CFC YFL Youth Camp Manual

CFC YOUTH FOR FAMILY AND LIFE

YOUTH CAMP MANUAL

2010 EDITION

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YOUTH CAMP MANUAL

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TABLE OF CONTENTS I. ORGANIZING A YOUTH CAMP ........... ...................... ...................... ...................... ...................... ........... 1 The Youth Camp ……………….……………………………………….………...................... ……………….……………………………………….………................................ .................... .............. .... 2 Challenges …………………………………………………………………....... …………………………………………………………………................. ..................... ............……......... .……................... ............ 2 Youth Camp Objectives ……………………………………………………........................... ……………………………………………………..................................... .............…...... ...…...... 2 Important Conditions …………………………………………........ ………………………………………….................. ..................... ..................... ..................... ..................... ............ .. 3 Practical Considerations ……………………………………………………........ ……………………………………………………................... ..................... ..................... .................. ....... 4 Service Team Roles and Responsibilities………………………..…………......................................... 5 General Schedule of Activities………………………………..………………... Activities………………………………..………………............. ..................... ..................... .................. ........ 7

II. THE YOUTH CAMP SESSIONS ........................................................ 9 The Gospel Message …………………………………………......... …………………………………………................... ..................... .................….... ......…..........………….... ......………….... 10 Sharing this message in the Youth Camp ……………………………......... ……………………………................... ..................... ....................……. .........……... 10 The Gospel and Youth Camp Sessions …………………………..…..................... …………………………..…............................... ...................……. .........……... .. 10 Final Tips ………………………………………………………………………...... ………………………………………………………………………................. ..................... ..................... ..................... .............. .... 11 Session 1: God’s Love and His Plan for us …………………………..….......................... …………………………..….................................... .............…. ...…. 13 Session 2: Who is Jesus Christ to me? ………………………………….......................... ………………………………….................................... ................... ......... 16 Session 3: Repentance, Faith, Forgiveness Forgiveness and Healing ……......................... ……................................... ..........………..… ………..… 21 Session 4: Receiving Receiving God’s Gift: The The Power of the Holy Spirit Spirit ………………………………………… 26 Baptism Ceremony / Pray over Session …………………….…............................ …………………….…...................................... ............………….. ..………….. 29 Commitment to Christ Ceremony ……………………………………......................... …………………………………….................................... ................…….. .....…….. 31 Closing Exhortation ………………………………………………......................... ……………………………………………….................................... ..................... ...........….………. .….………. 32 Session 5: Growing in the Spirit ………………………….……........ ………………………….…….................. ..................... ..................... ................……….… ......……….… 33 Dedication Ceremony …………………………………….……........ …………………………………….…….................. ..................... ..................... .................……………. .......……………. 36 CFC Youth Youth for Family and Life Purpose Statement ………............................... ………................. .....................……… .......…………….. …….. 36 CFC Youth for Family and Life Covenant ...................................... ........................ ............................ ............................ ......................... ........... 37

III. APPENDICE APPENDICES S ............ ......................... .......................... ........................... ........................... .......................... ............... .. 40 Participants’ Orientation Talk ………………………………………..................................................... 41 Parents’ Orientation Talk………… …………………………………........ …………………………………................... ..................... ..................... ................…….... .....…….... 43 Parents’ Forum……………….…………………..... Forum……………….…………………............... .................... ..................... ..................... .................………………………… .......………………………… 45 Sample Youth Youth Camp Invitation Letter for for Parents Parents ………….......................... …………............ ........................…… ..........…….…….... .…….... 47 Sample Youth Camp Reply Sheet …………………......... ………………….................... ..................... ..................... .................…………….……… ......…………….……… 48 Sample Youth Camp Invitation Letter for Priests ......................... ................................... ............………………………... ..………………………... 49 General Schedule of Activities ............................................................................................. 50 Sample Youth Camp Information Sheet ……………………….…....... ……………………….….................. ..................... ..................... ............……….. .……….. 52 Sample Youth Camp Checklist ………………………......... ……………………….................... ..................... ..................... ...............…………………….. ....…………………….. 53 Sample Youth Camp Completion Report…………………….…................... Report…………………….…............................. ..................... ...........…………. …………. 56 Sample Youth Camp House Rules ………………......... ……………….................... ..................... ..................... ............)……………………….... .)……………………….... 57

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CFC YOUTH FOR FAMIL FAMILY Y AND LIFE |

2010

YOUTH CAMP MANUAL

ii

TABLE OF CONTENTS I. ORGANIZING A YOUTH CAMP ........... ...................... ...................... ...................... ...................... ........... 1 The Youth Camp ……………….……………………………………….………...................... ……………….……………………………………….………................................ .................... .............. .... 2 Challenges …………………………………………………………………....... …………………………………………………………………................. ..................... ............……......... .……................... ............ 2 Youth Camp Objectives ……………………………………………………........................... ……………………………………………………..................................... .............…...... ...…...... 2 Important Conditions …………………………………………........ ………………………………………….................. ..................... ..................... ..................... ..................... ............ .. 3 Practical Considerations ……………………………………………………........ ……………………………………………………................... ..................... ..................... .................. ....... 4 Service Team Roles and Responsibilities………………………..…………......................................... 5 General Schedule of Activities………………………………..………………... Activities………………………………..………………............. ..................... ..................... .................. ........ 7

II. THE YOUTH CAMP SESSIONS ........................................................ 9 The Gospel Message …………………………………………......... …………………………………………................... ..................... .................….... ......…..........………….... ......………….... 10 Sharing this message in the Youth Camp ……………………………......... ……………………………................... ..................... ....................……. .........……... 10 The Gospel and Youth Camp Sessions …………………………..…..................... …………………………..…............................... ...................……. .........……... .. 10 Final Tips ………………………………………………………………………...... ………………………………………………………………………................. ..................... ..................... ..................... .............. .... 11 Session 1: God’s Love and His Plan for us …………………………..….......................... …………………………..….................................... .............…. ...…. 13 Session 2: Who is Jesus Christ to me? ………………………………….......................... ………………………………….................................... ................... ......... 16 Session 3: Repentance, Faith, Forgiveness Forgiveness and Healing ……......................... ……................................... ..........………..… ………..… 21 Session 4: Receiving Receiving God’s Gift: The The Power of the Holy Spirit Spirit ………………………………………… 26 Baptism Ceremony / Pray over Session …………………….…............................ …………………….…...................................... ............………….. ..………….. 29 Commitment to Christ Ceremony ……………………………………......................... …………………………………….................................... ................…….. .....…….. 31 Closing Exhortation ………………………………………………......................... ……………………………………………….................................... ..................... ...........….………. .….………. 32 Session 5: Growing in the Spirit ………………………….……........ ………………………….…….................. ..................... ..................... ................……….… ......……….… 33 Dedication Ceremony …………………………………….……........ …………………………………….…….................. ..................... ..................... .................……………. .......……………. 36 CFC Youth Youth for Family and Life Purpose Statement ………............................... ………................. .....................……… .......…………….. …….. 36 CFC Youth for Family and Life Covenant ...................................... ........................ ............................ ............................ ......................... ........... 37

III. APPENDICE APPENDICES S ............ ......................... .......................... ........................... ........................... .......................... ............... .. 40 Participants’ Orientation Talk ………………………………………..................................................... 41 Parents’ Orientation Talk………… …………………………………........ …………………………………................... ..................... ..................... ................…….... .....…….... 43 Parents’ Forum……………….…………………..... Forum……………….…………………............... .................... ..................... ..................... .................………………………… .......………………………… 45 Sample Youth Youth Camp Invitation Letter for for Parents Parents ………….......................... …………............ ........................…… ..........…….…….... .…….... 47 Sample Youth Camp Reply Sheet …………………......... ………………….................... ..................... ..................... .................…………….……… ......…………….……… 48 Sample Youth Camp Invitation Letter for Priests ......................... ................................... ............………………………... ..………………………... 49 General Schedule of Activities ............................................................................................. 50 Sample Youth Camp Information Sheet ……………………….…....... ……………………….….................. ..................... ..................... ............……….. .……….. 52 Sample Youth Camp Checklist ………………………......... ……………………….................... ..................... ..................... ...............…………………….. ....…………………….. 53 Sample Youth Camp Completion Report…………………….…................... Report…………………….…............................. ..................... ...........…………. …………. 56 Sample Youth Camp House Rules ………………......... ……………….................... ..................... ..................... ............)……………………….... .)……………………….... 57

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YOUTH CAMP MANUAL

1

Chapter 1:

Organizing a CFC Youth for Family and Life Youth Camp

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YOUTH CAMP MANUAL

2 THE YOUTH CAMP The entry point to CFC Youth for Family and Life (YFL), the youth ministry of Couples For Christ Foundaon for Family and Life (CFC FFL), is the Youth Youth Camp. The Youth Camp is a three-day stay-in stay-in camp that is normally conducted during the summer and semester breaks to ocially bring the youths into YFL. The Youth Camp must not be seen merely as a three-day experience where the Youth can have fun, true as it may be, but it must also be seen in the light of its over-all objecves, to fully appreciate its value and to make the most out of it. We should realize that the Youth Camp is not an end in itself. It is not just for amusement that will give the Youth something to do during the summer or semester break, but rather it is the beginning of what will hopefully be a lifeme commitment commitment to God for them. The Youth Camp is a venue where the Youth can form lasng friendships with one another, as well as, share ideas and ex periences in a fun and wholesome environment, where Chrisan values are openly talked about and acvely pracced. In the Youth Camp, parcipants will hear about God’s great love proclaimed by other youth like them. They will be exposed to other youth who will serve them as speakers, sharers, facilitators, game coordinators, etc. Seeing other young people like themselves themselves speaking of God’s great love, taking on leadership roles and serving others will eventuall eventually y encourage them to do the same.

CHALLENGES For the Youth Camp to be successful, it is important for the team to be aware of the challenges c hallenges that they will face. 1. Many participants may go to the Youth Camp because they were forced or pressured to. Many may think that the activities are dull, boring and a complete waste of time. This is why it is important to make a great first impression. The first night should look, sound and feel exciting and interesting to sustain their attention. 2. It takes a while for the participants to warm up to new faces. Keep in mind that in the Youth Camp, the participants will be meeting a lot of people for the first time. Having a warm and friendly Service Team to greet and accommodate them when they arrive will help them feel at ease and welcome. 3. Some of the participants will be difficult. Never discount the possibility that some of the participants may have serious addictions to drugs and alcohol. Others may come with a defiant attitude, while others may be harboring serious resentments towards their parents or other people. This is why responsible couple coordinators should always be present at all times during the Youth Youth Camp. 4. Some participants may find it difficult to commit themselves to the Lord, to YFL, and to the whole new lifestyle offered to them. They may find it difficult to give up a lot of their attachments, some of their friends and what they are already used to do. This poses a challenge for the service team, which must assure them of their support and that there really is nothing to fear.

YOUTH CAMP OBJECTIVES To plan eecvely, it is important for the service team to understand both the short-term and the long-term objecves of the Youth Camp.

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3 SHORT-TERM OBJECTIVES 1. To help the participants undergo a personal Jesus Christ experience. 2. To teach the participants how to pray. 3. To help the participants experience healing and reconciliation with the immediate members of their families, especially their parents. 4. To make the Youth Camp a fun, exciting and life-giving experience to the participants. 5. To give the participants the opportunity to make new friends in a fun and wholesome environment. 6. To expose the participants to young people of their age who find joy and fulfillment in serving the Lord, and in serving them.

LONG-TERM OBJECTIVES 1. To make the Youth Camp the start of a life-long process of renewal and transformation in the life of the participants. 2. By joining YFL, the participants are placed in a support environment where they can be sustained in their Catholic lives. 3. By joining YFL, the participants can sustain and develop the friendships that were established during the Youth Camp. 4. By joining YFL, the participants can be supported in their renewed relationships with God, their family and their peers. 5. To develop the talents of these participants and create a desire in them to use such gifts in serving the Lord.

