Twenty-four young people aged 17-20 took part in the camp held at the Catholic Archdiocesan Youth Centre from March 30-April 1.
Most of them were about to start their studies, while a few were second- and third-year students.
Julian Stewart, about to enter Singapore Polytechnic, said the camp activities helped him draw closer to God and that he intends to join the Catholic ministry in his school.
He also made new friends, which helped prepare him for polytechnic life, he said.
Trudie Teo, who will be entering her third year at Nanyang Polytechnic, said that while she had not yet participated in her school’s Catholic society activities, she hopes to do so when term begins.
She said the camp taught her the importance of community life.
During the camp, participants took part in a game in which they had to find a cross while blindfolded, symbolising their search for Christ. The blindfold was to represent the times when they were too distracted to experience Him.
Participants also washed each other’s feet as a gesture of servanthood and commitment to serving one another within the community.
According to Francis Xavier, one of the camp’s organisers, student life can be stressful and sometimes students neglect their relationship with God.
The annual programme aims to encourage new and existing students to join the Catholic groups in the various campuses, he said. It is also a time for meeting and bonding with other Catholics from other institutions, he added.
School term begins around mid April.
The camp, now in its fifth year, was organised with help from Living Stones Campus Outreach, a ministry to students in educational institutions.
By Darren Boon
darren.boon@catholic.org.sg
