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CFC YOUTH FOR FAMILY AND LIFE

YOUTH CAMP MANUAL


2011 EDITION

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YOUTH CAMP MANUAL

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. ORGANIZING A YOUTH CAMP ....................................................... 1
The Youth Camp ................................................ 2
Challenges ................................................. 2
Youth Camp Objectives .............................................. 2
Important Conditions .............................................................. 3
Practical Considerations ............................................... 4
Service Team Roles and Responsibilities........................................... 5
General Schedule of Activities............................................ 7

II. THE YOUTH CAMP SESSIONS ........................................................ 9


The Gospel Message .................................................. 10
Sharing this message in the Youth Camp ......................................... 10
The Gospel and Youth Camp Sessions ............................................. 10
Final Tips .................................................... 11
Session 1: Gods Love and His Plan for us .......................................... 13
Session 2: Who is Jesus Christ to me? ............................................. 16
Session 3: Repentance, Faith, Forgiveness and Healing ..................................... 21
Session 4: Receiving Gods Gift: The Power of the Holy Spirit 26
Baptism Ceremony / Pray over Session ........................................... 29
Commitment to Christ Ceremony ........................................... 31
Closing Exhortation ................................................. 32
Session 5: Growing in the Spirit ............................................... 33
Dedication Ceremony ................................................ 36
CFC Youth for Family and Life Purpose Statement ........................................ 36
CFC Youth for Family and Life Covenant ............................................................................. 37

III. APPENDICES ................................................................................ 40


Participants Orientation Talk ..................................................... 41
Parents Orientation Talk ................................................. 43
Parents Forum...................................................... 45
Sample Youth Camp Invitation Letter for Parents ......................................... 47
Sample Youth Camp Reply Sheet ................................................ 48
Sample Youth Camp Invitation Letter for Priests ........................................ 49
General Schedule of Activities ............................................................................................. 50
Sample Youth Camp Information Sheet ........................................... 52
Sample Youth Camp Checklist ............................................... 53
Sample Youth Camp Completion Report.......................................... 56
Sample Youth Camp House Rules ..........................................).... 57

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YOUTH CAMP MANUAL

Chapter 1:

Organizing a
CFC Youth for Family and Life
Youth Camp

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THE YOUTH CAMP
The entry point to CFC Youth for Family and Life (YFL), the youth ministry of Couples For Christ Foundation for Family and
Life (CFC FFL), is the Youth Camp. The Youth Camp is a three-day stay-in camp that is normally conducted during the summer and semester breaks to officially bring the youths into YFL.
The Youth Camp must not be seen merely as a three-day experience where the Youth can have fun, true as it may be, but
it must also be seen in the light of its over-all objectives, to fully appreciate its value and to make the most out of it. We
should realize that the Youth Camp is not an end in itself. It is not just for amusement that will give the Youth something
to do during the summer or semester break, but rather it is the beginning of what will hopefully be a lifetime commitment
to God for them.
The Youth Camp is a venue where the Youth can form lasting friendships with one another, as well as, share ideas and experiences in a fun and wholesome environment, where Christian values are openly talked about and actively practiced.
In the Youth Camp, participants will hear about Gods great love proclaimed by other youth like them. They will be exposed
to other youth who will serve them as speakers, sharers, facilitators, game coordinators, etc. Seeing other young people
like themselves speaking of Gods great love, taking on leadership roles and serving others will eventually encourage them
to do the same.

CHALLENGES
For the Youth Camp to be successful, it is important for the team to be aware of the challenges that they will face.
1. Many participants may go to the Youth Camp because they were forced or pressured to. Many may think that the activities are dull, boring and a complete waste of time. This is why it is important to make a great first impression. The
first night should look, sound and feel exciting and interesting to sustain their attention.
2. It takes a while for the participants to warm up to new faces. Keep in mind that in the Youth Camp, the participants
will be meeting a lot of people for the first time. Having a warm and friendly Service Team to greet and accommodate
them when they arrive will help them feel at ease and welcome.
3. Some of the participants will be difficult. Never discount the possibility that some of the participants may have serious addictions to drugs and alcohol. Others may come with a defiant attitude, while others may be harboring serious
resentments towards their parents or other people. This is why responsible couple coordinators should always be present at all times during the Youth Camp.
4. Some participants may find it difficult to commit themselves to the Lord, to YFL, and to the whole new lifestyle offered
to them. They may find it difficult to give up a lot of their attachments, some of their friends and what they are already
used to do. This poses a challenge for the service team, which must assure them of their support and that there really
is nothing to fear.

YOUTH CAMP OBJECTIVES


To plan effectively, it is important for the service team to understand both the short-term and the long-term objectives of
the Youth Camp.

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SHORT-TERM OBJECTIVES
1. To help the participants undergo a personal Jesus Christ experience.
2. To teach the participants how to pray.
3. To help the participants experience healing and reconciliation with the immediate members of their families, especially their parents.
4. To make the Youth Camp a fun, exciting and life-giving experience to the participants.
5. To give the participants the opportunity to make new friends in a fun and wholesome environment.
6. To expose the participants to young people of their age who find joy and fulfillment in serving the Lord, and in serving
them.

LONG-TERM OBJECTIVES
1. To make the Youth Camp the start of a life-long process of renewal and transformation in the life of the participants.
2. By joining YFL, the participants are placed in a support environment where they can be sustained in their Catholic
lives.
3. By joining YFL, the participants can sustain and develop the friendships that were established during the Youth Camp.
4. By joining YFL, the participants can be supported in their renewed relationships with God, their family and their
peers.
5. To develop the talents of these participants and create a desire in them to use such gifts in serving the Lord.
6. Hopefully, the positive experience of the Youth Camp will remain a special memory that the participants may look back
to and draw strength from throughout their lives.
7. To bring the participants back to the Church and for them to recognize that one of the best ways to grow even more in
their relationship with the Lord is by serving in their respective parishes.

IMPORTANT CONDITIONS
Given the above objectives, both short and long-term, it is important to make the following conditions in planning and
conducting YFL Youth Camps.
1. The Youth Camp is the entry point into CFC Youth for Family and Life. It is not an end in itself type of an activity. Hence,
it should not be conducted if there is no intention to invite the participants to grow further in YFL.
2. The children of non-CFC FFL members are very much welcome to attend the Youth Camp. However, there must always
be a continuous and steadfast effort to invite the children of CFC FFL members to attend the Youth Camp.
3.

The suggested venues of Youth Camps are retreat houses or camp areas where there are fewer

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distractions to the participants. Nevertheless, the service team should be sensitive to the
financial resources of the participants who will be attending the Youth Camp and determine if such a
venue is financially feasible.
a. It is possible to use school facilities during semester and summer breaks, and for the food to be catered by CFC FFL
members of an area if this will significantly reduce the cost of the Youth Camp.
b. It is possible to raise funds within the CFC FFL chapter or area, to help lessen the Youth Camp fees of those who do
not have the means to pay the full amount in the Youth Camp.
c. The normal rule in any CFC FFL activity applies to the Youth Camp that no one should be deprived of experiencing
the Lord in any official activity just because he or she does not have the means to pay.
4. Ensure that the participants have their parents consent in attending the Youth Camp and that their parents are willing
to participate in the Youth Camp activities, such as writing letters to their children and attending the Parents Forum,
when required. If swimming, hiking and other such outdoor activities are possible, special written consent from the
parents of the participants and service team are required.
A Parents Forum must be conducted before the Youth Camp, in where the service team may be able to explain the
objectives, activities, schedule, rules and provisions within the Youth Camp, as well as mention areas of concern in
which the parents can extend their support.
5. Normally, the service team members serving in the Youth Camp are usually not expected to pay for their accommodations. But, if they have the means, and they would like to help, their payments are welcome.

PRACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS
1. The initiative to organize the Youth Camp starts with the areas YFL couple coordinators.
a. They begin by getting the approval of their CFC FFL area head.
b. They survey their area and come up with a list of prospective participants.
c. They work out the details, such as the possible schedule and venues of the Youth Camp.
d. They form the service team of YFL members that will serve in the Youth Camp. The team includes the team leader
and his assistant, speakers, facilitators, music ministry, and camp servants.
2. In the Youth Camp, the couple coordinators allow the Youth Camp team leader and his assistant, as well as the members of the service team, to lead the activities. The couple coordinators stay behind the scenes; ready to provide support, assistance, direction and protection for the service team, when needed.
3. Members of the service team that normally stay in the accommodations with the participants are the couple coordinators, the team leader and his assistant, the camp servants, the facilitators and the music ministry. YFL members who
are not part of the service team are not supposed to stay in the accommodations.
Note: It is very important that the facilitators stay in accommodations with the participants because
they need to get-to-know and bond with them.

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4. During the Baptism of the Holy Spirit activity, the service team may ask the support of other
YFL members. However, they will be asked not to stay in the accommodations.
Note: Adults conducting the Baptism pray-over activity is highly discouraged.

