BACS gathers leaders in youth camp

By Myrna S. Bermudo

With the theme “The Youth as Leaders Towards A Synodal Church,” the Bikol Association of Catholic Schools (BACS) Youth Camp 2023 was held April 20 to 23 at Divine Word College of Legazpi (DWCL) North Campus.

Dubbed as a resurgence, the youth camp was the first BACS event to be conducted since the pandemic. It was led by the Catholic Educational Association of Legazpi (CEAL), with 310 participants.

Participants were welcomed by DWCL President Fr. Nielo Cantilado, SVD and CEAL President Agot Abril during the program and dinner on April 20.

Delegates came from Masbate Catholic Educational Association (MACEA), Catholic Educational Association of Virac (CEAV), Catholic Educational Association of Daet (CEAD), Catholic Educational Association of Legazpi (CEAL), Caceres Educational Association of Caceres and Libmanan (CEACAL) and Catholic Educational Association of Sorsogon (CEAS).

On Day 1, April 21, Legazpi Bishop Joel Baylon, DD presided over a Eucharistic celebration to start the activities. It was followed by banner and cheer-making by the teams. Joshua Onsay and Fr. Arnel Cabangunay were the speakers on youth leadership in the afternoon talks. The participants applied their agility and wit when they went on a scavenger hunt around the DWCL campus. Taize prayer and sharing capped the first day as the campers experienced a spiritual activity in the evening that connected them with God and each other.

These young men and women of the Catholic Educational Association of Legazpi (CEAL) Youth Board and Bicol Association of Catholic Schools (BACS) Youth Council worked together for the fun-filled, friendship-forming and leadership - centered BACS Youth Camp 2023 held at the Divine Word College of Legazpi North Campus on April 20-23. (Photo: Bicol Association of Catholic School FB page)

The second day started with morning praise and zumba. Fr. Wilmer Joseph S. Tria, BACS President, gave an insightful talk about various paths leading to synodality. Fr. Tria presented the advocacies of the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP), namely Justice and Peace; Environmental Integrity; Engaged Citizenship; Poverty Alleviation; Gender Equality and Youth Empowerment, or JEEPGY. BACS, also called CEAP V, is the regional arm of CEAP.

To enhance teamwork and cooperation, the “amazing race” was held in the afternoon, consisting of 15 teams and 15 stations. A cultural night showcased outstanding performances from the campers. They displayed their talents in radio broadcasting, singing to magic tricks and dancing that wowed the crowd.

The camp culminated with a Mass and turnover ceremonies. CEACAL, which had the highest number of participants, will host the next camp.

Anne Margaret Basbas, BACS Youth Council President described the activity as “fun-filled, friendship-forming, and leadership-centered.”

It’s my first time being a president of an organization and my first project was to plan and execute a regional youth camp. Admittedly, there were many shortcomings that stressed me out and the role of a president quite pressured me, but I will not beat myself up further because it’s my first time handling an event. It was definitely not a smooth road, but I have the CEAL and BACS Youth Council, the student facilitators, my CEAL and BACS advisers, and my friends that gave tireless efforts and support for the camp. I met many people that inspired me to be better. I’m immensely grateful to everyone that contributed for the camp,” Basbas said on social media.