Hopefully, the positive experience of the Youth Camp will remain a special memory that the participants may look back 6. Hopefully, to and draw strength from throughout their lives. 7. To bring the participants back to the Church and for them to recognize that one of the best ways to grow even more in their relationship with the Lord is by serving in their respective parishes.

IMPORTANT IMPORT ANT CONDITIONS CONDI TIONS Given the above objecves, both short and long-term, it is important to make the following condions in planning and conducng YFL Youth Camps. 1. The Youth Camp is the entry point into CFC Youth for Family and Life. It is not an ‘end in itself’ type of an activity. Hence, it should not be conducted if there is no intention to invite the participants to grow further in YFL. 2. The children of non-CFC FFL members are very much welcome to attend the Youth Camp. However, there must always be a continuous and steadfast effort to invite the children of CFC FFL members to attend the Youth Camp. 3.

The suggested venues of Youth Camps are retreat houses or camp areas where there are fewer

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YOUTH CAMP MANUAL

4 distractions to the participants. Nevertheless, the service team should be sensitive to the financial resources of the participants who will be attending the Youth Camp and determine if such a venue is financially feasible. a. It is possible to use school facilities during semester and summer breaks, and for the food to be catered by CFC FFL members of an area if this will significantly reduce the cost of the Youth Camp. b. It is possible to raise funds within the CFC FFL chapter or area, to help lessen the Youth Camp fees of those who do not have the means to pay the full amount in the Youth Camp. c.

The normal rule in any CFC FFL activity applies to the Youth Camp that no one should be deprived of experiencing the Lord in any official activity just because he or she does not have the means to pay.

4. Ensure that the participants have their parents’ consent in attending the Youth Camp and that their parents are willing to participate in the Youth Camp activities, such as writing letters to their children and attending the Parents’ Forum, when required. If swimming, hiking and other such outdoor activities are possible, special written consent from the parents of the participants and service team are required. •

A Parents’ Forum must be conducted before the Youth Camp, in where the service team may be able to explain the objectives, activities, schedule, rules and provisions within the Youth Camp, as well as mention areas of concern in which the parents can extend their support.

5. Normally, the service team members serving in the Youth Camp are usually not expected to pay for their accommodations. But, if they have the means, and they would like to help, their payments are welcome.

PRACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS 1. The initiative to organize the Youth Camp starts with the area’s YFL couple coordinators. a. They begin by getting the approval of their CFC F FL area head. b. They survey their area and come up with a list of prospective participants. c.

They work out the details, such as the possible schedule and venues of the Youth Camp.

d. They form the service team of YFL members that will serve in the Youth Camp. The team includes the team leader and his assistant, speakers, facilitators, music ministry, and camp servants. 2. In the Youth Camp, the couple coordinators allow the Youth Camp team leader and his assistant, as well as the members of the service team, to lead the activities. The couple coordinators stay ‘behind the scenes’; ready to provide support, assistance, direction and protection for the service team, when needed. 3. Members of the service team that normally stay in the accommodations with the participants are the couple coordinators, the team leader and his assistant, the camp servants, the facilitators and the music ministry. YFL members who are not part of the service team are not supposed to stay in the accommodations.

Note: It is very important that the facilitators stay in accommodaons with the parcipants because they need to get-to-know and bond with them.

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YOUTH CAMP MANUAL

5 4. During the Baptism of the Holy Spirit activity, the service team may ask the support of other YFL members. However, they will be asked not to stay in the accommodations.

Note: Adults conducng the Bapsm pray-over acvity is highly discouraged. 5. The parents of the participants are expected to send letters to their children and to come to the Parent-Child Dialogue and Dedication Ceremony on the last day of the Youth Camp. 6. A No Smoking and No Drinking rule will strictly be enforced for the duration of the Youth Camp. Everyone is expected to abide by this rule, including the service team and the couple coordinators. 7. No participant will be allowed to leave the Youth Camp without the expressed consent of the parents. If a participant manages to sneak out of the venue, the parents shall be informed immediately. 8. It is important that the Youth Camp is well documented. Someone may be assigned to document the Youth Camp, and the pre and post Youth Camp activities as well. 9. At all times, during the Youth Camp, there must be a pair of prayer warriors, praying the rosary and interceding for the Youth Camp, especially during sessions. The whole service team could take alternate turns in being the assigned prayer warriors. 10. There is no need for unnecessary dramatic effects during the Baptism / Pray-over session. Participants need not be in white. There is no need to turn the lights of the session half off; in fact the Pray-over session must be conducted in a well-lighted area. Crucifixes, rosaries and candles need not be placed in Pray-over stations, but a crucifix must be placed in the session hall. 11. The couple coordinators must accomplish and submit a Youth Camp completion report after the Youth Camp. The Youth Camp completion report contains such details as the total number of Youth Camp participants, date and venue of the Youth Camp etc. (see appendices) 12. There must be a scheduled post-Youth Camp welcome party for the participants after the Youth Camp. All the area’s YFL members, especially those who were not part of the Youth Camp service team, are invited to the party to welcome and meet the participants. A Lord’s Day celebration may be done prior to the party.

SERVICE TEAM ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Couple Coordinators They are active members of CFC FFL in their area. • They ask permission from and the support of their CFC FFL area head in conducting the Youth Camp. • • They guide and support the service team by providing direction and assistance when needed. • They oversee the practical and pastoral matters of the Youth Camp by coordinating closely with both the team leader and assistant team leader. They conduct the Parents’ Forum prior to the Youth Camp and ensure that the parents of the participants will be • able to write a letter for their children; and make it to the Dedication Ceremony and Parent-Child Dialogue on the third day of the Youth Camp. They coordinate with a priest for the confession after Session 3 and as well as to celebrate the Holy Mass on the • last day. • They intercede for the whole Youth Camp. They are an example in speech and in conduct to the youth. •

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YOUTH CAMP MANUAL

6 2. Team Leader • He has completed the YFL 1-year basic pastoral formation for the COMMUNITY circle and the YFL pastoral formation for the COMMITTED circle. • He takes care of the pastoral aspects of the Youth Camp. • He leads the service team; encourages and affirms them but also corrects them if necessary. He facilitates the service team meetings. • He makes sure that the Youth Camp schedule is followed. • • He assists the speakers of the Youth Camp. • He ensures that the Culture of YFL is promoted and followed throughout the Youth Camp. 3. Assistant Team Leader • She has completed the YFL 1-year basic pastoral formation for the COMMUNITY circle and the YFL pastoral formation for the COMMITTED circle. She takes care of the pastoral aspects of the Youth Camp. • • She responds to the needs of the sisters in the Youth Camp. • She provides input in planning and conducting the Youth Camp to the team leader and couple coordinators. She oversees the registration on the first day of the Youth Camp. • She assigns and reminds the whole service team to be prayer warriors during the Youth Camp. • • She makes sure that the Youth Camp schedule is followed. • She assists the speakers of the Youth Camp. She ensures that the Culture of YFL is promoted and followed throughout the Youth Camp. • 4. Camp Servants • They have completed the YFL 1-year basic pastoral formation for the COMMUNITY circle. They take care of the practical aspects of the Youth Camp, such as providing logistical needs. • • They ensure that the Youth Camp house rules are followed. • They do the wake-up call every morning. They prepare for the Holy Mass by assisting the couple coordinators. • 5. Facilitators • They have completed the YFL 1-year basic pastoral formation for the COMMUNITY circle. They lead the discussion groups during the Youth Camp. • They conduct the one to one sessions and pray-over sessions of the participants. • • They act as a peer guide to help the participants. They MUST undergo the Household Leaders Training after the Youth Camp to prepare them for their role as the • household leaders of their Youth Camp discussion groups. 6. Music Ministry They provide the music required during the Youth Camp for worships and praisefests, gathering and reflection • songs etc. • They prepare the song sheets or the song lyrics that will be projected on screen.

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YOUTH CAMP MANUAL

7 GENERAL SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES DAY 1 PM 5:00 - 5:30 5:30 - 6:30 6:30 - 6:45 6:45 - 7:00

7:00 - 8:00 8:00 - 8:30 8:30 - 8:35 8:35 - 8:45 8:45 - 10:00 10:00 - 10:30 10:30 - 10:35 10:35 - 11:00 11:00

: : : : : : : : : : : : : :

Service team meeng Arrival / registraon Gathering / Teaching of songs Orientaon of parcipants (by team leader) Orientaon of parents (by couple coordinators) Dinner Gathering of parcipants / Teaching of songs Opening prayer Energizer / Games Session 1: GOD’S LOVE AND HIS PLAN FOR US Discussion groups Announcements / Closing song (if desired) Informal fellowship Lights out

: : : : : : : : : : :

Wake up call Breakfast Common prayer me (include reecon) Gathering parcipants / Opening song and prayer Session 2: WHO IS JESUS CHRIST TO ME? Discussion groups Break Gathering of parcipants/ Opening song and short prayer Session 3: REPENTANCE, FAITH, FORGIVENESS AND HEALING Acvity and Confession Lunch

: : : : : : : : : : :

One to ones / Leer wring to parents / Rest Service team meeng with worship Dinner Gathering of parcipants / Opening prayer Session 4: RECEIVING GOD'S GIFT: THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT Commitment to Christ ceremony Pray-over session Group worship Closing exhortaon Preparaon for Entertainment night Entertainment night : Informal fellowship

DAY 2 AM 6:00 - 6:30 6:30 - 7:30 7:30 - 8:00 8:00 - 8:15 8:15 - 9:30 9:30 - 10:00 10:00 - 10:30 10:30 - 10:45 10:45 - 11:25 11:25 - 12:00 12:00 - 1:00 PM 1:00 - 5:30 5:30 - 6:30 6:30 - 7:30 7:30 - 8:00 8:00 - 8:45 8:45 - 9:00 9:00 - 10:00 10:00 - 10:15 10:15 - 10:30 10:30 - 11:00 11:00 - 12:00 12:00

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YOUTH CAMP MANUAL

8 Note: The parcipants may stay up, although they should respect those who want to sleep. Silence should be maintained. DAY 3 AM 7:00 - 8:00 8:00 - 9:00 9:00 - 10:00 10:00- 12:00 12:00- 1:00 1:00 - 1:15 1:15 - 1:30 1:30 - 2:00

2:00 - 2:15 2:15 - 2:45 2:45 - 3:00 3:00 - 3:10 3:10 - 3:30 3:30 - 4:30 4:30 - 5:00 5:00

: : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : :

Wake up call Breakfast Common prayer me / Leer to parents wring acvity Sports and Games Lunch Gathering of parcipants / Teaching of songs Worship Session 5: GROWING IN THE SPIRIT PARENTS FORUM Dedicaon Dialogue with parents Sharing from parcipants Closing remarks/ songs Preparaon for Holy Mass Holy Mass Pack-up Home Sweet Home

DAY 3 - Alternate Schedule

7:00 - 8:00 8:00 - 9:00 9:00 - 9:15 9:15 - 9:30 9:30 - 10:10 10:10 - 10:40 10:40 - 10:50 10:50 - 10:55 10:55 - 11:00 11:00 - 12:00 12:00 - 1:00

: : : : : : : : : : : :

Breakfast Common prayer me / Leer to parents wring acvity Gathering / Teach of songs Worship Session 5: GROWING IN THE SPIRIT PARENTS FORUM Dialogue with parents Sharing of parcipants Final song Preparaon for Holy Mass Holy Mass Lunch (if available)

Note: The schedules wrien in this manual are guides for the Youth Camp service team. If circum stances call for a dierent schedule, the service team should be exible enough to follow as the Spirit leads. -

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YOUTH CAMP MANUAL

9

Chapter 2:

The Youth Camp Sessions

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YOUTH CAMP MANUAL

10 GOSPEL MESSAGE In this day and age when so many ideas abound and so many dierent philosophies are taught, the youth are oen placed in confusing situaons. So many dierent inuences around them dictate what to run aer, and what to live for. Sll in the budding idealism of their young minds, the youth search for the truth that they can believe in and live by. So oen, however, young people fall into whatever whim their peers invite them into. Whether it is drugs or drinking, being popular, being ‘in’ or just simply living for the moment. Sll the thirst is there for the truth - their hearts are restless for God. It is in this situaon that the Gospel message should be brought to the youth. A message that speaks of God's love and mercy, that in our sinfulness, He is always willing to forgive us. And, if we come before Him and place our lives at His feet, our restlessness ends and we begin to experience a new life with Him. It is this message, which the talks in the Youth Camp seek to share.