5. The parents of the participants are expected to send letters to their children and to come to the Parent-Child Dialogue
and Dedication Ceremony on the last day of the Youth Camp.
6. A No Smoking and No Drinking rule will strictly be enforced for the duration of the Youth Camp. Everyone is expected
to abide by this rule, including the service team and the couple coordinators.

7. No participant will be allowed to leave the Youth Camp without the expressed consent of the parents. If a participant
manages to sneak out of the venue, the parents shall be informed immediately.
8. It is important that the Youth Camp is well documented. Someone may be assigned to document the Youth Camp, and
the pre and post Youth Camp activities as well.
9. At all times, during the Youth Camp, there must be a pair of prayer warriors, praying the rosary and interceding for
the Youth Camp, especially during sessions. The whole service team could take alternate turns in being the assigned
prayer warriors.
10. There is no need for unnecessary dramatic effects during the Baptism / Pray-over session. Participants need not be
in white. There is no need to turn the lights of the session half off; in fact the Pray-over session must be conducted
in a well-lighted area. Crucifixes, rosaries and candles need not be placed in Pray-over stations, but a crucifix must be
placed in the session hall.
11. The couple coordinators must accomplish and submit a Youth Camp completion report after the Youth Camp. The
Youth Camp completion report contains such details as the total number of Youth Camp participants, date and venue
of the Youth Camp etc. (see appendices)
12. There must be a scheduled post-Youth Camp welcome party for the participants after the Youth Camp. All the areas
YFL members, especially those who were not part of the Youth Camp service team, are invited to the party to welcome
and meet the participants. A Lords Day celebration may be done prior to the party.

SERVICE TEAM ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES


1. Couple Coordinators
They are active members of CFC FFL in their area.
They ask permission from and the support of their CFC FFL area head in conducting the Youth Camp.
They guide and support the service team by providing direction and assistance when needed.
They oversee the practical and pastoral matters of the Youth Camp by coordinating closely with both the team
leader and assistant team leader.
They conduct the Parents Forum prior to the Youth Camp and ensure that the parents of the participants will be
able to write a letter for their children; and make it to the Dedication Ceremony and Parent-Child Dialogue on the
third day of the Youth Camp.
They coordinate with a priest for the confession after Session 3 and as well as to celebrate the Holy Mass on the
last day.

They intercede for the whole Youth Camp.

They are an example in speech and in conduct to the youth.

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2. Team Leader
He has completed the YFL 1-year basic pastoral formation for the COMMUNITY circle and the YFL
pastoral formation for the COMMITTED circle.
He takes care of the pastoral aspects of the Youth Camp.
He leads the service team; encourages and affirms them but also corrects them if necessary.
He facilitates the service team meetings.
He makes sure that the Youth Camp schedule is followed.
He assists the speakers of the Youth Camp.
He ensures that the Culture of YFL is promoted and followed throughout the Youth Camp.
3. Assistant Team Leader
She has completed the YFL 1-year basic pastoral formation for the COMMUNITY circle and the YFL pastoral formation for the COMMITTED circle.
She takes care of the pastoral aspects of the Youth Camp.
She responds to the needs of the sisters in the Youth Camp.
She provides input in planning and conducting the Youth Camp to the team leader and couple coordinators.
She oversees the registration on the first day of the Youth Camp.
She assigns and reminds the whole service team to be prayer warriors during the Youth Camp.
She makes sure that the Youth Camp schedule is followed.
She assists the speakers of the Youth Camp.
She ensures that the Culture of YFL is promoted and followed throughout the Youth Camp.
4. Camp Servants
They have completed the YFL 1-year basic pastoral formation for the COMMUNITY circle.
They take care of the practical aspects of the Youth Camp, such as providing logistical needs.
They ensure that the Youth Camp house rules are followed.
They do the wake-up call every morning.
They prepare for the Holy Mass by assisting the couple coordinators.
5. Facilitators
They have completed the YFL 1-year basic pastoral formation for the COMMUNITY circle.
They lead the discussion groups during the Youth Camp.
They conduct the one to one sessions and pray-over sessions of the participants.
They act as a peer guide to help the participants.
They MUST undergo the Household Leaders Training after the Youth Camp to prepare them for their role as the
household leaders of their Youth Camp discussion groups.
6. Music Ministry
They provide the music required during the Youth Camp for worships and praisefests, gathering and reflection
songs etc.
They prepare the song sheets or the song lyrics that will be projected on screen.

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GENERAL SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES


DAY 1
PM
5:00 - 5:30
5:30 - 6:30
6:30 - 6:45
6:45 - 7:00

7:00 - 8:00
8:00 - 8:30
8:30 - 8:35
8:35 - 8:45
8:45 - 10:00
10:00 - 10:30
10:30 - 10:35
10:35 - 11:00
11:00

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:

:
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:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

Service team meeting


Arrival / registration
Gathering / Teaching of songs
Orientation of participants (by team leader)
Orientation of parents (by couple coordinators)
Dinner
Gathering of participants / Teaching of songs
Opening prayer
Energizer / Games
Session 1: GODS LOVE AND HIS PLAN FOR US
Discussion groups
Announcements / Closing song (if desired)
Informal fellowship
Lights out

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Wake up call
Breakfast
Common prayer time (include reflection)
Gathering participants / Opening song and prayer
Session 2: WHO IS JESUS CHRIST TO ME?
Discussion groups
Break
Gathering of participants/ Opening song and short prayer
Session 3: REPENTANCE, FAITH, FORGIVENESS AND HEALING
Activity and Confession
Lunch

DAY 2
AM
6:00 - 6:30
6:30 - 7:30
7:30 - 8:00
8:00 - 8:15
8:15 - 9:30
9:30 - 10:00
10:00 - 10:30
10:30 - 10:45
10:45 - 11:25
11:25 - 12:00
12:00 - 1:00

PM
1:00 - 5:30
:
5:30 - 6:30
:
6:30 - 7:30
:
7:30 - 8:00
:
8:00 - 8:45
:
8:45 - 9:00
:
9:00 - 10:00 :
10:00 - 10:15 :
10:15 - 10:30 :
10:30 - 11:00 :
11:00 - 12:00 :
12:00

One to ones / Letter writing to parents / Rest


Service team meeting with worship
Dinner
Gathering of participants / Opening prayer
Session 4: RECEIVING GOD'S GIFT: THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
Commitment to Christ ceremony
Pray-over session
Group worship
Closing exhortation
Preparation for Entertainment night
Entertainment night
:
Informal fellowship

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Note: The participants may stay up, although they should respect those who want to
sleep. Silence should be maintained.
DAY 3
AM
7:00 - 8:00
8:00 - 9:00
9:00 - 10:00
10:00- 12:00
12:00- 1:00
1:00 - 1:15
1:15 - 1:30
1:30 - 2:00

2:00 - 2:15
2:15 - 2:45
2:45 - 3:00
3:00 - 3:10
3:10 - 3:30
3:30 - 4:30
4:30 - 5:00
5:00

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Wake up call
Breakfast
Common prayer time / Letter to parents writing activity
Sports and Games
Lunch
Gathering of participants / Teaching of songs
Worship
Session 5: GROWING IN THE SPIRIT
PARENTS FORUM
Dedication
Dialogue with parents
Sharing from participants
Closing remarks/ songs
Preparation for Holy Mass
Holy Mass
Pack-up
Home Sweet Home

DAY 3 - Alternate Schedule


7:00 - 8:00
8:00 - 9:00
9:00 - 9:15
9:15 - 9:30
9:30 - 10:10

10:10 - 10:40
10:40 - 10:50
10:50 - 10:55
10:55 - 11:00
11:00 - 12:00
12:00 - 1:00

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Breakfast
Common prayer time / Letter to parents writing activity
Gathering / Teach of songs
Worship
Session 5: GROWING IN THE SPIRIT
PARENTS FORUM
Dialogue with parents
Sharing of participants
Final song
Preparation for Holy Mass
Holy Mass
Lunch (if available)

Note: T he schedules written in this manual are guides for the Youth Camp service team. If circumstances call for a different schedule, the service team should be flexible enough to follow as the Spirit
leads.

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Chapter 2:

The Youth Camp Sessions

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GOSPEL MESSAGE

In this day and age when so many ideas abound and so many different philosophies are taught, the youth are often
placed in confusing situations. So many different influences around them dictate what to run after, and what to live for.
Still in the budding idealism of their young minds, the youth search for the truth that they can believe in and live by.
So often, however, young people fall into whatever whim their peers invite them into. Whether it is drugs or drinking, being popular, being in or just simply living for the moment. Still the thirst is there for the truth - their hearts are restless
for God.
It is in this situation that the Gospel message should be brought to the youth. A message that speaks of God's love and
mercy, that in our sinfulness, He is always willing to forgive us. And, if we come before Him and place our lives at His feet,
our restlessness ends and we begin to experience a new life with Him. It is this message, which the talks in the Youth Camp
seek to share.

