Reflections on Christmas Camp Other Programs

The camp is quite unique in a sense because of the STAs we created (Spare Time Activity).  This kept the kids busy; making every single minute count as a learning experience.

Besides the Belen making during the first night, we also had the "Scout is Thrifty Program" with decorating a piggy bank, which we launch during the last day.  As I was listening to the presentation of the program, the staff asked what is the part of the Scout Law we were giving emphasis on this activity?  A boy raised his hand and said, "creativity,"  I almost died laughing.  The boy got confused, maybe because we were asking them to decorate the cans.  The boys really enjoyed this; I also enjoyed it as I put coins to their piggy bank.  Every body was banging their piggy bank to make noise.  It was really fun.

Another activity which shocked us was the post office.  We asked each Scout to create a "Thank You Card" for their parents.  We set up a post office booth for them to buy a stamp and mail it to their parents.  The kids really do not know how to write a letter anymore.  Majority of them was their first time to mail a letter.  The sender and recipient got mixed up.  We even saw an addressee: To my mom and dad.   Cute, funny but also serious.  We have to educated them step by step.  They decorated a card for their parents, learned how to write a letter envelope, buy a stamp and even mailing it.  Wasn't that great!  They learned so much from this experience.

Another activity was the lantern.  This lantern was great.  All the while we only thought the lanterns would be an additional Christmas emphasis activity.  We had pagsundo.  During the last day, we had a lantern parade.  The staff sung songs and fetch the Scouts from their campsite going to the main hall.  In the last minute thought, we agreed to put a candle inside the lantern.  It was so beautiful.  I never saw anything like it in my entire life.  If you would look a the picture, the whole thirty minute walk around the camp.  It was so colorful and meaningful.  This was done before the film showing.

The Grand Campfire was a big hit especially for me when they installed me as the Head of the camp in a special ceremony.  It included three things, the salakot, staff and sash that carries a lot of symbolism.  Salakot - sumasagisag sa kapangyarihan bilang isang pinuno ng Kampungan para sa 2008 Christmas Camp.  Tungkod - sumasagisag ng pamumuno na siyang gumagabay sa bawat kabataang Iskawt at mga tagapamahala upang magkaroon ng kaayusan, matagumpay at di-makakalimutang Christmas Camp.  Sash - sumasagisag ng katungkulan na iniatang ng Manila Council Executive Board sa pinuno ng Kampungan.

These activities sure made the heart of the people light, easy and blessed.