Argao Youth Group Launches Camp

Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc.-Kool Adventure Camp (RAFI-KAC) alumni from the Alliance of Argawanon Young Leaders (AAYL) organized the first Balisong Sangguniang Kabataan Youth Camp at Casay-Balisong Elementary School in Balisong, Argao on August 24-25, 2013.

With the theme, “Being a Light to the Community”, the camp was participated by 51 youth from different sitios of Balisong, namely, Dalas-ag, little Pasil, Upper Balisong, Tagaytay, Campo, and Kanlikun.

The program aimed to establish unity among the youth participants, develop leadership skills, and create a safe, fun and empowering venue where they can become better members of their community.

“This is again an opportunity for the youth to be awakened and to trust their capacity to serve the community,” Charlone Cambalon, AAYL youth convener, said.

The participants underwent some lecture, workshop, and collaborative games facilitated by AAYL youth volunteers.

“Though how ordinary a certain youth is, he can still be a light to the community. Because of the youth camp, we are united. This activity gives us inspiration to collaborate, reach out, and give back to our community,” participant Crystal Jane Rotollos shared.

The program was in collaboration with the Sangguniang Kabataan of Brgy. Balisong, Ayala Young Leaders Alumni Association-Cebu Chapter (AYLAA Bai), Play for Peace Cebu, and Facilitator’s Circle.

“I am more inspired by the participants’ eagerness to learn and AAYL volunteers’ passion to serve. I am excited for more collaborative programs with AAYL,” Alan Angelo Llevares, Chapter head of AYLAA Bai, said.

Brgy. Balisong SK Chairman Bobet Cuandot believes that “with the right opportunities and guidance like the Balisong SK Youth Camp”, young people can be instruments of positive change in their community.

AAYL is a coalition of young leaders from different youth organizations in Argao aiming to bring out the best of the Argawanon youth. Its battle cry is “All for Argao, All for God”. AAYL has been conducting leadership youth camps for almost three years now.

Last May 27-29 youth leaders from AAYL, Chiro Youth Movement, and Argao Youth for Heritage Society (AYHS) underwent a leadership training with RAFI-KAC in Balamban, Cebu.

KAC has been offering adventure education programs for leadership and team development for youth and professionals for the last decade. KAC’s Leadership Adventure Program launched its pilot run in the Philippines’ first fully dedicated adventure education center last May 2013.

For more information on KAC and its services, contact 260-9000 local 1001 and look for Althea Santillan, or visit www.rafi.org.ph/kac-professional or www.facebook.com/kooladventurecamp, or follow @rafiorgph on Twitter.