SHARING THIS MESSAGE IN THE YOUTH CAMP


The Gospel message, however, is so great, so vast and so wonderful that our minds can only begin to comprehend it. Moreover, to explain it thoroughly is hard enough for more knowledgeable Christians to do, what more for young people, who in
our case, will explain it to other young people as well. In this perspective, we cannot even begin to teach the Gospel. What
we can do, however, is to share it. We don't have to be Biblical Scholars or Church Theologians to share the Gospel with
others. All we really need to do is look into our lives, recognize God's work and share what we know with conviction. Then,
in our limitations, we will see God working through us, in these talks and the activities of the Youth Camp.

THE GOSPEL AND THE YOUTH CAMP SESSIONS


To be able to share the Gospel message in an orderly and simple way, its different points were divided into five (5) sessions.
Each session helps the speaker impart this message effectively. So as not to compromise or give an incomplete Gospel, the
sessions include truths, which are basic enough for young people to begin a meaningful journey with God in, their Christian
lives. Other teachings may then be imparted later, if the participants decide to join YFL. Here are the basic points or truths
with their corresponding topics in the Youth Camp.

BASIC GOSPEL TRUTH


God's Love for Mankind; His Plan for
Man's Fullness of Life with Him

YOUTH CAMP SESSION


Gods Love and His Plan for us

Introduces the ultimate expression of


Who is Jesus Christ to me?
God's love - Jesus Christ
Mans sin as he turns away from Gods
Repentance, Faith, Forgiveness and Healing
plan
Man's Response: Accepting God's InviGod's Gift: The Power of the Holy Spirit
tation and Living as His People
Growing in the Spirit
Some of the sessions in the Youth Camp have more than one basic Gospel truth included. These truths sometimes even
overlap across two or three sessions. The sessions are given in this way and order so as to help bring the participants
through a process through which they can make a real and sincere decision to live a life pleasing to God

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through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ by the power of His Holy Spirit.
The speaker should be able to realize that each session, especially the one that he or she will be giving, is part of one
message; God's love reaching out to man and man's choice to respond to this love."
The speakers and Youth Camp service team should understand this flow to be able to place them in the proper position
where God can work through what they say and do, in order to effectively help the participants make a decision to know,
love and serve Jesus Christ.

FINAL TIPS
1. Adults are discouraged from giving the sessions in the Youth Camp.
We have to recognize the fact that, it is easier for young people to be influenced by their peers. No matter how true
the message is, and even if the participants thirst for this message, when adults speak to the youth, a natural barrier
often stands between them and the young people they are speaking to. These speakers represent to the participants,
their parents -parents who may have damaged relationships with their children. As a result adult speakers then begin
to lose their effectiveness in sharing the Gospel to the youth.
2. The speakers should share and not preach.
The world needs witnesses, not teachers. Most Youth Camp participants have heard the same message we speak time
and time again. But what will make these sessions different is when they realize that what we are saying is true and
concrete, because we have actually experienced it.
3. Maintain a light atmosphere.
Feel free to share jokes from time to time, but never to the point of letting the participants, forget the truth and importance of your message.
Often jokes can even be used of as a means to drive at a certain point. In the same way, anecdotes and stories are good
means of explaining or stressing certain points in your session. Make use of stories. The youth like listening to stories. If
it is possible to make the points of your outline flow from one story to the next, all the better. Stories keep the interest
of young people and allow them to remember the points that you have made.
4. Speak from the heart with confidence and conviction.
You are speaking of a truth, which all men thirst for, including the youth. Therefore speak with conviction, because it is
him or her who will benefit from what is being said in the Youth Camp more than anyone. Speak of the joy of knowing
Christ. Speak of the gift that God wants to give. The gift that you yourself, are beginning to experience; a new life with
Christ, knowing what Saint Augustine mentioned is truth for yourself and everyone else, "Our hearts are restless, until
we rest in you, Oh God."
5. Read your Bible.

The presence of scriptural verses in the talk requires the speaker to prayerfully reflect on the passages before giving
the session. It would be better if these verses are narrated in the speakers own words. Reading scripture verses wordfor-word tends to take away eye contact between you and the participants.

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6. Listen to / study other speakers.
This may help give you ideas in giving your session.
7. Undergo the Speakers Workshop.

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CFC YOUTH FOR FAMILY AND LIFE


Youth Camp
Session 1: Gods Love and His Plan for us
Goal
To communicate the truth that God loves us and has a plan for our welfare.

Specific Objectives:
At the end of the session, the participants should be able to:
Understand that God loves them immensely.
Share on how Gods love is manifested in their personal lives.

Methodology
Talk Proper
Sharer
Discussion Group

-
-
-

20 to 30 minutes
5 minutes
30 to 45 minutes

Sharer
YFL member who will share an experience where he / she felt Gods love and how he / she responded to it.

Expanded Outline
I. Introduction
The Crazy Dream
Note: The Crazy Dream activity is done so that the speaker may have an amusing way of making the participants realize God's tremendous love for them. Just as the participants may have their own crazy dreams their
own nearly impossible hopes of things that are better, God has His own seemingly impossible dream for us, a
plan for a future and a hope in union with Him. It is this plan for us that may be used to introduce God's love
to the participants.

1. Ask the participants to think about their greatest ambition or craziest dream. They may write or illustrate it on a piece
of paper. Give them 30 seconds to do this. Allow 3-5 persons to share.
2. Even God has a crazy dream.
(Referring to the crazy dreams of the participants) All of us have our own crazy dreams, but even God has his own crazy
dream for us. I say this, because like many others, our dreams may seem far out, hard to believe. But then again, He is God,
and nothing is impossible with Him. Let's see what God's crazy dream is.
Note: The speaker must illustrate creatively, reflect and share the essence of Isaiah 65:17-25.

This is God's crazy dream, His plan for us, "a plan to give us a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11). This is all because of
His great love for us.

Plans for your welfare, not for woe. God is always after our wellbeing, our happiness and safety.

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As Gods own, everything that comes from Him is good. When He created us, He created
us to last forever.
Plans to give you a future full of hope. As uncertain as the future is, God guarantees us that not even a part of it
will be in despair and everything in it is positive and desirable.
You may have your own reasons for being here. (E.g. your friends are here, you want to meet new friends, your parents
forced you or you are truly seeking God)
I believe God brought you here, to hear about His love, and His plan in your life.
II. Why am I not experiencing Gods love?
You may be asking. If God loves us so much, why are our lives and situations so different from what He says are His plans
for us?
1. Show the disparity between God's plan (Isaiah 65:17 25) and the situation around us.
On a larger scale: There are countries at war and in famine.
On a local scale: There are street crimes and law offenders.
On a personal scale: There are broken families, drug addictions, pre-marital sex, etc.
2. We experience these sufferings because we choose to.
a. When our first parents chose to disobey, and rebel against God's commands, they chose to turn away from God
the source of all life. In doing so, they chose death, and suffering. From the moment this happened, our world that
was full of life and blessing began to experience difficulties, pain, suffering, and even death. (Gen. 3:1-21)
b. Even today, whenever we choose to go against God, (or the authorities He has placed over us, e.g. parents, government and school authorities), we continue to choose the suffering and death that our first parents chose. (Romans
6:23)
Note: Mention specific experiences to bring your point across.

III. What is Gods plan in my life?


But God did not end it at that. God wants us to experience the fullness of life but we continue to follow our own preferences. By choosing to turn away from this promise, God could have just as well chosen to turn away from us, destroy us
as we deserve, and create a more faithful people who would gladly accept His love and the life that He offers. Instead, He
decided that His love and His mercy should prevail.
1. He began by sending His prophets.
2. Finally, He chose to send His only Son to die for us because He did not want to see us suffer in our sin and die forever.
(John 3:16) The speaker at this time shows the video The Bridge.
NOTE: Make use of the diagram to illustrate how Jesus Christ bridges the gap that sin creates between God
and man.

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IV. Conclusion

God loves every one of us as if there was but one of us to love. - St. Augustine
God has a seemingly insane love for us; a love that would suffer even death on a cross. Even if you were the only one who
needed to be save, God would do it all for you. Let us respond to this love. Let us decide to love God back.
Note: One way to challenge the participants to respond to Gods love is by telling them to seek God during the Youth Camp
and to participate in all activities.
Discussion Starters
1. Share an experience or area of your life where you felt most loved by God.
2. How can you respond to Gods love for you? (Make specific resolutions)

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Youth Camp
Session 2: Who is Jesus Christ to me
Goal

To communicate the truth that Jesus Christ is a powerful but personal God who invites us to have a personal relationship
with Him.

Specific Objectives
At the end of the session, the participants should be able to:
Accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
Describe their relationship with Jesus Christ.

