Manila Council Christmas Camp

It has been years since the last time I participated in a council camp.  We always have a Christmas and a summer camp done annually.  I still remember having more than a thousand people attending this camp.  So much activities, fun and camaraderie among boys and adults coming from both public and private schools.  Even the Chinese schools have actively participated in these camps.

Months ago, I was appointed by the Council Executive Board to be the Camp Director of the upcoming Christmas Camp.  It will be held in Cogeenick Scout Camp in Taysan Batangas from December 26 to 30.  As we prepare for the camp, I learned that camps for the past years have less than 400 participants.  This is a very big drop since my last camp with Manila Council.

As the country face recession, it has been doubtful if we can reach more people to join this Christmas camp.  Anyway, our staff is very optimistic that we will target 61 per district and that would be around 720 participants plus 40 staff.  So, all in all 780 to 800 people.

As a pastor and the camp director, I am strengthening the spiritual aspect of the council camp by adding worship service, mass, film showing, scripture memory, track distribution and a button pin "Scout is Reverent."

As we investigate issues and feedbacks from previous camps, it has been a common feedback that the Scouts are often short-changed, the staff has not enough food, and other complains.

This year the Scouts and Scouters are all in for a surprise because the camp will be flooded by equipment for their district and tons of souvenirs for each individual.  The camp will be of so many things for people to remember, take home and enjoy.

So far, I praise God that for His provision.  For the district equipment we have already received and will be distributing cooler and Petromax light for each districts use, and hopefully a memorial tent.  For the Scouts, the lantern, neckerchief, Manga Book, coin bank, stickers and buttons, bauler and many other things for them to take home all through donations coming from wonderful donors.  I am still coordinating snack for each day.  I hope the Scouts and Scouters in Manila would indeed have a very Merry Christmas.

 For donations: you can contribute raffle prizes for the Scouters night - any item will do