By Michelle B. Eala
(Assumption College, Basic Ed – San Lorenzo) 

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Last November 3-6, 2011, the Assumption Young Leaders Camp was held in Assumption Sabbath Place, Crystal Cave, Baguio City.  Student leaders and TEA (Transformative Education of the Assumption) scholars from different Assumption schools in the Philippine-Thailand province attended this momentous occasion. 

Organized by the Youth and Vocation Ministry of the Religious of the Assumption headed by Sr. Estela Marie Roceles, R.A., and the Camp ADHOC Team headed by Sr. Elnora Perez, R.A., the camp was centered on the theme, “I See You, I LEAD. Love. Empower. Act. Dream.” The camp aimed to provide the delegates with the opportunity to strengthen their relationship with God, self and others, hone their leadership skills and create a community of Assumption youth. 
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Each day, the delegates listened to talks given by former Assumption students who have succeeded tremendously in their respective fields. Ms. Sarah Jane Corpuz, a Management graduate from Assumption College and now a project development specialist for DMCI Homes, shared her story about growing up in Payatas and rising above poverty in order to achieve her dreams. Another speaker was Mr. Lito Tayag, a former scholar in Assumpta Technical High School, imparted valuable lessons on leadership throughout his journey to his current position of Accenture’s Country Managing Director. Maranao warrior princess and Assumption College graduate Ms. Rohaniza Sumndad opened the eyes of the young leaders to the situation of war and violence in Mindanao and encouraged them to take action and become peace builders. Finally, Julliard-trained and former Assumption College student Mrs. Ana Valdes-Lim gave workshops on Improvisation and Leadership Presence, together with her team. Together, they taught the participants how to respond to different situations they will encounter as leaders and how theater improvisation principles can be related to leadership. 
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One of the highlights of the camp was the jamming session with Mr. Alvin Barcelona and the band Himaya. The delegates had a fun yet very insightful experience, as they sang spiritual and secular music, watched motivational videos, and listened to the inspiring life stories of Mr. Barcelona and his band members. 
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Other activities of the camp included the Avatar Race, which was patterned after the movie Avatar directed by James Cameron. During this race, the delegates were grouped and assigned to complete a series of mental and physical tasks. Each task taught life lessons based on the movie and fostered the skills of working with a team. The Avatar Exhibit and Café Pandora allowed the delegates to tour a series of displays from each school that included specific responses to current problems especially with regards to the environment. The delegates were then tasked to come up with their action plans for their respective communities.  
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The camp ended with a barrio fiesta and a program for the night. Each region gave a cultural presentation and showcased their talents to the entire delegation. After this, an awarding ceremony took place where the groups, schools, facilitators and organizers were recognized for their efforts before and during the camp. 

Through the Assumption Young Leaders Camp, Assumption stayed true to its mission of providing its students with transformative education and molding future leaders. The camp’s various talks and activities were not only thoroughly enjoyed, but they inspired the delegates to answer the call to respond and become servant leaders in their own spheres of influence. 

I SEE YOU, I LEAD! 
 


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