SHARING THIS MESSAGE IN THE YOUTH CAMP The Gospel message, however, is so great, so vast and so wonderful that our minds can only begin to comprehend it. Moreover, to explain it thoroughly is hard enough for more knowledgeable Chrisans to do, what more for young people, who in our case, will explain it to other young people as well. In this perspecve, we cannot even begin to teach the Gospel. What we can do, however, is to share it. We don't have to be Biblical Scholars or Church Theologians to share the Gospel with others. All we really need to do is look into our lives, recognize God's work and share what we know with convicon. Then, in our limitaons, we will see God working through us, in these talks and the acvies of the Youth Camp.

THE GOSPEL AND THE YOUTH CAMP SESSIONS To be able to share the Gospel message in an orderly and simple way, it’s dierent points were divided into ve (5) sessions. Each session helps the speaker impart this message eecvely. So as not to compromise or give an incomplete Gospel, the sessions include truths, which are basic enough for young people to begin a meaningful journey with God in, their Chrisan lives. Other teachings may then be imparted later, if the parcipants decide to join YFL. Here are the basic points or truths with their corresponding topics in the Youth Camp.

BASIC GOSPEL TRUTH

YOUTH CAMP SESSION

God's Love for Mankind; His Plan for Man's Fullness of Life with Him

God’s Love and His Plan for us

Introduces the ultimate expression of God's love - Jesus Christ

Who is Jesus Christ to me?

Man’s sin as he turns away from God’s plan

Repentance, Faith, Forgiveness and Healing

Man's Response: Accepting God's InviGod's Gift: The Power of the Holy Spirit tation and Living as His People Growing in the Spirit Some of the sessions in the Youth Camp have more than one basic Gospel truth included. These truths somemes even overlap across two or three sessions. The sessions are given in this way and order so as to help bring the parcipants through a process through which they can make a real and sincere decision to live a life pleasing to God

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11 through a personal relaonship with Jesus Christ by the power of His Holy Spirit. The speaker should be able to realize that each session, especially the one that he or she will be giving, is part of one message; “God's love reaching out to man and man's c hoice to respond to this love." The speakers and Youth Camp service team should understand this ow to be able to place them in the proper posion where God can work through what they say and do, in order to eecvely help the parcipants make a decision to know, love and serve Jesus Christ.

FINAL TIPS 1. Adults are discouraged from giving t he sessions in the Youth Camp.

We have to recognize the fact that, it is easier for young people to be inuenced by their peers. No maer how true the message is, and even if the parcipants thirst for this message, when adults speak to the youth, a natural barrier oen stands between them and the young people they are speaking to. These speakers represent to the parcipants, their parents -parents who may have damaged relaonships with their children. As a result adult speakers then begin to lose their eecveness in sharing the Gospel to the youth. 2. The speakers should share and not preach.

The world needs witnesses, not teachers. Most Youth Camp parcipants have heard the same message we speak me and me again. But what will make these sessions dierent is when they realize that what we are saying is true and concrete, because we have actually experienced it. 3. Maintain a light atmosphere.

Feel free to share jokes from me to me, but never to the point of leng the parcipants, forget the truth and importance of your message. Oen jokes can even be used of as a means to drive at a certain point. In the same way, anecdotes and stories are good means of explaining or stressing certain points in your session. Make use of stories. The youth like listening to stories. If it is possible to make the points of your outline ow from one story to the next, all the beer. Stories keep the interest of young people and allow them to remember the points that you have made. 4. Speak from the heart with confidence and conviction.

You are speaking of a truth, which all men thirst for, including the youth. Therefore speak with convicon, because it is him or her who will benet from what is being said in the Youth Camp more than anyone. Speak of the joy of knowing Christ. Speak of the gi that God wants to give. The gi that you yourself, are beginning to experience; a new life with Christ, knowing what Saint Augusne menoned is truth for yourself and everyone else, "Our hearts are restless, unl we rest in you, Oh God." 5. Read your Bible.

The presence of scriptural verses in the talk requires the speaker to prayerfully reect on the passages before giving the session. It would be beer if these verses are narrated in the speaker’s own words. Reading scripture verses wordfor-word tends to take away eye contact between you and the parcipants.

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12 6. Listen to / study other speakers.

This may help give you ideas in giving your session. 7. Undergo the Speaker’s Workshop.

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13 CFC YOUTH FOR FAMILY AND LIFE Youth Camp Session 1: God’s Love and His Plan for us Goal To communicate the truth that God loves us and has a plan for our welfare.

Specific Objectives: At the end of the session, the parcipants should be able to: Understand that God loves them immensely. • • Share on how God’s love is manifested in their personal lives.

Methodology • • •

Talk Proper Sharer Discussion Group

-

20 to 30 minutes 5 minutes 30 to 45 minutes

Sharer YFL member who will share an experience where he / she felt God’s love and how he / she responded to it.

Expanded Outline I. Introduction The Crazy Dream Note: The ‘Crazy Dream’ activity is done so that the speaker may have an amusing way of making the partici pants realize God's tremendous love for them. Just as the participants may have their own ‘crazy dreams’ their own nearly impossible hopes of things that are better, God has His own seemingly impossible dream for us, ‘a plan for a future and a hope’ in union with Him. It is this plan for us that may be used to introduce God's love to the participants. -

1. Ask the participants to think about their greatest ambition or craziest dream. They may write or illustrate it on a piece of paper. Give them 30 seconds to do this. Allow 3-5 persons to share. 2. Even God has a crazy dream.

(Referring to the ‘crazy dreams’ of the parcipants) All of us have our own crazy dreams, but even God has his own ‘crazy dream’ for us. I say this, because like many others, our dreams may seem far out, hard to believe. But then again, He is G od, and nothing is impossible with Him. Let's see what God's crazy dream is. Note: The speaker must illustrate creatively, reflect and share the essence of Isaiah 65:17-25.

This is God's crazy dream, His plan for us, "a plan to give us a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11). This is all because of His great love for us. •

Plans for your welfare, not for woe. God is always after our wellbeing, our happiness and safety.

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14 As God’s own, everything that comes from Him is good. When He created us, He created us to last forever. •

Plans to give you a future full of hope. As uncertain as the future is, God guarantees us that not even a part of it will be in despair and everything in it is positive and desirable.

You may have your own reasons for being here. (E.g. your friends are here, you want to meet new friends, your parents forced you or you are truly seeking God) I believe God brought you here, to hear about His love, and His plan in your life. II. Why am I not experiencing God’s love?

You may be asking. “If God loves us so much, why are our lives and situaons so dierent from what He says are His plans for us? 1. Show the disparity between God's plan (Isaiah 65:17 25) and the situation around us. • • •

On a larger scale: There are countries at war and in famine. On a local scale: There are street crimes and law offenders. On a personal scale: There are broken families, drug addictions, pre-marital sex, etc.

2. We experience these sufferings because we choose to. a. When our first parents chose to disobey, and rebel against God's commands, they chose to turn away from God the source of all life. In doing so, they chose death, and suffering. From the moment this happened, our world that was full of life and blessing began to experience difficulties, pain, suffering, and even death. (Gen. 3:1-21) b. Even today, whenever we choose to go against God, (or the authorities He has placed over us, e.g. parents, government and school authorities), we continue to choose the suffering and death that our first parents chose. (Romans 6:23) Note: Mention specific experiences to bring your point across.

III. What is God’s plan in my life?

But God did not end it at that. God wants us to experience the fullness of life but we connue to follow our own prefer ences. By choosing to turn away from this promise, God could have just as well chosen to turn away from us, destroy us as we deserve, and create a more faithful people who would gladly accept His love and t he life that He oers. Instead, He decided that His love and His mercy should prevail. 1. He began by sending His prophets. 2. Finally, He chose to send His only Son to die for us because He did not want to see us suffer in our sin and die forever. (John 3:16) The speaker at this time shows t he video “The Bridge”. NOTE: Make use of the diagram to illustrate how Jesus Christ bridges the gap that sin creates between God and man.

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15 IV. Conclusion

“God loves every one of us as if there was but one of us to love.” - St. Augusne God has a seemingly insane love for us; a love that would suer even death on a cross. Even if you were the only one who needed to be save, God would do it all for you. Let us respond to this love. Let us decide to love God back. Note: One way to challenge the parcipants to respond to God’s love is by telling them to seek God during the Youth Camp and to parcipate in all acvies. Discussion Starters 1. Share an experience or area of your life where you felt most loved by God. 2. How can you respond to God’s love for you? (Make specific resolutions)

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16 CFC YOUTH FOR FAMILY AND LIFE Youth Camp Session 2: Who is Jesus Christ to me Goal To communicate the truth that Jesus Christ is a powerful but personal God who invites us to have a personal relaonship with Him.

Specific Objectives At the end of the session, the parcipants should be able to: • Accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. • Describe their relationship with Jesus Christ.

Methodology • • • •

Activity Talk Proper Sharer Discussion Group

-

15 minutes 20 to 30 minutes 5 minutes 30 to 45 minutes

Sharer YFL member who will share on his / her personal relaonship with Jesus Christ.

Activity Requirements: •

Pre-set flashcards a. These flashcards should be visible from afar. b. These should contain the logos of different popular brands along with their taglines. (E.g. Adidas, “Impossible is nothing.”) c. The logo shall be printed in front, while the tagline shall be printed at the back of the flashcard. d. All brand logos must be familiar to the youth. e. Sample brands and their taglines: f. Adidas – Impossible is nothing g. Metrobank – You’re in good hands h. Rexona – Never lets you down i. Gatorade – Thirst quencher j. Nokia – Connecting People

•

Process: The parcipants will be divided into their Youth Camp discussion groups. The speaker will ash the dierent brand taglines to the parcipants and each group will try to guess the brand it pertains to. Every correct answer earns a point for the group. The speaker may give a prize aer the game.

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17 Expanded Outline I. Introduction

When we realize how great God's love for us is, many of us genuinely want to respond to Him by loving Him back and living a life that is pleasing to Him. However, it is very dicult to live a life that is pleasing to God, if we lack an essenal aspect; a personal relaonship with Jesus Christ. Living a Chrisan life by our own strength is impossible. Only the strength we have in Jesus Christ can allow us to do it. II. Who Is Jesus Christ? 1. Jesus and His impact on History •

Born some 2,000 years ago in the town of Bethlehem, Judea; in the poor country of Palestine.

•

Grew up in a poor family of carpenters.

•

During His 3 years of public life, He challenged the authorities and was tried on charges of rebellion and blasphemy. He was put to death at the age of 33.

Like most religious leaders in His me, Jesus should have faded into oblivion, forgoen in the pages of history. Yet no other person has aected history as much as He did. •

He split History in two (B.C. - Before Christ, and A.D. Anno Domini or Year of our Lord).

•

No other person has had as many books and stories written about him. The book t hat tells His story, the Bible, has been the No. 1 bestseller, of all time.

•

Until today, Jesus of Nazareth is the most controversial, most popular, most revered and most respected person that ever lived.

There are so many things said about this man. What was He really like? 2. Jesus as He claimed to be

He took upon Himself qualies that belonged only to the person of God. a. He was pre-existent with the Father. “In the beginning there was the Word. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. All things were made by him, and nothing was made without him.” - John 1:1-3

The Greek of ‘word’ is logos, meaning any kind of communicaon. It could be translated to “message.” It means Christ because Christ was the way God told people about himself. b.

