By Karen Chai and Thomas Chan
MIRI — Teachers and youth leaders of St Joseph Chinese Sunday School organised a three-day stay-in camp on 27-29 June 2025 at the St Francis’ Centre. It brought together 64 enthusiastic young participants aged 9 to 15 for a spiritually enriching experience filled with learning, worship, and community bonding.
By the grace of God and the power of the Holy Spirit, this year’s camp marked an improved attendance. This is a significant milestone in the post-pandemic youth engagement.
The camp opened on 27 June with warm welcomes and ice-breaking activities, setting a joyful tone for the days ahead. Accompanied by mascot Luce & friends, students participated in interactive talks exploring the themes on Pilgrims of Hope, the symbolism of the Jubilee Year, and the journey of hope as spiritual pilgrims. Creative sessions, including crafting “Hope Anchor Necklaces” and drama rehearsals, allowed students to express their faith in meaningful ways. The sessions were facilitated by Youth leaders aged between 16 to 19.
Daily Mass, praise and worship sessions, and group reflections helped deepen the students’ spiritual understanding. The highlight of the closing day was a heartfelt performance of “The Late Pilgrim”, followed by personal testimonies from students about their transformative experiences.
Parents expressed joy in their children’s spiritual growth, noting increased maturity and responsibility. Youth leaders and catechism teachers were praised for their hard work and inspiring leadership, guiding the children with wisdom and grace.
Many thanks too, for the parents and siblings who fed the children throughout the three days, paying particular attention to Creation Justice’s Catering Guidelines for Care of our Common Home – bring own utensils, no plastic cutleries, no takeaways, segregation of rubbish.
Let’s pray that this camp is the start of a journey of faith, friendship, and spiritual growth for our children and may the Holy Spirit continue to work through these young hearts.
With renewed energy and hope, the St Joseph Chinese Sunday School look forward to an even more impactful camp next year.
