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.
