With smiles plastered in their faces and a sparkle of excitement visible in their eyes, 108 participants for this year’s camp gathered in the assembly hall of Carmelite Learning Center in Tontonan, Loon, Bohol. Bearing this year’s theme, “Compassion in Action: A Journey of Unity and Connection,” this three-day camp will not only highlight experience filled with happiness and fun, but a memorable gathering of united souls with compassionate hearts fueled to be stewards of change and beacons of hope in this troubled world. This camp is a life-changing moment for the scholars, as this is their transition from being Tzu Chi scholars acing the academe to being Tzu Chings, the youth who are bound to make an impact in alleviating the sufferings and cries for help in our society.
Uncle Ferdinand Dy, a senior volunteer from Manila, shared the Tzu Chi Etiquette to the campers.
In his opening remarks, Uncle James Chua acknowledged that the campers may come from different walks of life with stories to tell, but all have a shared eagerness and burning fire within their hearts as they were chosen among the many youths to join the life camp.
Appreciation and gratitude filled the heart of the Camp Assistant Head, Mark Anthony Boiser, We, the youth, are the hope of the community, thus, we need to spread good deeds and kindness. It is not the time to keep the light from shining because there is a lot of darkness in this world.”
The highlight of the first day of the camp was the first ever Tzu Chi-Chat centering on the topic, “Tracing Tzu Chi Bohol’s Roots and Affinities.” Through a talk show format, four figures of Tzu Chi-Bohol, Bro. James Chua, Bro. Joseph Co, Bro. Joven Uy and Bro. Ferdinand Dy served as guests where each how the Tzu Chi Foundation emerged and reached the province of Bohol, extending help and compassion to its people during its most vulnerable state.
The kick-off of this yearโs three-day Tzu Chi youth camp promises not just lasting memories and happiness but also an experience filled with learnings recounting Tzu Chiโs journey in Bohol and molding the youth to make a tangible impact in our suffering society.
