Since the year 2015, the KAO Summer Camp has been conducted every two years. Through this, young people, particularly the members of KAO or Kapisanang Alpha Omega (Church youth organization) from various parts of Luzon, come together to be taught timely knowledge. This knowledge is essential for them to maintain their values as Christian youth while interacting with various people and youth of the world. Thus, the Church Administration, through the KAO National Coordinating Council, organized the KAO Summer Camp in the summers of 2017 and 2019.
Holding the KAO Summer Camp every two years was interrupted due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The KAO Summer Camp was not held in the summer of 2021. Aside from that, nowadays, camping or retreats would be difficult to hold during summer time in the Philippines since the Department of Education implemented the commencement of every school year to take place in August. Students now take a break in school during the month of July, which is usually a rainy season.
Now that the pandemic is over, with the help and mercy of God, the KAO National Coordinating Council once again successfully conducted the KAO Camp with the theme “RISE TO THE OCCASION.” It took place from the 27th to the 29th of July 2023, at the Gabay Center in Hermosa, Bataan. A total of 201 KAO members and other youth from Metro Manila, as well as the provinces of Bulacan, Pampanga, Bataan, Zambales, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Pangasinan, Benguet, Rizal, Laguna, and Cavite attended the event.
The objective of this year’s camp was to instill in the hearts of the youth a strong desire to demonstrate exceptional DEDICATION in living a life that showcases the glory of the Almighty God and the dedication in participating in the extensive activities of the Church, particularly in the new ministry of WE: CARE.
Despite the ongoing presence of Typhoon Egay during the KAO Camp 2023, God ensured the safe arrival of all the youth and even the speakers at the venue.
DAY 1 Afternoon & Evening: Groupings & Most Holy Worship Service
The first day of the KAO Camp commenced by dividing the participants into 10 groups, bringing together young people from different places. Subsequently, they watched a movie related to the theme of the camp. Since the first day fell on a Thursday, it concluded by holding the Most Holy Worship Service.
DAY 2 Morning: Discussions
The second day of the KAO Camp began with a discussion on the topic “RISE TO THE OCCASION,” which was delivered by Brother Cordero (Josiah Pascual), the President of the KAO National Coordinating Council. This topic encouraged the youth to have aspirations in their Christian life and to strive to achieve them despite the challenges they may face even if they have to exert extraordinary efforts or step out of their comfort zone.
The second topic discussed was titled “KAKA-CELLPHONE MO ‘YAN! (translated as That’s Because You’re Always On Your Phone) – Christian Youth Behavior in the Social Media Age,” presented by Brother Jehiel (Jose Israel Capistrano).This topic tackled about how Christian youth can uphold their godly values in social media despite its negative influence and impact. Also, how can they utilize social media to make a positive influence and impact as Christian youth.
DAY 2 Afternoon: Discussions
The afternoon of the second day began with a discussion on the topic “KAO Cares,” which was also presented by Brother Cordero. This topic tackled effective ways for the youth to get involved in the WE: CARE ministry, utilizing the God-given abilities they possess. In the evening, one of the Presbyters, Elder Neriah (Israel Atraje), discussed the topic “A GUIDE TO A CHRISTIAN COURTSHIP AND DATING.” This topic covered the ways and considerations that Christian youth should take into account during the stage of courtship and dating, to maintain the glory bestowed upon them by God.
DAY 2 Afternoon: Team Building Activities
To add more fun, team building activities were conducted between each discussion. These activities became a reason for the youth to enjoy the event even more and to get to know other young people from different places.
DAY 3 Morning: Discussion & Closing Program
The third day of the KAO Camp began with a discussion on the topic “KAO for MHC Media,” which was presented by one of the Ministers, Elder Ezri (Emmanuel Valerio), who was also appointed as the Administrator of MHC Media. This topic tackled how KAO in various places can be a significant help in the media production of the Church, which is considered a great aid in the effective propagation of the gospel.
And in conclusion, MK Cristiano delivered the Closing Remarks, focusing on encouraging the youth to use the strength given by God to pursue holiness and experience the true blessings that come with it.
The Church Administration hopes that everyone who participated in this activity has been equipped with wisdom and a renewed spirit to be ready to face the challenges of being a Christian youth. Likewise, may they become instruments in encouraging more youth to devote their strength, energy, abilities, and talents in glorifying the name of the Lord God, Christ Jesus.