Methodology



Activity
Talk Proper
Sharer
Discussion Group

-
-
-
-

15 minutes
20 to 30 minutes
5 minutes
30 to 45 minutes

Sharer
YFL member who will share on his / her personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Activity
Requirements:
Pre-set flashcards
a. These flashcards should be visible from afar.
b. These should contain the logos of different popular brands along with their taglines. (E.g. Adidas, Impossible is
nothing.)
c. The logo shall be printed in front, while the tagline shall be printed at the back of the flashcard.
d. All brand logos must be familiar to the youth.
e. Sample brands and their taglines:
f. Adidas Impossible is nothing
g. Metrobank Youre in good hands
h. Rexona Never lets you down
i. Gatorade Thirst quencher
j. Nokia Connecting People
Process:
The participants will be divided into their Youth Camp discussion groups. The speaker will flash the different brand
taglines to the participants and each group will try to guess the brand it pertains to. Every correct answer earns a point
for the group. The speaker may give a prize after the game.

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Expanded Outline
I. Introduction
When we realize how great God's love for us is, many of us genuinely want to respond to Him by loving Him back and living
a life that is pleasing to Him.
However, it is very difficult to live a life that is pleasing to God, if we lack an essential aspect; a personal relationship with
Jesus Christ.
Living a Christian life by our own strength is impossible. Only the strength we have in Jesus Christ can allow us to do it.
II. Who Is Jesus Christ?
1. Jesus and His impact on History
Born some 2,000 years ago in the town of Bethlehem, Judea; in the poor country of Palestine.
Grew up in a poor family of carpenters.
During His 3 years of public life, He challenged the authorities and was tried on charges of rebellion and blasphemy. He was put to death at the age of 33.
Like most religious leaders in His time, Jesus should have faded into oblivion, forgotten in the pages of history. Yet no
other person has affected history as much as He did.
He split History in two (B.C. - Before Christ, and A.D. Anno Domini or Year of our Lord).
No other person has had as many books and stories written about him. The book that tells His story, the Bible, has
been the No. 1 bestseller, of all time.
Until today, Jesus of Nazareth is the most controversial, most popular, most revered and most respected person
that ever lived.

There are so many things said about this man. What was He really like?
2. Jesus as He claimed to be
He took upon Himself qualities that belonged only to the person of God.
a. He was pre-existent with the Father.
In the beginning there was the Word. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the
beginning. All things were made by him, and nothing was made without him. - John 1:1-3

The Greek of word is logos, meaning any kind of communication. It could be translated to message. It means
Christ because Christ was the way God told people about himself.
b.

He claimed to possess all authority in Heaven and on Earth

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All power in heaven and on earth is given to me. - Matthew 28:18

This is a characteristic that only one person can claim to have - God. Nature seemed to believe Jesus and recognize this authority. When He was in a boat with His disciples, a strong wind blew and filled the boat with water.
His disciples were afraid and woke him. Jesus gave a command to the wind and the waves, they stopped, and it
became calm (Luke 8:22-26).
c. He forgave sins.
The people during Jesus time strongly believed that only God had the authority to forgive sins (Luke 5:21). When
a paralyzed man was lowered from the roof where Jesus was teaching, He immediately forgave the mans sin
because of his faith. When the Pharisees and teachers of the Law heard this, they began thinking to themselves:
Only God can forgive sins. Knowing what they are thinking, Jesus said, But I will prove to you that the Son of
Man has authority on earth to forgive sins (Luke 5:24). Then he commanded the man to stand up, take his mat
and go home.
d. He performed miracles.
He healed the sick - Jesus made the blind see, the lame walk, the deaf hear, the mute speak, the possessed be
free, etc.
He fed the hungry - Jesus fed thousands of hungry people in more than one occasion, by the miraculous multiplication of bread.
He raised the dead - He raised Lazarus, the servant of the soldier, the only son of a widowed woman, etc.
3. Jesus - A Personal God
Jesus being God is an awesome truth. We can be sure that He is stronger than all of our biggest fears. But what is even
more astonishing truth is that Jesus, despite being God, is not a distant God. He felt the things we feel every day. He can
relate to us, perfectly. He is closer to us than you think.
Note: It is not necessary for the speaker to expound on the following examples further, especially when there
is time constraint. The speaker may just enumerate these events in Jesus Christs life where He was completely
human (feeling pain, thirst, sadness, etc.) to establish the point that Jesus also felt how we feel and that He
understands us completely.

a. Like us, He also became tired (John 4:6). Jesus sat on a well because He was tired from His long trip from Judea to
Galilee.
b. Like us, He also got thirsty (John 19:28). Jesus felt his mouth and throat dry from hanging on the cross for six
hours.
c. Like us, He also wept (John 11:35). When His friend Lazarus died, Jesus wept for the loss of a loved one.
d. Like some of us, He also felt alone (Matthew 26:40). His apostles fell asleep while Jesus was praying in the Garden
of Gethsemane. It was a crucial time for Him because it is the last minute before He will be arrested. But in this
important time of His life, the apostles slept when Jesus asked them to pray for Him.
e. Like some of us, He was also misunderstood (John 8:27). When Jesus was describing where He was going before
His death, people did not understand.

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f. Like some of us, His family was also ashamed of Him (Matthew 12:47). While Jesus was
talking to some people, his family stood outside trying to find a way to talk to Him. Some say that
this gesture done by Jesus family was not because they were proud of Him, but because they were ashamed
of Him and wanted Him to stop.
g. Like us, He also felt stressed (Matthew 14:13). Upon hearing the news that John Baptist had died, Jesus went to
a lonely place but a large crowd followed Him. He felt sorry for them and healed their sick. The demands of the
people overtook his need to grieve.
h. Like some of us, He was also betrayed (Mark 14:10). Judas sold Jesus to the Pharisees.
i. Like us, His friends also denied Him (Luke 22:60). When Peter was following Jesus during the trial, He denied Jesus
three times as Jesus had predicted.
j. Like some of us, He was also called names (Matthew 12:24). When Jesus drove out a demon from a man who could
not talk and see, the Pharisees said He used the power of the ruler of demons to force demons out.
Jesus felt how you feel. He experienced all of these things to tell us that He completely understands us. He is a God that can
relate to your sorrow, shame, sickness and pain. He is a God that is strong enough to trust and near enough to call unto.
He can be a friend, a brother, a counselor, a healer etc.
III. Our Response
All the claims that Jesus Christ made concerning Himself are so great that we need to stop and seriously consider these.
Our acceptance or rejection of these claims will greatly affect us.
a. If we reject all the claims that Jesus made and believe them to be false, then we should just forget Christianity
altogether and even correct the great hoax that has deceived people for 2000 years.
b. But if deep down we accept all Jesus claims and believe them to be true, then we really cannot ignore Him like
most people do in their lives.
We must find a way to relate to Jesus as the Mighty God and as the risen Savior that He really is. We will have to follow Him
as Lord and accept that personal relationship He offers us today.
IV. Who Is Jesus Christ To Me?
(Personal Testimony: 3-5 minutes) The speaker should give a brief sharing on his/her personal relationship with Jesus
Christ.
V. Conclusion
Note: The speaker will show again the flashcards used in the game earlier. However, the taglines will no longer be used
to describe the brands that they represent; instead they will be used to describe Jesus Christ. (E.g. Jesus is like Adidas
Impossible is nothing with Him. Jesus is like Rexona He never lets you down etc.) This will further strengthen or enhance
what had been discussed in Session 2, in relation to Jesus Christ being a personal God.
God loves you. That's pretty good news, but it gets even better. Not only does He love you, but He wants to have a
friendship with you. (John 15:13-15)

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Think about it. Jesus Christ wants to have a personal relationship with you. He already knows
you, and He wants you to know Him.
DISCUSSION STARTERS:
1. How would you describe your relationship with Jesus Christ now?
2. Who is Jesus Christ to you? What can you do to respond to His invitation of having a personal relationship with Him?

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Youth Camp
Session 3: Repentance, Faith, Forgiveness and Healing

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Goal
To lead people into repentance and turn to a renewed faith in Jesus Christ.

Specific Objectives
At the end of the session, the participants should be able to:
Express their realizations of past wrongdoings.
Decide to repent from sin, turn to a renewed faith in Jesus Christ and forgive those who have caused them hurts in the
past.

Methodology
Talk Proper
Sharer
Activity

-
-
-

20 to 30 minutes
5 minutes
20 to 30 minutes

Sharer
YFL member who will share on his / her past struggles with sin or how with Gods grace he / she has now overcome
these.

Expanded Outline
I. Introduction
We have heard that Jesus Christ is all that He claimed; possessing all authority in Heaven and Earth, a powerful God who
performs miracles and forgives sins.
But besides all claims, we see that He is also a personal God. We have heard how He understands us deeply and how He is
closer to us than we think. We learned that He himself invites us into a personal relationship with Him.
In this session, we will learn how we can respond to His love and invitation.
II. Repentance and Faith
Jesus Christ began His preaching ministry with these words, "The right time has come and the Kingdom of God is near!
Turn away from your sins and believe in the Gospel." (Mark 1:15), or repent and have faith. He used these words because
repentance and faith are the first steps we need to take to truly respond to God's love and His invitation for us.
1. Repentance
Sinfulness in our lives and the hurts we've experienced are hindrances in coming to Jesus Christ and receiving His spirit.
This is the reason why He called those who came to Him to repentance.

