3463 Youth Serving Youth
austraLasia #3463

 

Youth Serving Youth
Youth Camp in Sumba, NTT, Indonesia
SUMBA July 10, 2014 --  Accompanied by several Salesian priests, eleven Bosconian youth from St John Bosco parish, Jakarta flew to Sumba, in NTT province, Indonesia, in June 2014. Sumba is an island approximately three hours away from Jakarta by plane. Working together with some youths from Bosconian Sumba and St. Mikael parish, Surabaya, they aimed to organize a spiritual camp for the youth in Sumba, particularly within the area of the Weepengali parish, southwest of Sumba.

This camp was a very special experience for both the organizers and the participants. For all the youth from Jakarta as well as the organizers, this was the first time they had ever visited Sumba. Therefore the sense of excitement, curiosity, and even confusion were all there together. As for the 100 participants, this was a unique experience too because they had never had a spiritual camp in their area before.

This 3 days 2 nights camp was held at Mananga Aba Beach from June 13-15, 2014. The Mananga Aba Beach is clean and has a fantastic view, but it's not too well-known among tourists yet. The organizers set up tents for the night on the beach and offered many activities there which all came under the umbrella of one big theme "Youth Serving Youth". There were some outbound games which improved the togetherness amongst them. The 100 participants were divided into 10 groups and they performed some talent shows around the bonfire at night. There were also prayers and sessions hosted by the priests. The entire event began and concluded with the holy Eucharist.

The camp might be over, but the values remain with those who took part. Previously, the youth in Sumba had only befriended  those from their own misionary station. But now, they make friends with other youth from other stations and even from other cities, i.e, Jakarta and Surabaya. They are inspired to move local youth to action and they are 'on fire' to serve other youth by organizing some useful events.

The youth from Jakarta also learned much  from this camp. They have done this several times before but this is the first time they have done so on another island far  from their hometown and with limited equipment."Tiring yet thrilling. With the help of the Holy Spirit, all the activities in the camp ran smoothly and successfully. May it be fruitful for the youth in Sumba," said Feliciana, a girl from Jakarta.