Filled with excitement, the TLF New Gen comprised of the youth gathered at the Lord’s Flock Heritage at 5:00 a.m. ready to depart for CCT Tagaytay Retreat Center. The Youth Camp 2026, a two-day retreat from July 11 to 12, was organized by the Lord’s Flock Catholic Charismatic Community purposely to provide the young adults a reflective spiritual journey with God.
THE YOUTH CAMP 2026 – DAY 1
On the morning of July 11, 2026, at Debora Hall, CCT Tagaytay Retreat Center, the Camp Master/Host, Ate Edel “Du” Patdu, joyfully welcomed the participants. This was followed by the praise and worship session that filled the room with the Holy Spirit. Then, the first part of the event began with an interactive ice breaker cup game, where participants were grouped according to the team colors assigned to them for the entire Youth Camp 2026.
First Topic: “Courage Over Comfort”
Speaker: Bro. (Kuya) Jolo Baclig
He updated the word “Courage” to “Courage-Diyos” inspiring the young people to step out of their comfort zones and choose God’s will over fear. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). He shared some take-aways:
- Comfort feels safe; however, courage grows faith.
- Your focus determines your courage.
- Someone else’s breakthrough may begin with your courage.
- Courage chooses God over fear.
Lunch and Afternoon Activities
At TRTC Dining Hall, the youth campers sat beside one another while having their lunch, leaving the dining hall with memorable conversations.
In the afternoon, each team was tasked to design a flag that symbolized their group, followed by an open-field stationed game, Amazing Race (Relay Game). Each team had to finish each station in line with their assigned goal, building sportsmanship and teamwork. The young participants then enjoyed free time with one another and explored fun activities around the camp, such as swimming, basketball, trampoline, obstacle course, guitar jamming, board games, and cabin time.
At 5:00 p.m., the youth campers gathered once again at Deborah Hall for a time of solitude led by Ate Regine Baclig. During this time, the participants wrote down the things they wanted to surrender to God while spending intimate time with Him.
Second Topic: “Courage Over Conformity”
Speaker: Sis. (Ate) Grace Pancho
“We need to be courageous for God, others, and ourselves.”
How to be courageous over conformity:
- Deepen your devotion to God.
- Choose your people.
- Focus on God’s faithfulness.
- Courage needs commitment.
- Practice courage right here.
She highlighted, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:2).
Praising around a Bonfire
At 7pm, the participants gathered outside for the bonfire. They marched around the blazing flame, shouting and singing hymns and praises to the Lord. They believed the rainy, windy night symbolized the things that try to put out the fire of God in them, but the flame only grew stronger.
Awakened with passion for God, the participants then returned to their designated rooms for cabin time. There, they got to know each other, sharing their thoughts and experiences, creating a bond with their roommates.
THE YOUTH CAMP 2026 – DAY 2
On the morning of Sunday, July 12, 2026, Sunday, the participants once again gathered at Debora Hall and started Day 2 of Youth Camp 2026 with songs and dances offered to the Lord, followed by a morning prayer.
Strengthened by the Holy Spirit, the youth campers played a morning game called “Ninja Doodle,” where each team built camaraderie.
Third Topic: “Courage over Compromise”
Speaker: Bro. Raymund Nobleza
Using an athlete’s way of life as a metaphor, he explained that “every athlete practices before he/she performs.” He defined that God prepares us for greater pressures ahead so that we can make right choices in accordance with His will, knowing that the right decision must already be made before the immense pressure arrives.
He also emphasized that our confidence is in Christ and that Christianity is not about trying harder, rather it’s about walking closer to God.
He cited Luke 22:42, where Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane: “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” It showed that Jesus already decided before the pressure started. He highlighted that Jesus chose courage over compromise because his daily walk with His Father prepared Him to handle the pressure of the cross.
The session concluded with the line, “Everything that God gives helps us decide before we arrive” defining that God guides in our decision-making before we face the pressure of the game. Like an athlete preparing for a match, God prepares us for what lies ahead.
With reflective hearts, the session ended with a group sharing along with prayer for healing and commissioning.
Celebration of the Eucharist
The Holy Mass was celebrated at 11:00 am. In relation to the previous talks, the homily highlighted Matthew 13: seeds must be planted in the right soil, representing how the word of God should be planted in an obedient heart. The mass concluded by reminding the young people that they are “digital disciples” who can use social media to plant seeds (the Word of God) in the hearts of many.
Rewarding Ceremony
Subsequently, a rewarding ceremony capped the two-day event, where the winners were announced.
Finally, the Youth Camp 2026 concluded with joyful hearts enlightened and empowered by the Holy Spirit. The youth campers safely arrived at The Lord’s Flock Heritage, bringing with them the courage to face life’s uncertainties by focusing on God alone.
To God Be The Glory!
Scribes Ministry:
Written by: Sofia Barcita (New Gen)
Edited by: Ma. Vera Tuplano (Scribes Consultant)
Some Photos by COMMS Ministry