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a. What is Repentance
The Greek word for repentance is metanoia, which literally means a change of mind.
An act of the will; a decision
Hence, Repentance is a decision to turn away from sin and look towards God.
b. Misconceptions about Repentance
You are repentant only when you:
Feel terrible about yourself
Some people believe that repentance is sincere only when you despise yourself because you are a hopeless
sinner.

Feel regret
Sometimes repentance is brought about due to the negative consequences of what was done and the regret
that comes after, not because the sin was evil. (Feeling sorry you were caught cheating in an exam. If you
weren't caught you wouldn't have been as sorry).
Get rid of all tendency to sin
Some people think that true repentance can only happen when we are able to rid ourselves of the tendency
to sin. But that will never happen. What we can do, however, is to say no to temptation.
This is also the reason why many Catholics don't go to Confession, saying, "Why will I confess when I'm just
going to sin again?"
All of these may be effects of Repentance but are not repentance in itself. All of these focus on feelings; Repentance is much more objective and concrete than feelings.
c. Some sins to repent from:
Rebelliousness: to parents, authorities and society, such as answering back, vandalism etc.
Cheating, lying, stealing, cursing, green jokes, slander and gossip.
Abuse of alcohol, using illegal drugs.
Sexual sins: necking, petting, pornography, masturbation, homosexual acts, etc.
Horoscope, superstition, spiritualism, non-Christian religions.
Note: Give examples that are appropriate to the Participants. The speaker should be able to explain why these
sins are actually wrong. These sins have been so widely accepted that people do not see them as immoral anymore.

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The speaker must also be able share how to turn away from these sins and he must be able to
make the Participants realize that what is important is for them not to feel terrible about themselves for
past sins, but for them to decide to turn away from these sins.

d. What must we do to repent? (4 H : Attitudes to take in repentance)


Honesty - call sin a sin. (Some say sin is a growth experience or that cheating during exams is sharing)
Humility - Admit you fell into sin because you are weak and that you need God to overcome your sins.
Hate the sin - Hate sin and not the sinner. If you hate sin you'll stay away from it and you won't make any justifications for doing it (I am just human" or "somebody else made me do it").
Have a good confession. - Go to confession and ask God for forgiveness. Confession allows us to be humble,
showing God that we need Him.
2. Faith
a. We need to place our faith and trust in Jesus Christ, believing that when we come to Him in repentance, He will
conquer all our sinfulness and that He will forgive us and heal us of our sins.
To have faith is to be sure of the things we hope for; to be certain of the things we cannot see. (Heb 11:1)

b. The kind of faith that we are talking about is primarily shown in Matthew 14:22-33.
Faith that believes in what God said.
When Jesus Christ told Peter that he could walk on the water, although he knew it was humanly impossible,
he still believed. In the same way, when Jesus Christ promises that He will save us from our sins, we should
believe that He can and He will.
The same kind of faith is also seen in Matthew 8:5-13. When a Roman Officer approached Jesus Christ and
told Him that his servant was lying at home paralyzed and suffering dreadfully, Jesus Christ said that He would
come to his house to cure his servant. At this, the Roman Officer expressed humility saying Lord, I am not
worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant will be healed. The Roman Officer,
who has the authority to command a hundred men, expressed faith in the power of Jesus mere word. Jesus
said to him, You may go; as you have believed, let it be done for you.
Faith is more than mere feelings. Faith is taking action because faith without action is dead.
Peter acted in spite of fear. He was scared of drowning, and yet he still took the first step out the boat. He
believed in what Jesus Christ said that faith is not a feeling but rather a decision that we should make. Faith is
deciding to put our trust in Jesus Christ.
The same kind of faith is also seen in Mark 5:25-34. A woman afflicted with hemorrhages (large discharge of
blood) for twelve years had heard about Jesus Christ and came to see Him. She said, If I can just touch his
clothes, I will be healed. Then, she touched Jesus cloak. Jesus affirmed her act of faith afterwards when He
said Dear woman, you are made well because you believed. Go in peace; be healed of your disease. The
woman acted on her faith by touching Jesus Christs clothes.

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Faith is not just a feeling; our actions are the greatest expression of faith.
Note: Repentance and Faith go together. We cannot have one without the other.

III. Forgiveness and Healing


1. Forgiveness
In the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant found in Matthew 18:21-35, it is said that the kingdom once had a king who
decided to settle accounts with his servants. We are the servants in the story. We have debts to the king who is God in the
form of our sins. The parable tells us:
a. God is a forgiving God. He forgives those who confess their sins and genuinely ask for forgiveness. (Matthew
18:26)
b. God is a compassionate and kind God. He is willing to forgive us even if we cannot repay for our sins. (Matthew
18:25-27)
We are also being asked to forgive those who have sinned against us.
a. What Christ demands from us is limitless forgiveness. (Matthew 18:22)
b. We have received the great forgiveness of God; therefore, we must not refuse to forgive others. (Matt18:28-30)
c. Whom must we forgive?
Ones own self
Our parents, brothers or sisters, relatives
Our friends, schoolmates, teachers
Others
And when God forgives us, He never makes any record of our wrong doings, He sees us as new creations. He will cleanse
us and heal us from all the wrongs we have done. (1 John 1:9)
2. Healing
We all know that Jesus Christ is a great healer. He cured many illnesses and diseases during His ministry here on Earth. Up
to now, He still heals people. He heals us from our sinfulness and our hurts from our past experiences. Jesus Christ fully
understands that we need healing from our sinfulness and hurts because these are obstacles from totally receiving God's
grace.
a. Healing Occurs:
When we humbly approach God for healing. (Matthew 8:5-6, Mark 5:27)
When we put our faith in Him. (Matthew 8:8, Mark 5:28)
When we ask for forgiveness because God forgave our sins, we also learn how to show great love for others.
(Luke 7:47)
When we forgive when we forgive others, we gain inner peace, we thus gain inner healing.
When we serve others when we focus on helping others heal instead of focusing on ourselves.
b. Healing through Forgiveness

Healing will not be complete if we haven't forgiven ourselves and those who have hurt us.

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Share how hurts in the different areas of our life listed below can hinder us from
drawing near to God, and how forgiveness begins the process of healing.
Ones own self
Our parents and family
Our friends and classmates
Forgiveness and healing also go together; we cannot have one without the other.
Note: The speaker may call on 1-2 sharers at this point to share about Repentance, Faith, Forgiveness or Healing.

IV. Conclusion
God wants us to experience the fullness of life in His love, by knowing Him personally. However, our sins and hurts block
much of His blessings for us.
Jesus Christ wants to remove these hindrances and extend His mercy towards us, but we have to do our part and repent
from these sins. We need to believe that He will forgive and strengthen us and bring us healing.
Only then can we fully receive God's blessing, His Holy Spirit which strengthens us and allows us to live lives truly pleasing
to God.

Activity
Requirements:
Pens
Pieces of paper
Priest(s)
Process:
After the session, on the piece of paper provided, ask the participants to list down all their sins and all the people they
have hurt, or have hurt them in any way. Then, the team leader leads them to a short prayer; asking God for forgiveness for
the sins they have committed and healing for all the hurts they have. The team leader must mention in the prayer that the
participants are letting go of these things that they have written down, and are lifting these up to God. This symbolizes the
rejection so all the sins they have written, and their closure from all the hurts they hold from other people. The participants
are then asked to throw away the piece of paper into a trash bin placed in front of the session hall. Keep the activity simple.
There is no need for any dramatic effect.
However, it is important to emphasize to the participants that real forgiveness from God for the sins they have committed
can only be attained through confession. Thus, after the activity, the participants are then asked to go to confession. Only
in extreme cases where there are no priests available, the speaker must encourage the participants to still have confession
after the Youth Camp.
Note: After the participants have confessed, they are asked to write a letter for their parents. The facilitators
must encourage the participants to express in the letter how much they really love their parents and to ask
forgiveness for any hurts that they may have caused them.

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Youth Camp
Session 4: Receiving Gods Gift: The Power of the Holy Spirit

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Goal
To lead people to receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit and the gift of tongues.

Specific Objectives
At the end of the session, the participants should be able to:
Continue being open to receiving the power of the Holy Spirit.
Worship in the Spirit.
Appreciate the importance of the gift of tongues and exercise it.

Methodology



Talk Proper
-
20 to 30 minutes
Baptism / Pray-over -
60 to 90 minutes (It depends on the number of participants)
Worship (2 fast songs and 1slow song only)
Closing Exhortation

Expanded Outline
I. Introduction
If you compare the Christians of today with the early Christians, you will find that they were very much different.

a. Christians today:
Christians today can't seem to live as they should; they seem weak and they lack conviction. (Give examples / illustrate)
However, Christians were not always like that.
b. Christians before:
The Christians in the early Church possessed certain strength and boldness of character. They had this power that
attracted many from all races and walks of life to join this group of mere fishermen, slaves, Gentiles and Jews.
What was this power that transformed 12 insignificant men and their brethren into the pillars that established
Christendom? It wasn't human might or intellect but it was the Power of the Holy Spirit; the same Spirit that continues to fill and transform the lives of so many Christians today.
Do you want to be like the early Christians and make a difference?
II. The Power of the Holy Spirit
a.