He claimed to possess all authority in Heaven and on Earth

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18 “All power in heaven and on earth is given to me.” - Matthew 28:18

This is a characterisc that only one person can claim to have - God. Nature seemed to believe Jesus and recognize this authority. When He was in a boat with His disciples, a strong wind blew and lled the boat with water. His disciples were afraid and woke him. Jesus gave a command to the wind and the waves, they stopped, and it became calm (Luke 8:22-26). c.

He forgave sins. The people during Jesus’ me strongly believed that only God had the authority to forgive sins (Luke 5:21). When a paralyzed man was lowered from the roof where Jesus was teaching, He immediately forgave the man’s sin because of his faith. When the Pharisees and teachers of the Law heard this, they began thinking to themselves: “Only God can forgive sins”. Knowing what they are thinking, Jesus said, “But I will prove to you that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins” (Luke 5:24). Then he commanded the man to stand up, take his mat and go home.

d. He performed miracles. •

•

•

He healed the sick - Jesus made the blind see, the lame walk, the deaf hear, the mute speak, the possessed be free, etc. He fed the hungry - Jesus fed thousands of hungry people in more than one occasion, by the miraculous multiplication of bread. He raised the dead - He raised Lazarus, the servant of the soldier, the only son of a widowed woman, etc.

3. Jesus - A Personal God

Jesus being God is an awesome truth. We can be sure that He is stronger than all of our biggest fears. But what is even more astonishing truth is that Jesus, despite being God, is not a distant God. He felt the things we feel every day. He can relate to us, perfectly. He is closer to us than you think. Note: It is not necessary for the speaker to expound on the following examples further, especially when there is time constraint. The speaker may just enumerate these events in Jesus Christ’s life where He was completely human (feeling pain, thirst, sadness, etc.) to establish the point that Jesus also felt how we feel and that He understands us completely.

a. Like us, He also became tired (John 4:6). Jesus sat on a well because He was tired from His long trip from Judea to Galilee. b. Like us, He also got thirsty (John 19:28). Jesus felt his mouth and throat dry from hanging on the cross for six hours. c.

Like us, He also wept (John 11:35). When His friend Lazarus died, Jesus wept for the loss of a loved one.

d. Like some of us, He also felt alone (Matthew 26:40). His apostles fell asleep while Jesus was praying in the Garden of Gethsemane. It was a crucial time for Him because it is the last minute before He will be arrested. But in this important time of His life, the apostles slept when Jesus asked them to pray for Him. e. Like some of us, He was also misunderstood (John 8:27). When Jesus was describing where He was going before His death, people did not understand.

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19 f.

Like some of us, His family was also ashamed of Him (Matthew 12:47). While Jesus was talking to some people, his family stood outside trying to find a way to talk to Him. Some say that this gesture done by Jesus’ family was not because they were proud of Him, but because they were ashamed of Him and wanted Him to stop.

g.

Like us, He also felt stressed (Matthew 14:13). Upon hearing the news that John Baptist had died, Jesus went to a lonely place but a large crowd followed Him. He felt sorry for them and healed their sick. The demands of the people overtook his need to grieve.

h. Like some of us, He was also betrayed (Mark 14:10). Judas sold Jesus to the Pharisees. i.

Like us, His friends also denied Him (Luke 22:60). When Peter was following Jesus during the trial, He denied Jesus three times as Jesus had predicted.

j.

Like some of us, He was also called names (Matthew 12:24). When Jesus drove out a demon from a man who could not talk and see, the Pharisees said He used the power of the ruler of demons to force demons out.

Jesus felt how you feel. He experienced all of these things to tell us that He completely understands us. He is a God that can relate to your sorrow, shame, sickness and pain. He is a God that is strong enough to trust and near enough to call unto. He can be a friend, a brother, a counselor, a healer etc. III. Our Response

All the claims that Jesus Christ made concerning Himself are so great that we need to stop and seriously consider these. Our acceptance or rejecon of these claims will greatly aect us. a. If we reject all the claims that Jesus made and believe them to be false, then we should just forget Christianity altogether and even correct the great hoax that has deceived people for 2000 years. b. But if deep down we accept all Jesus’ claims and believe them to be true, then we really cannot ignore Him like most people do in their lives.

We must nd a way to relate to Jesus as the Mighty God and as the risen Savior that He really is. We will have to follow Him as Lord and accept that personal relaonship He oers us today. IV. Who Is Jesus Christ To Me?

(Personal Tesmony: 3-5 minutes) The speaker should give a brief sharing on his/her personal relaonship with Jesus Christ. V. Conclusion

Note: The speaker will show again the ashcards used in the game earlier. However, the taglines will no longer be used to describe the brands that they represent; instead they will be used to describe Jesus Christ. (E.g. Jesus is like Adidas… Impossible is nothing with Him. Jesus is like Rexona… He never lets you down etc.) This will further strengthen or enhance what had been discussed in Session 2, in relaon to Jesus Christ being a personal God. God loves you. That's prey good news, but it gets even beer. Not only does He love you, but He wants to have a friendship with you. (John 15:13-15)

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20 Think about it. Jesus Christ wants to have a personal relaonship with you. He already knows you, and He wants you to know Him. DISCUSSION STARTERS: 1. How would you describe your relationship with Jesus Christ now? 2. Who is Jesus Christ to you? What can you do to respond to His invitation of having a personal relationship with Him?

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21 CFC YOUTH FOR FAMILY AND LIFE Youth Camp Session 3: Repentance, Faith, Forgiveness and Healing Goal To lead people into repentance and turn to a renewed faith in Jesus Christ.

Specific Objectives At the end of the session, the parcipants should be able to: Express their realizations of past wrongdoings. • • Decide to repent from sin, turn to a renewed faith in Jesus Christ and forgive those who have caused them hurts in the past.


Talk Proper Sharer Activity

-

20 to 30 minutes 5 minutes 20 to 30 minutes

Sharer YFL member who will share on his / her past struggles with sin or how with God’s grace he / she has now overcome these.

Expanded Outline I. Introduction

We have heard that Jesus Christ is all that He claimed; possessing all authority in Heaven and Earth, a powerful God who performs miracles and forgives sins. But besides all claims, we see that He is also a personal God. We have heard how He understands us deeply and how He is closer to us than we think. We learned that He himself invites us into a personal relaonship with Him. In this session, we will learn how we can respond to His love and invitaon. II. Repentance and Faith

Jesus Christ began His preaching ministry with these words, "The right me has come and the Kingdom of God is near! Turn away from your sins and believe in the Gospel." (Mark 1:15), or repent and have faith. He used these words because repentance and faith are the rst steps we need to take to truly respond to God's love and His invitaon for us. 1. Repentance

Sinfulness in our lives and the hurts we've experienced are hindrances in coming to Jesus Christ and receiving His spirit. This is the reason why He called those who came to Him to repentance.

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22 a. What is Repentance •

The Greek word for repentance is ‘metanoia’, which literally means a change of mind.

•

An act of the will; a decision

Hence, Repentance is a decision to turn away from sin and look towards God. b. Misconceptions about Repentance

You are repentant only when you: •

Feel terrible about yourself Some people believe that repentance is sincere only when you despise yourself because you are a hopeless sinner.

•

Feel regret Somemes repentance is brought about due to the negave consequences of what was done and the regret that comes aer, not because the sin was evil. (Feeling sorry you were caught cheang in an exam. If you weren't caught you wouldn't have been as sorry).

•

Get rid of all tendency to sin Some people think that true repentance can only happen when we are able to rid ourselves of the tendency to sin. But that will never happen. What we can do, however, is to say no to temptaon. This is also the reason why many Catholics don't go to Confession, saying, "Why will I confess when I'm just going to sin again?"

All of these may be eects of Repentance but are not repentance in itself. All of these focus on feelings; Repen tance is much more objecve and concrete than feelings. c.

Some sins to repent from: •

Rebelliousness: to parents, authorities and society, such as answering back, vandalism etc.

•

Cheating, lying, stealing, cursing, green jokes, slander and gossip.

•

Abuse of alcohol, using illegal drugs.

•

Sexual sins: necking, petting, pornography, masturbation, homosexual acts, etc.

•

Horoscope, superstition, spiritualism, non-Christian religions. Note: Give examples that are appropriate to the Participants. The speaker should be able to explain why these sins are actually wrong. These sins have been so widely accepted that people do not see them as immoral any more. -

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23 The speaker must also be able share how to turn away from these sins and he must be able to make the Participants realize that what is important is for them not to feel terrible about themselves for past sins, but for them to decide to turn away from these sins.

d. What must we do to repent? (4 H : Attitudes to take in repentance) •

Honesty - call sin a sin. (Some say sin is a growth experience or that cheating during exams is sharing)

•

Humility - Admit you fell into sin because you are weak and t hat you need God to overcome your sins.

•

Hate the sin - Hate sin and not the sinner. If you hate sin you'll stay away from it and you won't make any justifications for doing it (“I am just human" or "somebody else made me do it").

•

Have a good confession. - Go to confession and ask God for forgiveness. Confession allows us to be humble, showing God that we need Him.

2. Faith a. We need to place our faith and trust in Jesus Christ, believing that when we come to Him in repentance, He will conquer all our sinfulness and that He will forgive us and heal us of our sins. “To have faith is to be sure of the things we hope for; to be certain of the things we cannot see”. (Heb 11:1)

b. The kind of faith that we are talking about is primarily shown in Matthew 14:22-33. •

Faith that believes in what God said. When Jesus Christ told Peter that he could walk on the water, although he knew it was humanly impossible, he sll believed. In the same way, when Jesus Christ promises that He will save us from our sins, we should believe that He can and He will. The same kind of faith is also seen in Mahew 8:5-13. When a Roman Ocer approached Jesus Christ and told Him that his servant was lying at home paralyzed and suering dreadfully, Jesus Christ said that He would come to his house to cure his servant. At this, the Roman Ocer expressed humility saying “Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant will be healed.” The Roman Ocer, who has the authority to command a hundred men, expressed faith in the power of Jesus’ mere word. Jesus said to him, “You may go; as you have believed, let it be done for you.”

•

Faith is more than mere feelings. Faith is taking action because faith without action is dead. Peter acted in spite of fear. He was scared of drowning, and yet he sll took the rst step out the boat. He believed in what Jesus Christ said that faith is not a feeling but rather a decision that we should make. Faith is deciding to put our trust in Jesus Christ. The same kind of faith is also seen in Mark 5:25-34. A woman aicted with hemorrhages (large discharge of blood) for twelve years had heard about Jesus Christ and came to see Him. She said, “If I can just touch his clothes, I will be healed. “ Then, she touched Jesus’ cloak. Jesus armed her act of faith aerwards when He said “Dear woman, you are made well because you believed. Go in peace; be healed of your disease.” The woman acted on her faith by touching Jesus Christ ’s clothes.

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24 Faith is not just a feeling; our acons are the greatest expression of faith. Note: Repentance and Faith go together. We cannot have one without the other.

