in 2018. The program was designed with Christ in the center of each activity, to not only entertain our children, but to energize, teach, and help them develop a lasting bond with each other. We were also blessed to have Ysabelle Dela Cruz take the role as our Camp Service Team Mentor.
Day 1
Our campers started the day with a light breakfast. To get everyone warmed up and awake, breakfast was followed by teaching of a few songs and dance moves by the youth. The day progressed with spirit filled teachings by our youth, followed by small group discussions between the kids, with each group facilitated by pairs of Youth Group Leaders. Session 1’s teachings was about how “God Loves Me and He Made Me Special”, taught by Pia Dela Cruz. This was followed by sharing by Hailey, on how God has blessed her and answered her prayers in His special way.
The second speaker was Michael Zamora, discussing the topic of “Jesus in my Life.” The sharing was given by Gelo Bacay, on how God has helped him and his family through their personal hardships.
Of course, fun, interactive games, and bonding exercises were sprinkled through the day to keep our kids engaged. These included song and dance, rock/paper/scissor tournament, guessing games, outdoor fun, and snacks (of course).
The last topic of the day was provided by Andre Concepcion, on “God Forgives Me and His Mercy is Everlasting.” Lance Panganiban followed up with sharing his personal experience about sinning and forgiveness.
This last session was concluded with a solemn activity of self-reflection by our kids. Each one was asked to reflect on their sins, and to also reflect about asking for and giving forgiveness. A challenging task for anyone (including us adults), but our children, with the blessings of the Holy Spirit, did not disappoint. Each kid wrote a letter about their sins and a letter to their parents.
It was a long but fruitful day! We had dinner and a well-deserved bonfire! The letters each kid wrote about their sins was burned at the bonfire as a symbolic gesture of cleansing their sins and being forgiven. The kids, youths, and adults then enjoyed smores, some line dancing, and entertainment! Each Discussion Group Leader and their kids presented fun skits on topics they learned that day. High-five to the kids and youths for the 100% participation!
Lastly, we were blessed to be able to provide an anticipated mass that Saturday evening, celebrated by Fr. Mark Nillo. Our youth gladfully stepped up as the music ministry for this mass, as well as our kids, who participated as readers and altar servers. The day ended with fellowship, fun, and bonding time for our kids.
Day 2
Despite a long Day 1, kids, youth and even parent coordinators were energized for day 2! After a hearty breakfast, the day started with Kids’ praise, songs, dance, and games.
This was followed by the last teaching, “I Believe in the Holy Spirit” by Angel Delos Reyes. During this time, the parents of the kids were gathered outside and updated on the activities. We also talked to them about the importance of the MFC Kids Ministry and the things we do. Afterwards, the parents were reunited with their kids.
The kids privately presented the letters they had written the day before, to their parents, and were allowed some time to privately discuss if they chose. We ended this solemn moment with a pray-over of the kids by the parents, and a pray-over of the parents by the kids. All kids then took an oath, reciting the MFC Kids Promise. 2023 Senior Kids Camp finally concluded with one last Praise-Fest, filled with singing and dancing!
It was heartwarming to see the connections our kids have made with our Lord and with each other. Here are some quotes from the MFC Senior Kids and their parents.
“I loved the songs because it helped me participate and dance more often. I also liked learning new things especially with the youth. One thing I learned is to not sin and to always pray. I wish to be in camp again and have more fun with the other kids.” – MFC Kid Euan
“Driving back home, Christine was asking if she can join the kids camp next year… she had so much fun. Thank you to all the coordinators, Youth leaders and parents who helped on this evangelistic work. God bless you all. ” – Sis Nancy (Christine’s mom)
“Thanks to all involved, big and small roles, and to the parents, in making the 2023 MFC Senior Kids Camp a success.” – Sis Aylen (Ysabela G’s mom)
“Jack said he had so much fun. He is asking when is the next one.” – Sis. Anjo
“Fadi had so much fun. He is very thankful and happy. He won’t stop singing the songs he learned from the camp over and over until bed time.”
We would like to give a special thanks to the MFC community for the support, the MFC Youth for their energetic and unselfish service to the kids, the MFC Parent Coordinators, and lastly to the parents of our MFC Kids. This would not be possible without everyone’s support and participation. They say it takes a village to raise a child. We do this for our children, for they are the future of our community and our church. God Bless!
Written by Rod Natividad. Edited by Ken Fernandez. Video by Rachelle Albano