Misconceptions:

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The Holy Spirit is just God's messenger.
The Holy Spirit is just the dove in Jesus Christ's baptism.
There is no such thing as a Holy Spirit; theres only God.
b. The Holy Spirit is God, the 3rd Person in the Blessed Trinity.
c. God's promised spirit
A new heart and a new spirit (Ezekiel 36:26-27)
God promised a spirit that will enable all men to follow Him. He promised to give men "A new heart and a
new Spirit...
Gods Spirit brings about:
The Valley of the Dry Bones (Ezekiel 37:1-14)
This story illustrates to us what the power of His Holy Spirit can do.
In scriptures, the wind is often used to refer to Gods Sprit.
Union with God
When we receive the power of the Holy Spirit, we begin a personal and intimate relationship with God.
Gods word becomes alive in us as we read scripture. We hear Him speaking to us in our hearts and we
experience Him touching our very lives.

A new nature (Galatians 5:22 - 23)
As we grow in our personal relationship with God, He slowly molds us into His likeness, removing the selfishness in our hearts, making us more loving, more like Jesus.

Power to serve (Acts 1:8)
Gods Spirit empowers us to serve, giving us the boldness to speak His words and making us willing to face
the challenge of bringing others closer to Him despite the many difficulties and trials we may face.
Note: In sharing the 3 points above, the speaker should share his own experiences of these 3 points.

III. How do we receive the Power of the Holy Spirit?


a. The Coming of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-8)
Note: The speaker must narrate this passage in his own words

Praying for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit may not be exactly like this event but we can take certain points from it
to help and guide us in receiving the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.
i. We ask. (Luke 11:9-10)
In faith, we know that when we ask for it, it will be given to us.

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What do we specifically ask for?
A personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Spiritual Gifts (1 Corinthians 12:4-11)
These are gifts that God gives to help us in our Christian lives:
Prophecy
Healing
Wisdom
Knowledge
Miracles
Faith
Discernment
Praying in Tongues
Interpretation of Tongues
Note: The speaker must briefly explain each Spiritual Gift. This explanation does not need to be detailed as the
facilitators should have already explained it to the participants during their one to ones.

Explanation of the Gift of Tongues:


It is a gift of prayer - It is a prayer that only God can understand and only we can speak. Because of this
spiritual gift, ones soul is able to communicate what it really wants to express to God.
This spiritual gift pleases God. We humble ourselves when we pray in a language we don't understand.
This total humility pleases God.
The gift of tongues becomes a doorway to the other spiritual gifts. It allows us to access and use them in
a better manner.
Note: The speaker must state that all the spiritual gifts are important and must not highlight too much
the gift of Tongues.

ii. We have Faith. (Luke 11:13)


We should believe that when we ask for God's Holy Spirit, He will surely give it.
b. Hindrances to receiving the Holy Spirit.
Unrepentant Attitude (I am never wrong)
Sin alienates us from God. When we refuse to be repentant for our sins, we keep ourselves from experiencing
God and His Spirit. This is why we need to go to confession.
Feeling of Unworthiness (Am I worthy?)
Everyone is unworthy, what the Lord requires is simply a humble spirit that approaches Him in repentance and
asks for forgiveness.

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Pride (I am too cool for this)
Pride keeps us from acknowledging our need for God, and asking Him into our lives, but God will keep on
knocking until we're humble enough to ask Him in.
If we're afraid of looking foolish, we must humble ourselves if we are to receive God's Spirit.
Doubt (Is this for real)
Focus on what is true. God promised His spirit and He never breaks His promises to His people.
IV. Conclusion
1. Recall Ezekiel 37:1-14
2. Living the Christian life is very difficult. But we have hope in God's promised Spirit. This Spirit is the one which strengthens us and gives us the gifts we need in order for us to live, as true sons and daughters of God.
Note: Our next activity will be the commitment ceremony and pray over session. The speaker must give the
participants a general view of what they can expect.

ACTIVITY:
1. Baptism of the Holy Spirit / Pray Over Session
Our purpose tonight is to ask the Lord for the power of His Holy Spirit that will enable us to live as true Christians. To do
this, we will first have to come before our Lord, believe and accept Him as our personal Lord and Savior and commit our
lives to Him. After this, we will pray with one another for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit
a. This is not a new baptism. We were all baptized when we became Catholics. What we want to do now is to pray
for one another so that we can immerse ourselves in God's Spirit and be empowered as Christians.
b. Explain the process of Baptism / Pray-over session.
First, we will be having a Commitment to Christ Ceremony where you will be given the opportunity to decide
for yourselves if you want to follow Jesus Christ.
After this, your discussion group leaders will approach you and bring you somewhere more conducive and
private for the pray-over session.
Process of Praying-over:
Prayer of Thanksgiving: Your discussion group leaders will thank the Lord for the commitment that you
just made.
Prayer of Deliverance: Casting out the works of Satan in your life. ("In the name of Jesus, spirit of deceit
we cast you out".)
Prayer for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit / spiritual gifts.
After the Pray-over session.

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Go back to your seat; we will end together once everyone has been prayed for.
We encourage you to continue to be in an atmosphere of prayer.
2. Final tips
a. Relax.
The pray over session, and your decision to follow the Lord, are very important, but don't let this make you anxious. Relax and be at peace, this will make it easier for you to open up to the Lord.
b. Do not expect a particular experience.
Expecting one particular type of experience might keep you from recognizing God's work in you. God knows you
more than you know yourself. He knows exactly how He should touch you.
c. Don't analyze the sounds you make.
In speaking or praying in tongues, just focus on the Lord and praise Him. What comes out of your mouth and how
you praise God is already up to Him.
d. Initiate.
God respects you, and will not force you to praise Him in tongues. You just have to try and initiate praying in a
language you do not know, and then God will inspire you and give you the words to say.
(E.g. Even if God has already inspired you to write a song, the song will never be heard unless you actually pickup a guitar, play the tune and write the words. In the same way, you can only begin praying in tongues when you
initiate it.)
Focus on God. Worship Him in your own words.
Once you've run out of words to worship God, utter the first syllables that come into your mind and use this
for worship.
Focus on worshipping God and not the words you use to worship, then let God take control.
3. Commitment Ceremony
a. After the explanation, the speaker asks the participants to meditate about all the sessions, especially Session 4.
b. While the participants are meditating, a meditative song may be played (Lord I offer my life / God alone / Here I
am Lord, Strong Arm)
c. After the song is sung, the speaker asks those who want to make a commitment to Christ to stand up. Then, the
Prayer of Commitment will be recited together.

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COMMITMENT TO CHRIST
Leader

: Do you renounce Satan and all wrongdoing?

Participant

: Yes, I do.

Leader

: Do you believe that Jesus is the Son of God, that He died to free you from sins and that He rose
from the dead to bring you new life?

Participant

: Yes, I do.

Leader

: Do you choose to follow Jesus as your Lord, to love Him, honor Him and obey Him?

Participant

: Yes, I will.
PRAYER OF COMMITMENT
(Ask participants to repeat after you.)

Lord Jesus Christ, / I want to belong to you from now on. / I want to be free / from the dominion of darkness / and the rule
of Satan, / and I want to enter into your kingdom / and be part of your people. / I will turn away from all wrong doing, /
and I will avoid everything / that leads me to wrongdoing. / I ask you to forgive / all the sins that I have committed / I offer
my life to you, / and I promise to obey you as my Lord.
d. Everyone is then asked to be seated, and wait for their turn to be prayed over.
4. Pray Over Session
V. Worship
Note: Worship leader must be different from the speaker.

How great our God is. Our experience in this camp is all about God loving us immensely. Now, our response is to love him
back through praises and thanksgiving. This calls for a celebration of Gods love. We are to worship him.
1. What is Worship?
Worship is being able to come into the loving, healing and mighty presence of God and being able to acknowledge that HE
ALONE IS GOD loving, healing and mighty! Worship is not about us it is all about Him.
2. How do we worship?
Come before Gods presence focusing on Him alone. We sing praises and thanksgiving to the Lord. (St. Augustine once
said - He who sings, prays twice.) First, we utter all our praises to Him spontaneously. Then we sing songs of praise and
worship to God. After doing these, we sing in the spirit and pray in tongues. Afterwards, we voice out our prayers to Him
by following A.C.T.S. flow of prayer-Adoration, Contrition, Thanksgiving and Supplication.
Feel free to raise your hands, jump, sing aloud, dance pleasing and glorifying the Lord. Cite examples. (E.g. Worship is just
like a concert or serenade for God.)