III. Forgiveness and Healing 1. Forgiveness

In the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant found in Mahew 18:21-35, it is said that the kingdom once had a king who decided to sele accounts with his servants. We are the servants in the story. We have debts to the king who is God in the form of our sins. The parable tells us: a. God is a forgiving God. He forgives those who confess their sins and genuinely ask for forgiveness. (Matthew 18:26) b. God is a compassionate and kind God. He is willing to forgive us even if we cannot repay for our sins. (Matthew 18:25-27)

We are also being asked to forgive those who have sinned against us. a. What Christ demands from us is limitless forgiveness. (Matthew 18:22) b. We have received the great forgiveness of God; therefore, we must not refuse to forgive others. (Matt18:28-30) c. Whom must we forgive? • One’s own self Our parents, brothers or sisters, relatives • Our friends, schoolmates, teachers • • Others

And when God forgives us, He never makes any record of our wrong doings, He sees us as new creaons. He will cleanse us and heal us from all the wrongs we have done. (1 John 1:9) 2. Healing

We all know that Jesus Christ is a great healer. He cured many illnesses and diseases during His ministry here on Earth. Up to now, He sll heals people. He heals us from our sinfulness and our hurts from our past experiences. Jesus Christ fully understands that we need healing from our sinfulness and hurts because these are obstacles from totally receiving God's grace. a. Healing Occurs: • • •

• •

When we humbly approach God for healing. (Matthew 8:5-6, Mark 5:27) When we put our faith in Him. (Matthew 8:8, Mark 5:28) When we ask for forgiveness – because God forgave our sins, we also learn how to show great love for others. (Luke 7:47) When we forgive – when we forgive others, we gain inner peace, we thus gain inner healing. When we serve others – when we focus on helping others “heal” instead of focusing on ourselves.

b. Healing through Forgiveness •

Healing will not be complete if we haven't forgiven ourselves and those who have hurt us.

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25 •

Share how hurts in the different areas of our life listed below can hinder us from drawing near to God, and how forgiveness begins the process of healing. One’s own self • • Our parents and family • Our friends and classmates

Forgiveness and healing also go together; we cannot have one without the other. Note: The speaker may call on 1-2 sharers at this point to share about Repentance, Faith, Forgiveness or Heal ing. -

IV. Conclusion

God wants us to experience the fullness of life in His love, by knowing Him personally. However, our sins and hurts block much of His blessings for us. Jesus Christ wants to remove these hindrances and extend His mercy towards us, but we have to do our part and repent from these sins. We need to believe that He will forgive and strengthen us and bring us healing. Only then can we fully receive God's blessing, His Holy S pirit which strengthens us and allows us to live lives truly pleasing to God.

Activity Requirements: Pens • • Pieces of paper • Priest(s) Process: Aer the session, on the piece of paper provided, ask the parcipants to list down all their sins and all the people they have hurt, or have hurt them in any way. Then, the team leader leads them to a short prayer; asking God for forgiveness for the sins they have commied and healing for all the hurts they have. The team leader must menon in the prayer that the parcipants are leng go of these things that they have wrien down, and are liing these up to God. This symbolizes the rejecon so all the sins they have wrien, and their closure from all the hurts they hold from other people. The parcipants are then asked to throw away the piece of paper into a t rash bin placed in front of the session hall. Keep the ac vity simple. There is no need for any dramac eect.

However, it is important to emphasize to the parcipants that real forgiveness from God for the sins they have commied can only be aained through confession. Thus, aer the acvity, the parcipants are then asked to go to confession. Only in extreme cases where there are no priests available, the speaker must encourage the parcipants to sll have confession aer the Youth Camp. Note: After the participants have confessed, they are asked to write a letter for their parents. The facilitators must encourage the participants to express in the letter how much they really love their parents and to ask forgiveness for any hurts that they may have caused them.

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26 CFC YOUTH FOR FAMILY AND LIFE Youth Camp Session 4: Receiving God’s Gift: The Power of the Holy Spirit Goal To lead people to receive the bapsm in t he Holy Spirit and the gi of tongues.

Specific Objectives At the end of the session, the parcipants should be able to: Continue being open to receiving the power of the Holy Spirit. • • Worship in the Spirit. • Appreciate the importance of the gift of tongues and exercise it.

Methodology • • • •

Talk Proper 20 to 30 minutes Baptism / Pray-over 60 to 90 minutes (It depends on the number of participants) Worship (2 fast songs and 1slow song only) Closing Exhortation


If you compare the Chrisans of today with the early Chrisans, you will nd that they were very much dierent. a. Christians today:

Chrisans today can't seem to live as they should; they seem weak and they lack convicon. (Give examples / il lustrate) However, Chrisans were not always like that. b. Christians before:

The Chrisans in the early Church possessed certain strength and boldness of character. They had this power that aracted many from all races and walks of life to join this group of mere shermen, slaves, Genles and Jews. What was this power that transformed 12 insignicant men and their brethren into the pillars that established Christendom? It wasn't human might or intellect but it was the Power of the Holy Spirit; the same Spirit that connues to ll and transform the lives of so many Chrisans today. Do you want to be like the early Chrisans and make a dierence? II. The Power of the Holy Spirit a.

Misconceptions:

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27 • • •

The Holy Spirit is just God's messenger. The Holy Spirit is just the dove in Jesus Christ's baptism. There is no such thing as a Holy Spirit; there’s only God.

b. The Holy Spirit is God, the 3rd Person in the Blessed Trinity. c.

God's promised spirit •

A new heart and a new spirit (Ezekiel 36:26-27) God promised a spirit that will enable all men to follow Him. He promised to give men "A new heart and a new Spirit...”

•

God’s Spirit brings about: The Valley of the Dry Bones (Ezekiel 37:1-14) This story illustrates to us what the power of His Holy Spirit can do. In scriptures, the wind is oen used to refer to God’s Sprit. •

Union with God When we receive the power of the Holy Spirit, we begin a personal and inmate relaonship with God. God’s word becomes alive in us as we read scripture. We hear Him speaking to us in our hearts and we experience Him touching our very lives.

•

A new nature (Galatians 5:22 - 23) As we grow in our personal relaonship with God, He slowly molds us into His likeness, removing the self ishness in our hearts, making us more loving, more like Jesus.

•

Power to serve (Acts 1:8) God’s Spirit empowers us to serve, giving us the boldness to speak His words and making us willing to face the challenge of bringing others closer to Him despite the many dicules and trials we may face.

Note: In sharing the 3 points above, the speaker should share his own experiences of these 3 points.

III. How do we receive the Power of t he Holy Spirit? a. The Coming of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-8) Note: The speaker must narrate this passage in his own words

Praying for the Bapsm of the Holy Spirit may not be exactly like this event but we can take certain points from it to help and guide us in receiving the Bapsm of the Holy Spirit. i.

We ask. (Luke 11:9-10) In faith, we know that when we ask for it, it will be given to us.

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28 What do we specically ask for? •

A personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

•

Spiritual Gifts (1 Corinthians 12:4-11) These are gis that God gives to help us in our Chrisan lives: • Prophecy • Healing Wisdom • Knowledge • • Miracles • Faith Discernment • • Praying in Tongues • Interpretation of Tongues

Note: The speaker must briefly explain each Spiritual Gift. This explanation does not need to be detailed as the facilitators should have already explained it to the participants during their one to ones. •

Explanation of the Gift of Tongues: It is a gi of prayer - It is a prayer that only God can understand and only we can speak. Because of this spiritual gi, one’s soul is able to communicate what it really wants to express to God. This spiritual gi pleases God. We humble ourselves when we pray in a language we don't understand. This total humility pleases God. The gi of tongues becomes a doorway to the other spiritual gis. It allows us to access and use them in a beer manner. Note: The speaker must state that all the spiritual gifts are important and must not highlight too much the gift of Tongues.

ii. We have Faith. (Luke 11:13)

We should believe that when we ask for God's Holy Spirit, He will surely give it. b. Hindrances to receiving the Holy Spirit. •

Unrepentant Attitude (“I am never wrong”) Sin alienates us from God. When we refuse to be repentant for our sins, we keep ourselves from experiencing God and His Spirit. This is why we need to go to confession.

•

Feeling of Unworthiness (“Am I worthy?”) Everyone is unworthy, what the Lord requires is simply a humble spirit that approaches Him in repentance and asks for forgiveness.

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29 •

Pride (“I am too cool for this”) Pride keeps us from acknowledging our need for God, and asking Him into our lives, but God will keep on knocking unl we're humble enough to ask Him in. If we're afraid of looking foolish, we must humble ourselves if we are to receive God's Spirit.

•

Doubt (“Is this for real”) Focus on what is true. God promised His spirit and He never breaks His promises to His people.

IV. Conclusion 1. Recall Ezekiel 37:1-14 2. Living the Christian life is very difficult. But we have hope in God's promised Spirit. This Spirit is the one which strengthens us and gives us the gifts we need in order for us to live, as true sons and daughters of God. Note: Our next activity will be the commitment ceremony and pray over session. The speaker must give the participants a general view of what they can expect.

ACTIVITY: 1. Baptism of the Holy Spirit / Pray Over Session

Our purpose tonight is to ask the Lord for the power of His Holy Spirit that will enable us to live as true Chrisans. To do this, we will rst have to come before our Lord, believe and accept Him as our personal Lord and Savior and commit our lives to Him. Aer this, we will pray with one another for the Bapsm of the Holy Spirit a. This is not a new baptism. We were all baptized when we became Catholics. What we want to do now is to pray for one another so that we can immerse ourselves in God's Spirit and be empowered as Christians. b. Explain the process of Baptism / Pray-over session. •

First, we will be having a ‘Commitment to Christ Ceremony’ where you will be given the opportunity to decide for yourselves if you want to follow Jesus Christ.

•

After this, your discussion group leaders will approach you and bring you somewhere more conducive and private for the pray-over session. Process of Praying-over:

•

•

Prayer of Thanksgiving: Your discussion group leaders will thank the Lord for the commitment that you just made.

•

Prayer of Deliverance: Casting out the works of Satan in your life. ("In the name of Jesus, spirit of deceit we cast you out".)

Prayer for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit / spiritual gifts. After the Pray-over session. •

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30 •

Go back to your seat; we will end together once everyone has been prayed for.

•

We encourage you to continue to be in an atmosphere of prayer.

2. Final tips a. Relax.

The pray over session, and your decision to follow the Lord, are very important, but don't let this make you anxious. Relax and be at peace, this will make it easier for you to open up to the Lord. b. Do not expect a particular experience.

Expecng one parcular type of experience might keep you from recognizing God's work in you. God knows you more than you know yourself. He knows exactly how He should touch you. c.

Don't analyze the sounds you make. In speaking or praying in tongues, just focus on the Lord and praise Him. What comes out of your mouth and how you praise God is already up to Him.

d. Initiate.

God respects you, and will not force you to praise Him in tongues. You just have to try and iniate praying in a language you do not know, and then God will inspire you and give you the words to say. (E.g. Even if God has already inspired you to write a song, the song will never be heard unless you actually pickup a guitar, play the tune and write the words. In the same way, you can only begin praying in tongues when you iniate it.) •

Focus on God. Worship Him in your own words.

•

Once you've run out of words to worship God, utter the first syllables that come into your mind and use this for worship.

Focus on worshipping God and not the words you use to worship, then let God take control. 3. Commitment Ceremony •

a. After the explanation, the speaker asks the participants to meditate about all the sessions, especially Session 4. b. While the participants are meditating, a meditative song may be played (Lord I offer my life / God alone / Here I am Lord, Strong Arm) c.

After the song is sung, the speaker asks those who want to make a commitment to Christ to stand up. Then, the Prayer of Commitment will be recited together.

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31 COMMITMENT TO CHRIST

Leader

: Do you renounce Satan and all wrongdoing?

Parcipant

: Yes, I do.

Leader

: Do you believe that Jesus is the Son of God, that He died to free you from sins and that He rose from the dead to bring you new life?

Parcipant

: Yes, I do.

Leader

: Do you choose to follow Jesus as your Lord, to love Him, honor Him and obey Him?

Parcipant

: Yes, I will. PRAYER OF COMMITMENT (Ask parcipants to repeat aer you.)

Lord Jesus Christ, / I want to belong to you from now on. / I want to be free / from the dominion of darkness / and the r ule of Satan, / and I want to enter into your kingdom / and be part of your people. / I will turn away from all wrong doing, / and I will avoid everything / that leads me to wrongdoing. / I ask you to forgive / all the sins that I have commied / I oer my life to you, / and I promise to obey you as my Lord. d. Everyone is then asked to be seated, and wait for their turn to be prayed over. 4. Pray Over Session V. Worship Note: Worship leader must be different from the speaker.

How great our God is. Our experience in this camp is all about God loving us immensely. Now, our response is to love him back through praises and thanksgiving. This calls for a celebraon of God’s love. We are to worship him. 1. What is Worship?

