20/05/2026
DAY 3
The morning started slowly as the campers were still feeling the exhaustion from the previous day’s team-building activities and social night. Even though everyone was tired, the atmosphere remained warm and joyful because of the bond that had already formed among the participants throughout the camp.
The first activity of the day was socialization with fellow youth campers. This activity allowed the participants to strengthen the friendships they built during the camp and reminded them that youth ministry is not only about personal growth but also about building connections with others. Through simple conversations, laughter, and shared experiences, the campers learned the importance of openness, unity, and companionship in their journey of faith.
Afterward, most of the campers began packing and fixing their belongings, especially their tents, as part of preparing for the end of the camp. Breakfast was then served, giving everyone time to rest and regain energy before the next set of activities.
Following breakfast, the animators performed a lively morning dance and energizer. Despite the campers’ tiredness, the activity brought excitement and positivity to the group. It helped awaken not only their bodies but also their spirits, creating a joyful atmosphere for the rest of the day.
The campers were then divided into groups for their group synthesis, where they reflected on their experiences throughout the camp and shared the moments that became most memorable for them. This activity was important because it allowed the participants to process everything they had learned and experienced during BINHI. Through sharing, the campers realized that each person had their own struggles, realizations, and encounters with God, yet they were united by one common purpose — to grow deeper in faith and in service to others.
This was followed by the celebration of the Holy Mass led by our Youth Director, Rev. Fr. John Glenn M. Avila. In his homily, he reminded everyone:
“Hesus ang buhay, si Hesus ang daan, si Hesus ang katotohanan, huwag kang mangamba. Hindi tayo mawawala sa daan, mananatiling angkla ang puso kay Hesus.”
He explained the meaning of DOSE:
Direction – We may return to our normal lives after the camp, but we must always remember that God continues to guide and protect us. As youth leaders and young Christians, we are also called to become guides for others — leading fellow youth, friends, and even our families toward Christ. When Jesus becomes our direction, we will never truly be lost.
Openness – Life will always bring challenges, struggles, and uncertainties. However, we are encouraged to keep our hearts open to whatever God desires for us. Openness allows us to become more understanding, compassionate, and spiritually mature. A heart open to God will never lose its path.
Service – Service means becoming someone who knows how to accompany and help others. True leadership is not about power or recognition, but about humility and willingness to serve with love, just as Christ served His people.
Encounter – The very first encounter we should seek is an encounter with Christ. The priest reminded the campers that whenever people meet them, they should also encounter Jesus through their words, actions, and love for others. As the campers return home, may they continue to grow spiritually and bear good fruit from the lessons and experiences they received from their ate’s and kuya’s in BINHI.
After the Mass, our Vocational Director, Rev. Fr. Joseph "Gege" Santos, lightened the atmosphere by asking, “Sino ang pinaasa?” which made the campers laugh and become more comfortable before he began sharing his message.
He explained that the Vocation Ministry walks alongside the youth in their journey of faith and discernment. Their mission is to guide young people toward Jesus and help them discover the purpose God has prepared for them. He emphasized that true happiness can only be found in God’s plan because God’s plans are always greater than our own desires and expectations.
He also shared that when our direction is centered on Jesus, we become stronger and more confident in facing life. The Vocation Ministry and Youth Ministry work hand in hand to guide and support the youth. He reminded the campers that they are never alone because there will always be people willing to listen, guide, and help them through their struggles. His message deeply reminded everyone that vocation is not only about becoming priests or religious individuals, but also about discovering how God calls each person to live a meaningful life.
Later on, the hosts encouraged the campers to hug their facilitators, groupmates, and their newly found ate’s and kuya’s in BINHI as a sign of appreciation and gratitude. This simple act became one of the most emotional moments of the camp because it showed how deeply the participants had connected with one another in just a short amount of time. There were tears, laughter, and heartfelt goodbyes as the reality slowly sank in that it was already the last day of BINHI Youth Camp. Although the camp was coming to an end, the memories, friendships, and lessons they built together would continue to live in their hearts.
The last major activity was the awarding ceremony. Awards were given based on the scores each group earned throughout the camp activities, games, and dance performances during the social night. Merits and demerits were also considered in evaluating the participants. The purpose of these awards was not simply to recognize talent or performance, but to encourage teamwork, discipline, cooperation, and active participation among the campers. It served as a reminder that every effort, no matter how small, is valuable when done with sincerity and unity.
Special recognition was also given to the “Bagong Sibol” volunteers for their openness and willingness to embrace this new encounter in their lives. Their courage to step out of their comfort zones and say “yes” to growth, service, and faith became an inspiration to others. It symbolized their readiness to deepen their relationship with God and continue serving the youth community with open hearts.
After lunch, the campers fixed their belongings while preparing to watch the final Same Day Edit (SDE) video prepared by the Media Team. The video became a beautiful reminder of all the laughter, tears, friendships, and unforgettable moments shared during the camp. Meanwhile, the Secretariat Committee facilitated the campers’ deregistration and organized them according to their bus assignments.
Many campers found it difficult to say goodbye to one another. Some were emotional because of the friendships they had built, while others were hesitant to return to the realities and busyness of everyday life. BINHI became a temporary home where they felt accepted, loved, understood, and spiritually renewed.
BINHI Youth Camp was more than just a gathering of young people; it became a journey of faith, self-discovery, friendship, and encounter with Christ. Throughout the camp, the participants were reminded that being young is not a hindrance to becoming instruments of God’s love and service. Every activity, talk, games, and reflection carried a deeper purpose — to help the youth realize that they are called to live meaningful lives centered on Jesus.
The camp created a safe space where the campers could freely express themselves, build genuine connections, and experience God through the people around them. It taught them the importance of Direction, Openness, Service, and Encounter in their daily lives. More importantly, BINHI reminded everyone that faith is not something to keep only within oneself, but something to share with others through kindness, leadership, and service.
Although the camp eventually ended, the lessons, friendships, and memories formed during BINHI will continue to inspire the campers long after they return home. BINHI may only last for a few days, but the growth, healing, and transformation it brought into the lives of the youth will remain in their hearts forever.