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Lets all praise and worship our God.
Note: The Line-up of worship songs should include three songs only - two fast and one slow. Remember that it will be
the participants first worship, it should not take long.
VI. Closing Exhortation
1. Different people different experiences.
Some may have prayed in tongues, cried or simply felt God's presence. Others may have had a very simple experience. The Holy Spirit comes to each of us differently.
An emotional experience is not an indication of God's Holy Spirit. Rather, focus on the fact, that you committed
yourself to Jesus Christ and that is what is most important. If you did ask for His Spirit, whatever experience you
had, He surely gave it to you.
2. Satan will tempt you to doubt.
He will never cease in trying to take away the treasure you have just received today.
3. Don't expect all your problems to go away.
Focus on the truth that you now you have God and through all your problems, He will always be there for you.
Simply because He is always by your side, these problems will never overwhelm you.
4. Go easy on sharing with others what you have experienced.
All of these things were first explained to you before they were done. Do not expect your friends to understand
you right away.
Try to explain what you went through in a very ordinary and understandable way. Better yet, share to them what
you experienced by showing the change in you, as Jesus Christ begins to dwell at the center of your life.
5. Be faithful. Do not stifle the Spirit.
Like any gift, the gift you received tonight can be lost, so you must always use it.
You committed to follow the Lord, be faithful to that decision.
Have a daily prayer time where you can experience and get to know God. Your prayer time is when He can slowly
but surely work in your life daily.
When the Holy Spirit comes upon you, you will be filled with power and you will be witnesses for Me in Jerusalem in all of Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth.- Acts 1:8
Note: Encourage the participants to be faithful in their commitment to the Lord. God has begun a powerful
work in their lives today, He will always be faithful to us, and by His Holy Spirit we can be faithful to Him.

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CFC YOUTH FOR FAMILY AND LIFE


Youth Camp
Session 5: Growing in the Spirit
Goal
To teach the basic tools to growth and maturity as Christians.

Specific Objectives
At the end of the session, the participants should be able to:
Realize that beyond receiving the power of the Holy Spirit, there is a need to grow in it.
Appreciate each of the tools God provides for growth and start to use them.

Methodology
Talk Proper
Dedication Ceremony
Parent-Child Dialogue

-
-
-

20 to 30 minutes
20 minutes
30 minutes

Expanded Outline
I. Introduction
We heard and did so many good things in this Youth Camp. First, we heard how great Gods love is, and because of this love,
we responded to His invitation for us to have a personal relationship with Him. Furthermore, we lifted up all our sins and
hurts to God, through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, as these are obstacles that hinder us from receiving Gods grace.
Last night, we even received His Holy Spirit. Everyone here, in one way or another, has experienced God's goodness this
weekend. Now, after all these, when we go back to our homes and schools, what is in store for us?
In this session, we'd like to share with you how best to sustain our renewed relationship with God.
II. How can we grow as Sons and Daughters of God?
We know, undoubtedly now more than ever, that God's love for us is great; that His Holy Spirit is real and that He is truly
within us. God is truly great and all His plans for us are really for our own good.
However, when we leave this venue, what is in store for us, after the Youth Camp? What will happen once we go back and
be with our old friends and classmates? Most of them will certainly not understand what we have gone through this weekend. They might even brand us as weird, when we share to them our experiences in this Youth Camp.
Because of these reasons, it is very important for our hearts to take on the right posture.
1. Posture of our Hearts:
a. We have God's gift of salvation. (Eph 2:8)
When we leave this place, we should be convicted that what we experienced was truly a gift from God for our salvation. The way to God through Jesus is the only way and we should resist any idea that tells us otherwise.
b.
We have God's Spirit. (Acts 1:8)

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We now have God's Spirit within us; to strengthen, protect and help us overcome all obstacles that
may hinder us to grow more as men and women of God.
c. We need to grow in our Life in the Spirit. (James 1:23)
We must do our part in order for us to grow in our relationship with God. Everything we have heard in this Youth
Camp will be of no help to us, unless we start practicing it in our own personal lives. Hence, we need to invest time
and effort for our spiritual growth
2. Tools for Christian Growth: The Four Spokes
In YFL, we have the different tools needed for Christian spiritual growth. All of these tools are available for us and
would help us nurture the graces we have received and will allow us to receive so much more.
Note: You can illustrate this portion by relating the tools for Christian growth to the four spokes of a wheel. The
wheels outer rim represents our Christian life, which draws power from the hub or center of the wheel; which
in turn represents Jesus Christ. The power is transmitted through the four spokes of the wheel. If any one of the
four spokes is missing, the wheel will not function properly.

a.

Prayer and Study of Scriptures

We need to spend time with God in prayer and we need to read scriptures for us to grow in our relationship with Him.

Steps to take:
Decide on having prayer time of at least 15 minutes a day.
Decide on a specific time of the day, and keep it sacred.
Find a place where you will not be disturbed or distracted.
Choose a flow you are comfortable with.
ACTS: Adoration, Contrition, Thanksgiving, and Supplication.
Read the Bible readings for the day
Use daily prayer journals, devotionals and reflection guides

Praying the Rosary

In our Catholic faith, the intercession of Mother Mary is a very powerful tool. Devotion to Mother Mary is an
essential part of what we believe in. As Catholics, we need to pray the Rosary everyday.
Reading Christian Books, Magazines and Websites
By reading Christian books, magazines and websites we can draw on new insights and learn new things about
God through other peoples personal experiences and reflections.
b. Fellowship
Fellowship refers to everything that YFL members do together. It is being one as brothers and sisters in Christ through fun
and friendship.
Fellowship is important to us.

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It is in our nature to enjoy the company of people our age. It is for this reason that teenagers
have their own groups in the neighborhood, and fraternities and sororities in school.
For young people like us, we feel the need to belong. Oftentimes, this leads to peer pressure, which could be
either positive or negative.
YFL provides a real environment where genuine friendship can happen.
Here is where well meet true friends who will accept us for who we are and be loyal to us. In YFL, we can experience positive peer pressure, with friends encouraging us to live our lives according to Gods plan.
YFL is a venue where building strong bonds of friendship and brotherhood are considered as important goals
of its activities like Parties, Household Meetings, Assemblies, Conferences and Mission Trips.
c. Service
Young people are endowed with a lot of gifts and talents that oftentimes are not utilized productively, especially
in serving God. We believe that with God as motivation, young people, like us, will be able to share their gifts and
talents in serving God and others.
Ways we can serve:
We serve God by the way we live. We give witness to our faith in Jesus Christ; by the way we live our lives.
(James 2:1417)
Be aware of opportunities to share your faith, either through words or actions, to your family, friends, neighbors, and classmates.

We serve God by fulfilling the responsibilities He gave us in our life; as sons and daughters, as brothers and
sisters, as students, etc.
We serve God by making our resources and ourselves available for His work.
YFL is an evangelistic and missionary community of young adults. Our mission is to bring God to other teenagers.
By doing this, we develop a sense of mission. We share our time, talent and treasure to make a real effort to
serve God through whatever service; as speakers, facilitators, music ministry etc.
d. Sacraments
We should be aware that another important tool that will enhance our Christian growth is to participate in the
sacraments of the Church. This includes attending Mass on Sundays, having a regular Confession, and receiving
Holy Communion.
In addition, we will also grow in our relationship with God if we serve actively in our parishes as lectors, sacristans,
or as part of the choir.

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III. Conclusion
God calls us to live a life that is pleasing to Him. He loved us first and He even died for us. He even gave us His Holy
Spirit. But more than all these things, God gives us tools for us to grow in our relationship with Him. Now, the ball is in our
hands.
We're not saying that after going through this Youth Camp, we'll be living perfect Christian lives. Chances are, we'll probably still fail, but it's our decision to stand up again and that is whats important. God died for us. Now it's time that we live
for Him.
IV. Activity
1. Dedication Ceremony
NOTE: Either the team leader, or the speaker may conduct the Dedication Ceremony. This segment is done immediately after the Growing in the Spirit session is given.

As we end our camp today and as we leave this place our prayer is that we will be convicted to live a good Christian
lifestyle. Yet I believe that we can never be able to do it alone because:
a. Christian Life is not easy
We need an environment that will support us (Mt 13:4-9). Just like the seeds in the Parable of the Sower, CFC
YFL provides fertile soil that we can grow in and where we can develop further as Gods sons and daughters.
YFL will provide that environment
The service team is proof that YFL provides such an environment.
b. Christian Life is Purpose Driven
We need a community with a purpose! Christians endure many persecutions and go the extra mile in bringing
people closer to God simply because they are driven by these purposes: Worship, Fellowship, Discipleship,
Ministry and Evangelism.
CFC Youth for Family and Life is driven by the same purposes but translated into
H Honoring God (Worship); praising and giving glory to God.
E Empower (Discipleship); teaching others of Gods ways.
A Act (Ministry); using ones talents and abilities to serve God and others.
R Relate (Fellowship); being one with family, brothers and sisters and the Church.
T Testify (Evangelism); making Gods love known to all.