Worship is being able to come into the loving, healing and mighty presence of God and being able to acknowledge that HE ALONE IS GOD – loving, healing and mighty! Worship is not about us it is all about Him. 2. How do we worship?

Come before God’s presence focusing on Him alone. We sing praises and thanksgiving to the Lord. (St. Augusne once said - “He who sings, prays twice.”) First, we uer all our praises to Him spontaneously. Then we sing songs of praise and worship to God. Aer doing these, we sing in the spirit and pray in tongues. Aerwards, we voice out our prayers to Him by following A.C.T.S. ow of prayer-Adoraon, Contrion, Thanksgiving and Supplicaon. Feel free to raise your hands, jump, sing aloud, dance pleasing and glorifying the Lord. Cite examples. (E.g. Worship is just like a concert or serenade for God.)

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32 “Let’s all praise and worship our God.” Note: The Line-up of worship songs should include three songs only - two fast and one slow. Remember that it will be the parcipants’ rst worship, it should not take long. VI. Closing Exhortation 1. Different people different experiences. •

Some may have prayed in tongues, cried or simply felt God's presence. Others may have had a very simple experience. The Holy Spirit comes to each of us differently.

•

An emotional experience is not an indication of God's Holy Spirit. Rather, focus on the fact, that you committed yourself to Jesus Christ and that is what is most important. If you did ask for His Spirit, whatever experience you had, He surely gave it to you.

2. Satan will tempt you to doubt. •

He will never cease in trying to take away the treasure you have just received today.

3. Don't expect all your problems to go away. •

Focus on the truth that you now you have God and through all your problems, He will always be there for you. Simply because He is always by your side, these problems will never overwhelm you.

4. Go easy on sharing with others what you have experienced. •

All of these things were first explained to you before they were done. Do not expect your friends to understand you right away.

•

Try to explain what you went through in a very ordinary and understandable way. Better yet, share to them what you experienced by showing the change in you, as Jesus Christ begins to dwell at the center of your life.

5. Be faithful. Do not stifle the Spirit. • •

•

Like any gift, the gift you received tonight can be lost, so you must always use it. You committed to follow the Lord, be faithful to that decision. Have a daily prayer time where you can experience and get to know God. Your prayer time is when He can slowly but surely work in your life daily. “When the Holy Spirit comes upon you, you will be filled with power and you will be witnesses for Me in Jerusa lem in all of Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth.”- Acts 1:8

-

Note: Encourage the participants to be faithful in their commitment to the Lord. God has begun a powerful work in their lives today, He will always be faithful to us, and by His Holy Spirit we can be faithful to Him.

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33 CFC YOUTH FOR FAMILY AND LIFE Youth Camp Session 5: Growing in the Spirit Goal To teach the basic tools to growth and maturity as Chrisans.

Specific Objectives At the end of the session, the parcipants should be able to: Realize that beyond receiving the power of the Holy Spirit, there is a need to grow in it. • • Appreciate each of the tools God provides for growth and start to use them.


Talk Proper Dedication Ceremony Parent-Child Dialogue

-

20 to 30 minutes 20 minutes 30 minutes


We heard and did so many good things in this Youth Camp. First, we heard how great God’s love is, and because of this love, we responded to His invitaon for us to have a personal relaonship with Him. Furthermore, we lied up all our sins and hurts to God, through the Sacrament of Reconciliaon, as these are obstacles that hinder us from receiving God’s grace. Last night, we even received His Holy Spirit. Everyone here, in one way or another, has experienced God's goodness this weekend. Now, aer all these, when we go back to our homes and schools, what is in store for us? In this session, we'd like to share with you how best to sustain our renewed relaonship with God. II. How can we grow as Sons and Daughters of God?

We know, undoubtedly now more than ever, that God's love for us is great; that His Holy Spirit is real and that He is truly within us. God is truly great and all His plans for us are really for our own good. However, when we leave this venue, what is in store for us, aer the Youth Camp? What will happen once we go back and be with our old friends and classmates? Most of them will certainly not understand what we have gone through this weekend. They might even brand us as weird, when we share to t hem our experiences in this Youth Camp. Because of these reasons, it is very important for our hearts to take on the right posture. 1. Posture of our Hearts: a. We have God's gift of salvation. (Eph 2:8)

When we leave this place, we should be convicted that what we experienced was truly a gi from God for our salvaon. The way to God through Jesus is the only way and we should resist any idea that tells us otherwise. b. We have God's Spirit. (Acts 1:8)

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34 We now have God's Spirit within us; to strengthen, protect and help us overcome all obstacles that may hinder us to grow more as men and women of God. c.

We need to grow in our Life in the Spirit. (James 1:23)

We must do our part in order for us to grow in our relaonship with God. Everything we have heard in this Youth Camp will be of no help to us, unless we start praccing it in our own personal lives. Hence, we need to invest me and eort for our spiritual growth 2. Tools for Christian Growth: The Four Spokes In YFL, we have the dierent tools needed for Chrisan spiritual growth. All of these tools are available for us and would help us nurture the graces we have received and will allow us to receive so much more. Note: You can illustrate this portion by relating the tools for Christian growth to the four spokes of a wheel. The wheel’s outer rim represents our Christian life, which draws power from the hub or center of the wheel; which in turn represents Jesus Christ. The power is transmitted through the four spokes of the wheel. If any one of the four spokes is missing, the wheel will not function properly.

a.

Prayer and Study of Scriptures

We need to spend me with God in prayer and we need to read scrip tures for us to grow in our relaonship with Him. •

Steps to take: Decide on having prayer time of at least 15 minutes a day. • Decide on a specific time of the day, and keep it sacred. • • Find a place where you will not be disturbed or distracted. • Choose a flow you are comfortable with. ACTS: Adoration, Contrition, Thanksgiving, and Supplication. • • Read the Bible readings for the day • Use daily prayer journals, devotionals and reflection guides

•

Praying the Rosary

In our Catholic faith, the intercession of Mother Mary is a very powerful tool. Devoon to Mother Mary is an essenal part of what we believe in. As Catholics, we need to pray the Rosary everyday. •

Reading Christian Books, Magazines and Websites By reading Chrisan books, magazines and websites we can draw on new insights and learn new things about God through other people’s personal experiences and reecons.

b. Fellowship

Fellowship refers to everything that YFL members do together. It is being one as brothers and sisters in Christ through fun and friendship. •

Fellowship is important to us.

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35 It is in our nature to enjoy the company of people our age. It is for this reason that teenagers have their own groups in the neighborhood, and fraternies and sorories in school. For young people like us, we feel the need to belong. Oenmes, this leads to peer pressure, which could be either posive or negave. •

YFL provides a real environment where genuine friendship can happen. Here is where we’ll meet true friends who will accept us for who we are and be loyal to us. In YFL, we can experience posive peer pressure, with friends encouraging us to live our lives according to God’s plan. YFL is a venue where building strong bonds of friendship and brotherhood are considered as important goals of its acvies like Pares, Household Meengs, Assemblies, Conferences and Mission Trips.

c.

Service Young people are endowed with a lot of gis and talents that oenmes are not ulized producvely, especially in serving God. We believe that with God as movaon, young people, like us, will be able to share their gis and talents in serving God and others. Ways we can serve: •

We serve God by the way we live. We give witness to our faith in Jesus Christ; by the way we live our lives. (James 2:1417) Be aware of opportunies to share your faith, either through words or acons, to your family, friends, neighbors, and classmates.

•

We serve God by fulfilling the responsibilities He gave us in our life; as sons and daughters, as brothers and sisters, as students, etc.

•

We serve God by making our resources and ourselves available for His work. YFL is an evangelisc and missionary community of young adults. Our mission is to bring God to other teenagers. By doing this, we develop a sense of mission. We share our me, talent and treasure to make a real eort to serve God through whatever service; as speakers, facilitators, music ministry etc.

d. Sacraments

We should be aware that another important tool that will enhance our Chrisan growth is to parcipate in the sacraments of the Church. This includes aending Mass on Sundays, having a regular Confession, and receiving Holy Communion. In addion, we will also grow in our relaonship with God if we serve acvely in our parishes as lectors, sacristans, or as part of the choir.

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36 III. Conclusion

God calls us to live a life that is pleasing to Him. He loved us rst and He even died for us. He even gave us His Holy Spirit. But more than all these things, God gives us tools for us to grow in our relaonship with Him. Now, the ball is in our hands. We're not saying that aer going through this Youth Camp, we'll be living perfect C hrisan lives. Chances are, we'll probably sll fail, but it's our decision to stand up again and that is what’s important. God died for us. Now it's me that we live for Him. IV. Activity 1. Dedication Ceremony NOTE: Either the team leader, or the speaker may conduct the Dedication Ceremony. This segment is done im mediately after the ‘Growing in the Spirit’ session is given.

-

As we end our camp today and as we leave this place our prayer is that we will be convicted to live a good Chrisan lifestyle. Yet I believe that we can never be able to do it alone because: a. Christian Life is not easy •

• •

We need an environment that will support us (Mt 13:4-9). Just like the seeds in the Parable of the Sower, CFC YFL provides fertile soil that we can grow in and where we can develop further as God’s sons and daughters. YFL will provide that environment The service team is proof that YFL provides such an environment.

b. Christian Life is Purpose Driven •

We need a community with a purpose! Christians endure many persecutions and go the extra mile in bringing people closer to God simply because they are driven by these purposes: Worship, Fellowship, Discipleship, Ministry and Evangelism.

•

CFC Youth for Family and Life is driven by the same purposes but translated into H – Honoring God (Worship); praising and giving glory to God. E – Empower (Discipleship); teaching others of God’s ways. A – Act (Ministry); using one’s talents and abilies to serve God and others. R – Relate (Fellowship); being one with family, brothers and sisters and the Church. T – Tesfy (Evangelism); making God’s love known to all.

The Purpose Statement of YFL CFC Youth for Family and Life exists to provide an environment for the youth to Honor God through a life of holiness, to Empower them to Act in humble service, to encourage them to Relate in joy with their family, community and the Church and to Testify God’s love. Simply put, we exist to have the H.E.A.R.T. c. Christian Life is a Commitment

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37 • • •

•

Read to the participants the YFL C ovenant. Explain briefly to the participants what the YFL Covenant is all about. Ask the participants to reflect upon this covenant and if they want to make it their covenant as well ask them to stand up as a sign of commitment to the CFC YFL Covenant Pray over the participants and in a prayerful mood ask them to write one concrete action they will do to live out their covenant.

d. Some participants may be discouraged to join YFL upon hearing the YFL Covenant. • •

Make it clear to them that the YFL Covenant is simply a goal we all strive for. Accepting the YFL Covenant simply means that we will support one another in striving for this goal.

CFC Youth for Family and Life Covenant 1. I shall live as a follower of Christ. • •

Pray and read the Bible daily. Strive for holiness and Christian perfection.

2. I dedicate myself to the task of building a strong family for Christ. • •

Invest myself in time and effort for home and family. Live out and defend the culture of life.

3. I shall be a committed and active member of CFC Youth for Family and Life. • • • •

Faithfully attend meetings and participate in official activities. Give generously of my time and finances for the furtherance of our mission. Undergo all formation courses and participate in community events. Relate in love, loyalty and respect with all members of the CFC family.

4. I shall be a witness to the world of God’s love. • • •

Actively evangelize and do mission. Love and serve my parish. Love and care for the poor.

2. Dialogue With Parents a. After the Dedication Ceremony, the team leader distributes the letter from the parents to the participants. b. The couple coordinator meanwhile welcomes and entertains the parents of the participants. c.

The team leader presents the participants to their parents and asks them to spend half an hour together. i.

Ask them to begin the dialogue by giving / reading to each other the letters that they had prepared for one another.

