CYC 2026 Update
CYC Philippines 2026 Report
By Andrei Siopan, Camp Director
CYC Philippines 2026 brought together 33 staff volunteers and 20 campers from across the Philippines for exciting activities and fellowship in Baguio City. After three consecutive years of holding camp in Tanay, Rizal, CYC Philippines moved this year to the Summer Capital of the Philippines, Baguio City, also known as the City of Pines. Situated in the mountains, Baguio provided a cool and refreshing environment that greatly enhanced the overall camp experience.
Each day began and ended with biblical discussions centered on this year’s theme: “Build on the Right Foundation.” Throughout the week, campers were reminded of the importance of building their lives on God, His Word and His way of life.
The camp activities included archery, riflery, ballroom dance, in-line and roller skating, confidence course, etiquette and formal dining, and trekking. Various workshops were also provided to help spark and develop the campers’ interests and talents. These included songleading training for the boys’ dorm, flower arrangement for the girls’ dorm, basic photography, cyanotype art printing, baking, fuzzy wire making, public speaking, calligraphy and basic writing. Each activity and workshop began with a short discussion connecting the lesson or skill to the camp theme and showing how the principle of building on the right foundation applies in practical life.
On Friday evening, the Church elders held a Q&A session using questions submitted by the campers. The questions showed the campers’ interest in God’s Word and their desire to have deeper spiritual understanding. Some of the questions included: Who was the first person who became a Sabbath keeper? What is the third heaven, and how many heavens are there? What does Proverbs 1:8-9 mean when it speaks of an “ornament of grace” and “chains about your neck”? What is the purpose of angels in the Millennium? What is the best Bible book to start reading? Why did God allow slavery in the Bible? And, as a young man, what book should I read to gain more wisdom and guidance for the right path? There were many thoughtful questions, and due to time limitations, not all could be answered.
On Sabbath morning, a Bible Bowl was held between the two dorms, with the boys’ dorm winning the friendly match. In the afternoon, Sabbath services were held. Camper Prince Jurrey Ocaña, who was selected from the songleading workshop, conducted the songs.
The beautiful floral arrangements were prepared by the girls’ dorm through the flower arrangement workshop. The sermonette was given by boys’ head counselor Gideon Agayo, and the main message was delivered by our senior pastor, Mr. David Baker. The camp choir, composed of all campers and a few junior staff, presented two special music pieces: “Prayer” and “God of Israel” both written and composed by Richard Kmodras.
Saturday evening was the awards and dance night. This year, Roger We of Manila and Jenny Tolosa of Tacloban were recognized as Campers of the Year. After the awards ceremony, the campers enjoyed an evening of dancing, putting into practice the skills they had learned during the ballroom dance activity.
We extend our immense thanks to all our staff volunteers for their dedicated labor of love. Truly, we are fellow workers with God in helping our young people build on the right foundation. We are also deeply thankful to the Church leadership for their continued support of this vital youth program in the Philippines, which assists parents in teaching our children that God’s way of life works best and brings blessings both in this life and in God’s coming Kingdom.
Above all, we give thanks to our great and eternal God, who made all things possible for us during this year’s camp.
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CYC 2025 Update
Posted on September 19, 2025
CYC 2025 Director’s Report
We thank God our Father for another successful year of Camp, held for the third consecutive year at Pili Paninap, Rizal in the summer of 2025. This year, we had 18 campers and 29 staff members who came together for an uplifting and rewarding experience. God truly blessed our time with good weather, meaningful fellowship, and opportunities to grow in character and service. We are also deeply thankful for the generosity of Church Headquarters in providing the funds that made this camp possible.
Christian Living Classes
Each day began with Christian Living Classes, setting the spiritual tone of camp with subjects tied to this year’s theme: “Seek First the Kingdom of God.” The classes emphasized how God must be the center of our lives—not just a part of it—while also addressing the trials, distractions, and worldly pulls that challenge young Christians. One of the subjects, Biblical Masculinity and Modesty, was given by Bernardo and Jill Castillon. The topic was well received and sparked meaningful discussions among the campers, encouraging them to think deeply about how to apply God’s way of life as young men and women in today’s world.
Activities and Confidence Course
Campers enjoyed a wide range of activities—archery, first aid training, dining etiquette, dance workshop, a river trek, and many more. Each instructor tied their lessons to our theme, reinforcing spiritual applications.
The Confidence Course was once again a highlight, testing both strength and perseverance. Rope challenges included a rope climb, building and crossing a monkey bridge, and a “laser” course made of ropes—much like the spy movies where agents avoid triggering sensors. Another favorite was the Unity Walk, where campers had their feet bound together with toilet paper and had to move in unison. If the tissue broke, they had to start over again. As simple as it was, the activity brought out laughter, teamwork, and joy—and became one of the most memorable parts of camp.
The final challenge was the uphill slippery mud tunnel, which was both difficult and fun. It reminded campers of the trials and hardships we face in life, and the perseverance needed to overcome them. That evening, though tired, the campers enjoyed a hearty meal and roasted s’mores by the bonfire.
Workshops
This year’s workshops were both practical and engaging:
- Baking
- Classical Guitar
- Crocheting
- Painting
- Photography
- Public Speaking
- Basic Writing
These classes allowed campers to explore their interests, nurture creativity, sharpen skills, and gain confidence in themselves.
Sabbath Services
On Sabbath morning, the camp enjoyed a lively Bible Quiz hosted by Elbert Gargar, elder from Mindanao. The quiz tested knowledge of Scripture in a fun and interactive way. The girls’ dorm emerged as champions and later faced off in a friendly exhibition game against the elders. Laughter and good cheer filled the room—and of course, the elders won!
During services, the campers presented a special music, singing Hymn 142: “Seek Ye First the Kingdom” in acappella.
The sermonette was given by Jethro Puzon, boys’ dorm counselor, focusing on setting the right priorities. The main sermon was delivered by Beltran Sison, reminding us of the vital role of parents in the lives of our campers.
Awards Night
Awards Night was a fitting close to camp, recognizing growth and achievement. The Camper of the Year award was given to Mharx Nevin Malbog for the boys and Anika Kim Buizon for the girls. Both stood out for their character, participation, and positive example throughout the camp.
We all enjoyed a special chicken inasal (barbecue) dinner, and the campers had the chance to showcase what they learned in the ballroom dance workshop. It was incredible to see them dance in coordinated steps using the moves they had practiced—not a memorized routine, but real skill and confidence.
Conclusion
CYC 2025 was another testimony of how God is working in the lives of His young people. The camp provided not only fun and friendship but also lasting lessons in faith, perseverance, and service. We are grateful to all the staff who dedicated their time and effort, to the parents who entrusted their children to us, and above all, to God for His blessings and guidance. With thankfulness for His provision, we look forward with excitement to what He has in store for the next camp.
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