As young people, you’re at an incredible stage in life—full of energy, curiosity, and the potential to achieve great things. That’s exactly why the December 2024 Youth Camp was such a game-changer! This wasn’t just another event; it was a journey of growth, learning, and making a difference. Let’s celebrate all the remarkable achievements from this year’s camp and inspire you to dream even bigger.
A Glimpse of the Camp
The camp was hosted at St. Monica Catholic Church and brought together over 500 kids and youth from different parishes, including St. Bakhita, St. John’s Prisons, and St. Monica. It was split into two phases: one for children aged 6-12 from November 18 to December 22, and another for youth from Grade 7 to Form Four from December 2 to December 6.
It wasn’t just about having fun (though there was plenty of that!); it was a carefully designed program to challenge, inspire, and nurture every participant.
Achievements to Be Proud Of
1. Spiritual Growth
Every day of the camp was filled with moments of reflection, prayer, and discussions that deepened our connection to God. Topics were thoughtfully prepared, and spiritual guidance was tailored to meet the needs of both children and youth.
Whether it was during Mass, in small groups, or through one-on-one counseling sessions, everyone had the chance to grow spiritually and find strength in their faith.
2. Unleashing Talents and Skills
This camp was a treasure chest of hidden gems! From budding artists to potential leaders, many talents and skills were discovered and nurtured.
Workshops and activities encouraged participants to showcase their abilities, whether through music, drama, art, or public speaking. Seeing everyone grow in confidence was nothing short of amazing.
3. Giving Back to the Community
One of the most inspiring parts of the camp was our community outreach projects.
- The younger children visited Divine Providence Children’s Home, bringing joy, gifts, and love to those who needed it most.
- The older youth stepped up by visiting GK Prisons, Kitengela, where they brought hope and compassion to inmates.
These experiences taught us the importance of empathy, kindness, and making a difference in the lives of others.
4. Guidance and Counseling
Life can be tough, and sometimes we just need someone to talk to. The camp provided professional counselors who were there to listen and offer advice.
From tackling personal struggles to navigating the challenges of adolescence, the guidance sessions made a lasting impact on everyone involved.
5. Creative Problem-Solving
Not every achievement comes without challenges, but the way the organizing team tackled obstacles was inspiring. They used preventive and curative approaches to address concerns and created an environment where everyone felt safe and supported.
Lessons Learned: Facing Challenges Head-On
While we celebrate the successes, it’s important to acknowledge the challenges we faced. Transport, budget constraints, and health issues reminded us of the importance of planning and teamwork. Some participants also came with negative influences, such as drug abuse and unhealthy online habits.
Instead of letting these challenges hold us back, the team turned them into opportunities to learn and improve.
Building a Better Future: What’s Next?
To ensure future camps are even more impactful, several steps have been proposed:
- Improved Planning: By increasing the registration fee slightly, we can provide better meals, hire professionals to handle challenges, and cater for emergencies.
- Monthly Youth Seminars: Imagine having a mini-camp every month where we focus on specific topics and age groups—this will keep the spirit of the camp alive throughout the year!
- Empowering Leaders: Animators will undergo workshops and training to become even better at guiding and inspiring others.
- Transparency and Communication: Clear policies and well-planned budgets will ensure everyone knows where resources are going.
The Power of Volunteers
One of the key takeaways from the camp was the need for more helping hands. Whether you’re part of a church group, a local community, or simply someone who wants to make a difference, there’s always a role for you. Volunteering isn’t just about giving; it’s about growing and learning as you serve.
Let’s Talk About Family
Something that stood out during the camp was how many young people shared challenges they face at home. From issues like lack of attention to struggles with favoritism, it’s clear that family plays a huge role in shaping who we are.
This camp reminded us all—parents, siblings, and friends—of the importance of being present, supportive, and understanding in our relationships.
Your Turn to Shine
The December 2024 Youth Camp showed us what’s possible when young people come together with a shared purpose. The achievements were extraordinary, but the real victory lies in how each participant left the camp a little stronger, wiser, and more inspired.
If you were at this camp, keep the fire burning. Use the skills you learned, cherish the friendships you made, and keep growing. If you missed it, don’t worry—there’s always next year, and now you know what to look forward to!
Remember, you’re never too young to make a difference. Whether it’s through your talents, your faith, or your kindness, the world needs your light. So go ahead—dream big, work hard, and make every day an adventure worth celebrating!
Let’s make 2025 even better! Who’s in?
Proverbs 22 6
“Train a boy in the way he should go;even when he is old, he will not swerve from it.”
Almighty Father be the shepherd of our children 🙏🙏