Camp teaches values through volunteer work

A unique leadership training for girls 11-16 years old was held recently in La Trinidad, Benguet.

The program was organized by the Taguete Club to train the girls in the core values of belonging, independence, mastery of skills and generosity.

Participants came from PAREF-Rosehill, Poveda College, OB Montessori, Quezon City Science High School and Maximilian Kolbe Homeschool, among others.

In coordination with school authorities, Residence and Study Center for Children (RSCC) and Boysen Paints, the girls did volunteer work at the La Trinidad Central School (LTCS) and RSCC orphanage.

They painted a large mural on LTCS’ library wall, tidied up vegetable gardens and installed a walk-through Year of Faith booth in the waiting shed.

At the orphanage, the girls folded laundry, fed the children, told stories and babysat. Each volunteer brought some of her favorite toys to give the orphans. Celina, 13, brought a felt doll that meant so much to her. She said, “It costs me to part with this doll but I have decided to give it away to an orphan.”

Taguete’s core values are adapted from the 4-H Camps in the United States. The club’s spiritual formation task is entrusted to the Prelature of Opus Dei.

Taguete Club provides holistic training and formation to young girls through a variety of academic, cultural, spiritual and outreach activities (a Taguete Kiddie Camp workshop on Theater Arts, for 8- to 12-year-olds, is ongoing in San Fernando, Pampanga).

Murals were also painted on the  waiting shed  and the Articles of the Christian Faith were printed on tarpaulins to decorate the inner walls in celebration of the Year of the Faith, which the Catholic world is observing until Pope Francis officially ends it on Nov. 24.

Volunteers wanted to provide students a unique opportunity to experience and learn more about their Catholic faith.

Life at camp began early at 5 a.m. with daily spiritual exercises before breakfast, a Mass, mental prayer and spiritual reading.   During the morning assembly, volunteers and camp staff tackled the previous day’s lessons and the work ahead.

At the end of each day, campers returned to base for team-building games, a 7-kilometer trek in the surrounding woods and a treasure hunt. A three-km fun run was held on the last day of camp.

Cabin specials, held around a bonfire in the evenings, showcased individual and group talents.  Each day ended with the rosary and night prayers.

Taguete camps are held annually in April and May.  E-mail  [email protected].