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38 ii. Ask them to return for the Holy Mass. 3. Parent And Child Prayer a. After the Dialogue with Parents, the team leader explains the following to the parents of t he participants:

Your children have just made their commitment to live a Chrisan Life. In order to eecvely support them in this, we must seek to remove all those hindrances that keep you apart; hindrances such as hurts and resentments at home. b. Then the team leader asks the parents to go to their children and pray over them using this prayer, which the speaker will read. (You may ask the parents to first say their own prayers for their children and then recite the prayer below. The YFL couple coordinators should lead the prayer.)

PRAYER FOR CHILDREN God has given you to me,/ (name of child) / as a gi/ to love and to guide./ I wish all good things for you./ Forgive me for any hurts that I may have given you./ As I forgive you/ of the hurts you may have given me./ I now call upon you God's blessings./ May the Lord bless you and keep you./ May the Lord make His face shine upon you/ and be gracious unto you./ May the Lord li up His countenance upon you/ and give you peace. Amen. •

The children will now pray over their parents. The team leader explains the following to the participants. The people who love you the most are your parents. In loving you, they may have commied mistakes along the way, even if they did not mean to. Quite oen, these mistakes are the source of our resentments. Now, we will ask God to heal all these hurts between you and your parents.

•

Then the team leader asks the participants to pray over their parents using the prayer below. This time the team leader should lead the prayer.

PRAYER FOR PARENTS God has given you to me,/ (Papa and Mama or Dad and Mom) / as my guides in His place/ here on earth./ I know that you love me / and in your love / you may have commied mistakes / that hurt me. / I forgive you for these./ I want you to know/ that I love you/ and ask for forgiveness/ for all the hurts/ I have given you./ May God bless you in everything you do./ This I pray / in the name of Jesus Christ/ my Lord and Savior./ Amen. Note: Have an appropriate song played at this time.

4. Welcome Ceremony a. The service team welcomes the participants to the YFL family by going around and greeting all the participants. b. Encourage the participants to share their experiences in the Youth Camp. c.

The team leader explains the following to the participants: 5.

What’s next?

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39 The Youth Camp is not an end but just the beginning of our personal walk with the Lord. As we connue to nurture our new found relaonship with God, YFL will support us: a. Through our committed relationships. We have a responsibility to encourage and support one another. Thus, we make a commitment to grow together as Chrisan brothers and sisters. Note: The proper YFL Greeting is now introduced to the Participants

b. Through Households.

All YFL members belong to smaller and more inmate groups that we call ‘Households’. These Households regu larly meet. At the end of this Youth Camp, you will be assigned to a Household. Note: The Team Leader explains the purpose of Households.

c.

Through our teachings and formation.

d. Through our activities in community.

Acvies like, regular household meengs, monthly assemblies, pares, Lord's Day celebraons, family days, WYC, concerts etc.

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40

Chapter 3:

Appendices

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41 PARTICIPANTS ORIENTATION TALK OUTLINE: Note: This talks should be given by the Team Leader of the area conducting the camp.

I. Welcome the Participants 1. Make the atmosphere light and joyful.

Give jokes as an icebreaker. 2. Make it your goal to help everyone build friendships by the end of the Youth Camp. You may ask the participants to mingle for a minute or two for them to get to know one another. 3. Welcoming Remarks: a. Introduce yourself as the Youth Camp team leader. b. Introduce all the service team and couple coordinators. c. Explanation: What are they getting into? What is YFL? What is a Youth Camp?

II. Expectations 1. What the participant may expect in the Youth Camp a. Meet new friends. b. Have fun. c. Know more about God and grow closer to Him. d. Give a general picture of what the Youth Camp will be like Note:A lot of people have different expectations about this Youth Camp. Some expect to cry or have an emo tional experience while some may have no expectations at all. Others may expect to come to great revelations or may expect to be helped in making big decisions. Although, these may happen, these are not the goals that we are aiming for. Rather, if they come out of this Camp being able to say that they know God a little bit more, that they are closer to Him even more Tthen, we have reached the goal of the Youth Camp. -

2. Attitudes to take during the Youth Camp: a. God brought you here.

Whatever reasons you have for being here, it was God who brought you here. He wants to do something in your life during the Youth Camp. b. Make the most out of the Youth Camp.

How much you give of yourselves in this Youth Camp is how much you will receive. c.

Participate, don’t anticipate. Don't keep thinking of what might happen next. But rather, parcipate in the present acvity. Pray, when it's me to pray. Sing, when it's me to sing. Rest, when it's me to rest.

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42 d. Don't analyze or criticize. Be open to new t hings. e. Expect God to work.

If we truly desire Him and seek Him, we shall nd Him. This is God's promise.

III. What They Should Know Note:At this point, the team leader may pass on the microphone to the brother camp servant, as one who is being trained for leadership, for the following information.

1. Give the Youth Camp house rules and other related important information such as the t ime of wake-up call, off limits areas etc. 2. Whom to approach, if the participants need anything. a. Practicalities (e.g. bed sheets, phones, toothpaste) b. Emergencies (First Aid) 3. Reminder to always bring a pen, paper/notebook, and a Bible with them during the sessions.

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43 PARENTS ORIENTATION TALK OUTLINE: Note: This talks should be given by the Couple Coordinator of the area conducting the camp.

I. Welcome the Parents of the Participants 1. Make the atmosphere light and joyful. Give jokes as an icebreaker. 2. Make it your goal to help everyone feel comfortable with leaving their children at the Youth Camp. You may mingle for a minute or two with the parents for them to get to know you better. 3. Welcoming Remarks: a. Introduce yourself as the Youth Camp Couple Coordinator. b. Introduce all the CFC support team and other couple coordinators in the camp. c. Explain what are their children getting into? What is YFL? W hat is a Youth Camp? •

CFC YFL stands for CFC Youth for Family and Life, it is the youth ministry of Couples for Christ Foundation for Family and Life (CFC-FFL) for ALL young people from 13-21 years old.

•

The Youth Camp is a three days and two nights retreat where young people can hear and experience God through various talks, prayers and fun activities.

•

II. Expectations 1. What the parents may expect their children to experience in the Youth Camp a. Meet new friends. b. Have fun. c. Know more about God and grow closer to Him. 2. General Overview of the Youth Camp Run through the program of acvies / schedule of the camp and give them an overview of all the talks and acvies in the Youth Camp 3. Our Posture for this Youth Camp should be: a. God brought you and your children here. Whatever reasons you or your children may have for being here, it was God who brought you here. He wants to do something in your children and with your family life during this Youth Camp. b. Trust Don't worry of what might happen to your children in the camp. We ask you to trust us with the care of your children and we a sure you that they are in good hands for the next few days with us. This Youth Camp is also a good opportunity for us to show our children that we trust them by not connuously keeping an eye on them. c. Expect God to work. If we truly desire Him and seek Him, we shall nd Him. This is God's promise to everyone of us here, it is also God’s promise to you and to your children. I believe that through this camp God is doing something great in your family life!

III. What They Should Know 1.

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For the success of this youth camp, we ask you not to visit your children until the last day


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44 of the camp. This will help your children to reflect more about their life and their relationships with you and their siblings. Hence, the next three days I will be standing as the second parent of all participants in the camp. I will stay in this venue together with your children for the whole duration of the camp. In case you need to communicate or visit your children please don’t hesitate to contact me. (Please give your contact details to them) 2. Give the Youth Camp house rules that their children will need to follow inside the camp (ex. No smoking and drinking) and other related important information such as the time of wake-up call, off limits areas etc. 3. In the last session / talk of the youth camp (most likely to be a Sunday) we ask you to please be here at 10:00 am with a love letter for your children. Your presence and your letters are very important part of the session. 4. End the orientation by thanking the parents for giving you the opportunity to bring the youth closer to God

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45 PARENTS FORUM TALK OUTLINE: Note: This talk should be given by the Couple Coordinator of the area conducting the camp. This is a 20-30 min forum given to all of the parents before the parent and child pray over and dialogue. This talk is given simulta neously with the participants talk 5: Growing in the Spirit -

I. Welcome all the Parents 1. Make the atmosphere light and joyful. Give jokes as an icebreaker. You may mingle for a minute or two with the parents for them to get to know you better. 2. Honor the parents for allowing their children to attend the youth camp and for giving their time in this very important last day of the youth camp. Thank also the parents for trusting you with t heir children during the duration of the Camp

II. Welcoming Remarks Introduce yourself as the Youth Camp Couple Coordinator and all the CFC support team and other couple coordinators in the camp. Again explain briey what is YFL and what is a Youth Camp? Considering some of the parents might not have aended the parents orientaon at the start of the youth camp. •

•

CFC YFL stands for CFC Youth for Family and Life; it is the youth ministry of Couples for Christ Foundation for Family and Life (CFC-FFL) for ALL young people from 13-21 years old. The Youth Camp is a three days and two nights retreat where young people can hear and experience God through various talks, prayers and fun activities. This is the entry point for a youth to be a member of CFC Youth for Family and life.

1. Explain what happened to their children during the youth camp. They had just finished listening to 5 Sessions namely: God’s Love and His plans for us; Who is Jesus Christ to me; • Repentance, faith, forgiveness and healing; Receiving the power of the Holy Spirit and Growing in the Holy Spirit. • They were thought basics of prayer and worship. They met new friends both participants and service team. • Some of them have shared their talents such as singing, dancing and playing musical instruments. • • They had the sacrament of confession. Note: A YFL Service Team member could give a 3-5min sharing about the current Youth Camp Experience with the participants. It should highlight what the participants have been up to inside the camp. The YFL Service Team member should also share his or her personal youth camp experience and how God change him or her for the better through the CFC YFL Community.

2. Explain what will happened after the youth camp The Youth Camp is not an end but just the beginning of our personal walk with the Lord. As we connue to help your children nurture their new found relaonship with God, we would like to ask for your support in achieving this by allowing your children to: a. Attend Their Households. All YFL members belong to smaller and more inmate groups that we call “Households”. These Households regularly meet. At the end of this Youth Camp, your children will be assigned to a Household. b. Attend Their Assemblies All YFL members aends a monthly chapter assembly that give teachings to your children in living out their re newed convicon and love for God

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46 c.

Attend Activities By allowing them to aend ocial CFC YFL Acvies your children can sustain and develop the friendships that they established during the Youth Camp. They will also be given opportunies to develop their talents and create a desire in them to use such gis in serving the Lord. They will also be lead back to the Church because our acvies allow them to serve in their respecve parishes.

Hopefully, the posive experience of the Youth Camp will remain a special memory that your children may look back to and draw strength from throughout their lives. 3. Important reminders a. It is important for all the parents to understand that the renewal process of their children doesn’t end in the youth camp but a life-long process. b. That they are still the prime mover in their children’s spiritual renewal and so we encourage them to be a source of encouragement to your children in this process of renewal. c. Support them in being an active member of CFC Youth for family and life. 4. Invite the parents who are non community members to join Couples for Christ Foundation for family and life. Announce the important details regarding the upcoming local Christian Life Seminar. (CLS) Note: Make sure that the local CFC FFL will have all the contact details of all the non-CFC FFL Members for evangelization purposes. 5. Explain the process of parent and child pray over and dialogue a. After our forum the team leader will give the go signal for all the parents to their child. b. The couple coordinator will be leading all the parents to pray over their child. c. The youth team leader will be leading all the participants to pray over their parents. d. The parent and child will be given 30min. to have their dialogue at any comfortable place inside or outside the session hall. They could start the conversation by reading each other ’s love letters. e. Everyone is expected to go back at the session hall for the next activity.

