awarding and distribution of bags.
The Summer Service Camp organized by Bisaya Catechesis and Kalinangan Youth Foundation, Inc. (KALFI), held at the Conference Center in Lantawan, Minglanilla, Cebu, became a space of transformation and joy for high schoolers, college students, and fresh graduates who dared to give their summer to something greater than themselves.
What began as a dream with no budget and only a bold faith in Providence soon turned into a five-day experience nothing short of miraculous. As the organizers drafted expenses, the task ahead looked overwhelming. “It started with nothing, no funds—but help came in such unexpected and generous ways. It was really Providence at work,” one of the organizers shared. The ladies of Banilad Study Center became crucial partners, offering not just their resources but also their time, wisdom, and hospitality. It was this spirit of solidarity that formed the invisible thread tying every element of the camp together.
Friendships Forged in Faith
From the start, the camp was more than just a workshop—it was a communion of hearts. Chesca Caballo shared a simple but striking reflection: “I was worried I would have awkward nights with my roommates. But it turns out we had many long, late-night talks and came out as friends.” These shared moments, often away from the spotlight, were where trust was built, laughter flowed, and souls were quietly nourished.
For Raissa Pantaleon, the physical and emotional exhaustion was real—but so was the meaning. “We were meant to be in this camp, to be with each other, to teach the kids, and, most of all, to be with our Lord and do His work,” she wrote. Through teamwork and shared mission, bonds deepened, transcending mere acquaintance.
Learning by Leading
The camp wasn’t just a retreat from the world—it was a training ground. Participants took on responsibilities that challenged and refined their character. Ana Garcia found herself growing in efficiency and self-awareness: “Being away from home, I learned responsibility. I got this from how each volunteer took their tasks seriously and thought of each other—reminding who’s turn it was to clean, or helping without being asked.”
Leadership didn’t always look like giving orders. Sometimes, it meant doing dishes, designing presentations, or simply listening to someone. As Ayesha Villacarlos recalled, “I had a one-on-one conversation with a little girl who shared the same name as me. She talked about how she learned to help at home and be kind in school through the Bisaya Catechesis. What moved me most was her desire to invite her classmates to join. At such a young age, she was already doing God’s work.”
Faith That Moves
The spiritual formation in the camp ran deep. It wasn’t theoretical—it was lived. Eliza Cano found herself unexpectedly transformed. “I entered expecting to give, but realized I needed to receive too. Father Nel’s benediction classes awakened my faith. I learned it’s okay to ask questions—that’s how we grow in truth.” Her takeaway was profound: “You can’t give what you don’t have.”
This theme echoed in the reflections of Dimples Cerina. “Every morning, every chore, every conversation somehow felt sacred,” she wrote. “But the real joy came when we finally met the children… It wasn’t just about service—it was about love, connection, and planting seeds of faith.”
The Children of Barrio Luz: A Living Mission
The last two days of the camp brought a special kind of fulfillment. Through the help of parent volunteers from Barangay Barrio Luz, a group of children were transported to the venue. Their presence brought the teachings to life.
As Race Master Maegan Ewican shared, the Amazing Race wasn’t just a game. “One group was struggling at a station, unable to find their puzzle pieces. But instead of blaming each other, they worked together. That’s when I realized the race wasn’t about who finished first—it was about how they carried each other. That’s real catechesis.”
While the children engaged in fun and meaningful activities with the camp’s young and vibrant catechists, their mothers were welcomed at Banilad Study Center, where they participated in parallel formation activities. It was a holistic outreach that embraced both children and parents, bringing a ripple effect of learning and hope.
A Community of Saints in the Making
The echoes of St. Josemaria’s dream resounded quietly but powerfully in every story. In one anecdote, Myles Flores recounted a simple but joyful moment: watching children play “pass the message.” “They exaggerated it so much at the end—it was fun to watch.” It’s these lighthearted encounters, grounded in deeper truths, that made the camp unforgettable.
For Francesca Logarta, the beauty of the camp was in its ripple effect. “It’s not just about serving a group of people—it’s how it moves everyone involved, creating ripples of faith and hope.” And as Jhabrie Mondares reflected, “We built real friendships—not just with each other, but with the communities we served.”
Many participants confessed that the experience not only gave them purpose—it gave them joy. As Marielle Muñoz summarized, “Serving underprivileged children and guiding them through faith-filled activities made me realize how small acts of love can make a big difference. I left with new friendships, a fuller heart, and a stronger desire to live out my values in service.”
Hope for the Future
The Summer Service Camp in Minglanilla did not end with a closing program—it planted seeds that will bear fruit for years to come. These young women are now torchbearers of a faith that is alive, compassionate, and grounded in action. Their summer wasn’t just a break from school—it was a beginning of something greater.
This camp showed what’s possible when courage meets faith, when youthful energy is paired with a higher mission, and when even the smallest acts—whether cleaning up after meals or holding a child’s hand—are offered with love.
May their story inspire more young women to seek Christ, find Christ, and love Christ—not just in silent prayers, but in friendships, leadership, and joyful service. As these girls have shown, the path to purpose might just begin with saying yes to something unexpected—and watching Providence do the rest.
