Despite my busy schedule, I found time to join VIDES' Mission Camp in Calapan, Oriental Mindoro last May 26 to 28, 2012. It was a weekend well-spent with some 500 underprivileged kids mostly belonging to the local Mangyan tribe.
As with the usual mission camps, the first day was spent in packing the goodies to be given to the kids, in preparing the venue, in making last-minute coordination, in assigning tasks, in orienting and getting to know the new volunteers, and in bonding with the oldies pioneers and the not-so-new volunteers.
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| Brand new books for the kids (Photo credit: VIDES Philippines) |
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| A loot bag contains a pair of slippers, two Starbucks a ballpen, pencils, an eraser, a sticker sheet, and donated pre-loved clothes and/or toys. (Photo credit: VIDES Philippines) |
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| Sr Jojo and the tired, yet happy volunteers posing with the sorted and packed goodies. (Photo credit: VIDES Philippines) |
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| Bonding time |
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| Paper roses-making workshop |
On the big day, everyone woke up before the sun came up to prepare. The volunteers gathered for the morning prayer before eating a hearty breakfast.
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| A breathtaking sunrise greeted us |
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| Volunteers gather for the morning prayer |
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| Pretty, smiling fresh faces |
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| Good morning, Mr. Carabao!
The children arrived by batches and were happily escorted by volunteers to the grounds of the Mary Help of Christian School.
 
A holy mass was celebrated and a short program was held before the children were divided into small groups for the catechism and rosary-making activity.
       
While the group activities were being held, the doctors and volunteers assigned at the medical clinic and pharmacy attended to the children and adults needing medical assistance.
  
The volunteers at the VIDES Salon also attended to their clients.
  
Beneficiaries of the Kambing Mo, Kabuhayan Ko Livelihood Project were awarded their certificates. They pledged their commitment to take care of the livestock given to them and to give back one of the baby goats (kids) so that the same may benefit other underprivileged families.
  
The children offered a song of praise, prayer, and paper roses they made themselves to Mama Mary.
Then they excitedly queued to receive the goodies prepared and repacked by volunteers.
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Sending you happy thoughts...
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