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YOUTH CAMP MANUAL

47 CFC YOUTH FOR FAMILY AND LIFE SAMPLE YOUTH CAMP INVITATION LETTER FOR PARENTS September 25, 2008 Dear Mr. and Mrs. Valencia,

Christ's Peace be with you! Your child has been invited to a Youth Camp scheduled on October 14 to 16, 2008 to be held at Alpadi Renewal Center, Alpadi Estate, Anpolo, Rizal. The Youth Camp serves as the entry point to CFC Youth for Family and Life (YFL), the youth ministry of Couples for Christ Foundaon for Family and Life (CFC FFL). It is an experience, which will aord your child the opportunity to know Jesus Christ in a personal way and build lasng Chrisan friendships with other young adults, through a program consisng of talks and sharings as well as fun-lled acvies which ulize their talents and skills. The success of this program largely depends on your involvement, especially aer the Youth Camp. In this regard, we would like to share with you more features of the YFL program through a Parent’s Orientaon scheduled on Saturday, Oc tober 8, 2008, 6 pm to 7 pm to be held at the San Antonio de Padua Parish Hall. The camp fee of Php 650.00 will cover complete board and lodging and Youth Camp materials. Please let us know if there are any nancial constraints, so we can make arrangements for your child ahead of me. Registraon for the Youth Camp will be from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. of the rst day. Your children are enjoined to bring clothing provisions good for two nights and two days. Also, if so desired, your children may bring addional snacks. Kindly accomplish the aached reply form and informaon sheet so that we include your child in the list of parcipants. We are looking forward to seeing you and your child at the Youth Camp. Thank you and God bless! Yours in the service of Christ, Bert and Linda Ramos Couple Coordinators San Antonio de Padua Parish CFC Youth for Family and Life Noted By: Jess Faustino San Antonio de Padua Parish Chapter Head Couples For Christ Foundaon for Family and Life

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48 SAMPLE YOUTH CAMP REPLY SHEET A. FOR CHILD PARTICIPATION IN THE YOUTH CAMP (Please check one)

I/We grant permission for our child(ren) to aend Name of child(ren) ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________

Age __________ __________ __________

I/We regret that our young adults cannot aend for t he following reasons: __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ B. FOR PARENTS ORIENTATION (Please check one)

Mother and Father will attend Father only will attend Mother only will attend Guardian will attend

__________________________________ FATHER'S SIGNATURE (over printed name)

__________________________________ MOTHER'S SIGNATURE (over printed name)

________________________________ GUARDIAN’S SIGNATURE (Sign over printed name. State relaonship to parcipant) Address: __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ Tel. # : ________________________________________

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49 CFC YOUTH FOR FAMILY AND LIFE SAMPLE YOUTH CAMP INVITATION LETTER FOR PRIESTS September 25, 2008 The Reverend Father Arturo E. Santos Parish Priest San Antonio de Padua Parish Dear Father Art, Greengs of Joy! On October 14 to 16, 2008, the San Antonio de Padua Parish chapter of CFC Youth for Family and Life (YFL) will hold a Youth Camp at Alpadi Renewal Center, Alpadi Estate, Anpolo, Rizal. The Youth Camp serves as the entry point to YFL, the youth ministry of Couples for Christ Foundaon for Family and Life (CFC FFL). It is an experience, which will aord young adults the opportunity to know Jesus Christ in a personal way and build lasng Chrisan friendships with other young adults through a program, consisng of talks and sharings as well as fun-lled acvies which ulize their talents and skills. It would be a great honour if you could join us and be part of this special occasion, from April 14-16, 2008 (please see the aached program schedule), and in parcular, administer the Sacrament of Reconciliaon to the parcipants on the 2nd day of the Youth Camp, October 15, 2008 from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm and ociate the Holy Eucharist for us on the 3rd day of the Youth Camp, October 16, 2008 at 11:00 am. We are looking forward to seeing you at the Youth Camp. Thank you and God bless!

Yours in the service of Christ,

Bert and Linda Ramos Couple Coordinators San Antonio de Padua Parish CFC Youth for Family and Life

Noted By: Jess Faustino Chapter Head San Antonio de Padua Parish Couples for Christ Foundaon for Family and Life

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50 GENERAL SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES DAY 1 PM 5:00 - 5:30 5:30 - 6:30 6:30 - 6:45 6:45 - 7:00

7:00 - 8:00 8:00 - 8:30 8:30 - 8:35 8:35 - 8:45 8:45 - 10:00 10:00 - 10:30 10:30 - 10:35 10:35 - 11:00 11:00

: : : : : : : : : : : : : :

Service team meeng Arrival / registraon Gathering / Teaching of songs Orientaon of parcipants (by team leader) Orientaon of parents (by couple coordinators) Dinner Gathering of parcipants / Teaching of songs Opening prayer Energizer / Games Session 1: GOD’S LOVE AND HIS PLAN FOR US Discussion groups Announcements / Closing song (if desired) Informal fellowship Lights out

: : : : : : : : : : :

Wake up call Breakfast Common prayer me (include reecon) Gathering parcipants / Opening song and prayer Session 2: WHO IS JESUS CHRIST TO ME? Discussion groups Break Gathering of parcipants/ Opening song and short prayer Session 3: REPENTANCE, FAITH, FORGIVENESS AND HEALING Acvity and Confession Lunch

DAY 2 AM 6:00 - 6:30 6:30 - 7:30 7:30 - 8:00 8:00 - 8:15 8:15 - 9:30 9:30 - 10:00 10:00 - 10:30 10:30 - 10:45 10:45 - 11:25 11:25 - 12:00 12:00 - 1:00

PM 1:00 - 5:30 : 5:30 - 6:30 : 6:30 - 7:30 : 7:30 - 8:00 : 8:00 - 8:45 : 8:45 - 9:00 : 9:00 - 10:00 : 10:00 - 10:15 : 10:15 - 10:30 : 10:30 - 11:00 : 11:00 - 12:00 12:00

One to ones / Leer wring to parents / Rest Service team meeng with worship Dinner Gathering of parcipants / Opening prayer Session 4: RECEIVING GOD'S GIFT: THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT Commitment to Christ ceremony Pray-over session Group worship Closing exhortaon Preparaon for Entertainment night : Entertainment night : Informal fellowship

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51 Note: The participants may stay up, although they should respect those who want to sleep. Silence should be maintained.

DAY 3 AM 7:00 - 8:00 8:00 - 9:00 9:00 - 9:15 9:15 - 9:30 9:30 - 10:10 10:10 - 10:40 10:40 - 10:50 10:50 - 10:55 10:55 - 11:00 11:00 - 12:00 12:00 - 1:00

: : : : : : : : : : :

Breakfast Common prayer me / Leer to parents wring acvity Gathering / Teach of songs Worship Session 5: GROWING IN THE SPIRIT Dialogue with parents Sharing of parcipants Final song Preparaon for Holy Mass Holy Mass Lunch (if available)

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52 CFC YOUTH FOR FAMILY AND LIFE INFORMATION SHEET District / Cluster / Chapter: Youth Camp Date: Name: _____________________________________________________ Nickname: ______________________________ (Surname)

(Given name)

(m.i)

Address: _________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________ Telephone#: ___________________ Birthday: _______________________ School / Grade or Year level / Course: ___________________________________________________________________ Other Seminars / Retreats Aended: (extracurricular, religious, etc.) __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ Membership in School and Parish Organizaons: ORGANIZATION ________________________________________ ________________________________________ ________________________________________

POSITION / Nature of Service ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________

Special Skills (ex. playing musical instruments, dancing, singing, etc.): __________________________________ ________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ Name of Father: _____________________________________________ Occupaon: _____________________________ Name of Mother: _____________________________________________ Occupaon: ____________________________ Organizaons of parents: (If members of CFC FFL; please indicate Parish / District). Father: ____________________________________________________________________________________________ Mother: ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Indicate illness that will require special aenon : __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ Persons to nofy in case of emergency Name __________________________________________ __________________________________________

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Relaonship ________________________ ________________________

Phone __________________________ __________________________


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53 CFC YOUTH FOR FAMILY AND LIFE YOUTH CAMP CHECKLIST District / Cluster / Chapter: _______________________________________ Youth Camp Date: ______________________________________________ A. VENUE: _________________________________________________________ Tel.#____________________________

Address: (Include map if needed): __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ Camp Fee: ____________________________________________________ Number of Parcipants: __________________________________________ Food Provisions: _______________________________________________ Contact Person: ____________________ Tel.#_______________________ B. MATERIALS

Songbooks and Song sheets Whiteboard w/ marker or Blackboard w/ chalk Registration materials Information Sheets Official Receipt and Cash Box Pentel Pens, Ballpens, Paper Manila Envelopes Tape Scissors Stapler ID’s for Participants First Aid and medicine Bell Emergency Lights

Sound System Microphone CD/MP3 Player Youth Camp Manual Holy Bible Crucifix Candles Camera Youth Camp Completion Report Prayer Journals and Devotionals Guitar/s Others: ___________________________________ ___________________________________

C. SERVICE TEAM

Team Leaders : __________________________________________________ Camp Servants: ___________________________________________________ Couple Coordinator(s): _____________________________________________ Speakers: Session 1: ______________________________________ Session 2: ______________________________________ Session 3: ______________________________________ Session 4: ______________________________________ Session 5: _____________________________________

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Sharers: _____________________________________ _____________________________________


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54 Registraon Table Brothers _________________________________________ ________________________________________

Sisters _________________________________________ _________________________________________

Facilitators: (rao to parcipants is 1:5) Boys: ___________________________ ___________________________ ___________________________ ___________________________ ___________________________ ___________________________ ___________________________ ___________________________ ___________________________

Age: ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____

Girls: ___________________________ ___________________________ ___________________________ ___________________________ ___________________________ ___________________________ ___________________________ ___________________________ ___________________________

Age: ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____

Music Ministry: # of Guitars: ___________

Singers: _________________________________________________________________

Guitarist(s): ______________________________________________________ Keyboards: ______________________________________________________ Other Instruments: ________________________________________________ Confession: Priest(s):________________________________________________________ Who will pick up the Priest?: ________________________________________ Address:___________________________________________________________________________________________ Phone # :______________________ Holy Mass: Priest(s):_________________________________________________________ Who will pick up the Priest?: _________________________________________ Address: ________________________________________________________ _______________ Phone #: ___________ ______________________________ Commentator: _______________________________________ Oerers: _____________________________________________ 1st Reading: __________________________________________ 2nd Reading: __________________________________________ Collecon Basket (2): _______________________________

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55 D. OTHERS

Nearest Doctor: __________________________________________ Phone #: ________________________________________________ Address: ________________________________________________ Nurse in Camp: __________________________________________ Phone #: ________________________________________________ Program / Entertainment Night: Emcee(s):_____________________________________ Bonre set-up: Person in Charge: ____________________________________________ firewood food matches E. FOR MISSION TRIPS ONLY

Departure: ___________________________________________________________ Cost: _________________________ Desnaon: ______________________________________________________________ Time: _____________________ Departure date: _____________________________________________________________________________________ Terminal: __________________________________________________________________________________________ Meeng place and me: ______________________________________________________________________________ Arrival to desnaon Date: _____________________________________________________________________ Time: ___________________ Terminal: __________________________________________________________________________________________ Receiving / welcoming commiee: Address & Tel.# _____________________________________________________________________________________ Inerary Day 1: Day 2: Day 3: Day 4: Day 5: Day 6: Day 7: Day 8: Day 9:

__________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________

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56 CFC YOUTH FOR FAMILY AND LIFE SAMPLE YOUTH CAMP COMPLETION REPORT District / Cluster / Chapter: __________________________________________ Youth Camp Dat e: ________________________________________________ Youth Camp Registraon Fee: _______________________________________ Youth Camp Team Leader: _________________________________________ Youth Camp Assistant Team Leader: _________________________________ Youth Camp Venue: _______________________________________________ Address: ________________________________________________________ Telephone Number: _______________________________________________ Contact Person: ___________________________________________________ Total Number of Parcipants: ________________________________________ Total Number of Brothers: __________________________________________ Total Number of Sisters: ____________________________________________ Total Number of Service Team: ______________________________________ Total Number of Brothers: __________________________________________ Total Number of Sisters: ___________________________________________

Accomplished by:

_____________________________________________ CFC YFL Couple Coordinator San Antonio de Padua Parish Chapter

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CFC YFL Youth Camp Manual

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