The Purpose Statement of YFL


CFC Youth for Family and Life exists to provide an environment for the youth to Honor God through a life of holiness,
to Empower them to Act in humble service, to encourage them to Relate in joy with their family, community and the
Church and to Testify Gods love. Simply put, we exist to have the H.E.A.R.T.
c. Christian Life is a Commitment

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Read to the participants the YFL Covenant.
Explain briefly to the participants what the YFL Covenant is all about.
Ask the participants to reflect upon this covenant and if they want to make it their covenant as well ask
them to stand up as a sign of commitment to the CFC YFL Covenant
Pray over the participants and in a prayerful mood ask them to write one concrete action they will do to live
out their covenant.
d. Some participants may be discouraged to join YFL upon hearing the YFL Covenant.
Make it clear to them that the YFL Covenant is simply a goal we all strive for.
Accepting the YFL Covenant simply means that we will support one another in striving for this goal.

CFC Youth for Family and Life Covenant


1. I shall live as a follower of Christ.
Pray and read the Bible daily.
Strive for holiness and Christian perfection.
2. I dedicate myself to the task of building a strong family for Christ.
Invest myself in time and effort for home and family.
Live out and defend the culture of life.
3. I shall be a committed and active member of CFC Youth for Family and Life.



Faithfully attend meetings and participate in official activities.


Give generously of my time and finances for the furtherance of our mission.
Undergo all formation courses and participate in community events.
Relate in love, loyalty and respect with all members of the CFC family.

4. I shall be a witness to the world of Gods love.


Actively evangelize and do mission.
Love and serve my parish.
Love and care for the poor.
2. Dialogue With Parents
a. After the Dedication Ceremony, the team leader distributes the letter from the parents to the participants.
b. The couple coordinator meanwhile welcomes and entertains the parents of the participants.
c. The team leader presents the participants to their parents and asks them to spend half an hour together.
i. Ask them to begin the dialogue by giving / reading to each other the letters that they had prepared for one
another.

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ii. Ask them to return for the Holy Mass.
3. Parent And Child Prayer
a. After the Dialogue with Parents, the team leader explains the following to the parents of the participants:
Your children have just made their commitment to live a Christian Life. In order to effectively support them in this,
we must seek to remove all those hindrances that keep you apart; hindrances such as hurts and resentments at
home.
b. Then the team leader asks the parents to go to their children and pray over them using this prayer, which the
speaker will read. (You may ask the parents to first say their own prayers for their children and then recite the
prayer below. The YFL couple coordinators should lead the prayer.)

PRAYER FOR CHILDREN


God has given you to me,/ (name of child) / as a gift/ to love and to guide./ I wish all good things for you./ Forgive me for
any hurts that I may have given you./ As I forgive you/ of the hurts you may have given me./ I now call upon you God's
blessings./ May the Lord bless you and keep you./ May the Lord make His face shine upon you/ and be gracious unto you./
May the Lord lift up His countenance upon you/ and give you peace. Amen.
The children will now pray over their parents. The team leader explains the following to the participants.
The people who love you the most are your parents. In loving you, they may have committed mistakes along the way,
even if they did not mean to. Quite often, these mistakes are the source of our resentments. Now, we will ask God to
heal all these hurts between you and your parents.
Then the team leader asks the participants to pray over their parents using the prayer below. This time the team leader
should lead the prayer.

PRAYER FOR PARENTS


God has given you to me,/ (Papa and Mama or Dad and Mom) / as my guides in His place/ here on earth./ I know that
you love me / and in your love / you may have committed mistakes / that hurt me. / I forgive you for these./ I want you to
know/ that I love you/ and ask for forgiveness/ for all the hurts/ I have given you./ May God bless you in everything you
do./ This I pray / in the name of Jesus Christ/ my Lord and Savior./ Amen.
Note: Have an appropriate song played at this time.

4. Welcome Ceremony
a. The service team welcomes the participants to the YFL family by going around and greeting all the participants.
b. Encourage the participants to share their experiences in the Youth Camp.
c. The team leader explains the following to the participants:
5.

Whats next?

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The Youth Camp is not an end but just the beginning of our personal walk with the Lord. As we
continue to nurture our new found relationship with God, YFL will support us:
a. Through our committed relationships.
We have a responsibility to encourage and support one another. Thus, we make a commitment to grow together
as Christian brothers and sisters.
Note: The proper YFL Greeting is now introduced to the Participants

b. Through Households.
All YFL members belong to smaller and more intimate groups that we call Households. These Households regularly meet. At the end of this Youth Camp, you will be assigned to a Household.
Note: The Team Leader explains the purpose of Households.

c. Through our teachings and formation.


d. Through our activities in community.
Activities like, regular household meetings, monthly assemblies, parties, Lord's Day celebrations, family days, WYC,
concerts etc.

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Chapter 3:

Appendices

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PARTICIPANTS ORIENTATION
TALK OUTLINE:
Note: This talks should be given by the Team Leader of the area conducting the camp.

I. Welcome the Participants


1. Make the atmosphere light and joyful.
Give jokes as an icebreaker.
2. Make it your goal to help everyone build friendships by the end of the Youth Camp. You may ask the participants to
mingle for a minute or two for them to get to know one another.
3. Welcoming Remarks:
a. Introduce yourself as the Youth Camp team leader.
b. Introduce all the service team and couple coordinators.
c. Explanation: What are they getting into? What is YFL? What is a Youth Camp?

II. Expectations
1. What the participant may expect in the Youth Camp
a. Meet new friends.
b. Have fun.
c. Know more about God and grow closer to Him.
d. Give a general picture of what the Youth Camp will be like
Note: A lot of people have different expectations about this Youth Camp. Some expect to cry or have an emotional experience while some may have no expectations at all. Others may expect to come to great revelations
or may expect to be helped in making big decisions. Although, these may happen, these are not the goals that
we are aiming for. Rather, if they come out of this Camp being able to say that they know God a little bit more,
that they are closer to Him even more Tthen, we have reached the goal of the Youth Camp.

2. Attitudes to take during the Youth Camp:


a. God brought you here.
Whatever reasons you have for being here, it was God who brought you here. He wants to do something in your
life during the Youth Camp.
b. Make the most out of the Youth Camp.
How much you give of yourselves in this Youth Camp is how much you will receive.
c. Participate, dont anticipate.
Don't keep thinking of what might happen next. But rather, participate in the present activity. Pray, when it's time
to pray. Sing, when it's time to sing. Rest, when it's time to rest.

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d. Don't analyze or criticize. Be open to new things.
e. Expect God to work.
If we truly desire Him and seek Him, we shall find Him. This is God's promise.

III. What They Should Know


Note: At this point, the team leader may pass on the microphone to the brother camp servant, as one who is
being trained for leadership, for the following information.

1. Give the Youth Camp house rules and other related important information such as the time of wake-up call, off limits
areas etc.
2. Whom to approach, if the participants need anything.
a. Practicalities (e.g. bed sheets, phones, toothpaste)
b. Emergencies (First Aid)
3. Reminder to always bring a pen, paper/notebook, and a Bible with them during the sessions.

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PARENTS ORIENTATION
TALK OUTLINE:
Note: This talks should be given by the Couple Coordinator of the area conducting the camp.

I. Welcome the Parents of the Participants


1. Make the atmosphere light and joyful. Give jokes as an icebreaker.
2. Make it your goal to help everyone feel comfortable with leaving their children at the Youth Camp. You may mingle for
a minute or two with the parents for them to get to know you better.
3. Welcoming Remarks:
a. Introduce yourself as the Youth Camp Couple Coordinator.
b. Introduce all the CFC support team and other couple coordinators in the camp.
c. Explain what are their children getting into? What is YFL? What is a Youth Camp?
CFC YFL stands for CFC Youth for Family and Life, it is the youth ministry of Couples for Christ Foundation for
Family and Life (CFC-FFL) for ALL young people from 13-21 years old.
The Youth Camp is a three days and two nights retreat where young people can hear and experience God
through various talks, prayers and fun activities.

II. Expectations
1. What the parents may expect their children to experience in the Youth Camp
a. Meet new friends.
b. Have fun.
c. Know more about God and grow closer to Him.
2. General Overview of the Youth Camp
Run through the program of activities / schedule of the camp and give them an overview of all the talks and activities
in the Youth Camp
3. Our Posture for this Youth Camp should be:
a. God brought you and your children here.
Whatever reasons you or your children may have for being here, it was God who brought you here. He wants to do
something in your children and with your family life during this Youth Camp.
b. Trust
Don't worry of what might happen to your children in the camp. We ask you to trust us with the care of your children and we a sure you that they are in good hands for the next few days with us. This Youth Camp is also a good
opportunity for us to show our children that we trust them by not continuously keeping an eye on them.
c. Expect God to work.
If we truly desire Him and seek Him, we shall find Him. This is God's promise to everyone of us here, it is also Gods
promise to you and to your children. I believe that through this camp God is doing something great in your family
life!

III. What They Should Know


1.

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of the camp. This will help your children to reflect more about their life and their relationships with you and their siblings. Hence, the next three days I will be standing as the second parent of
all participants in the camp. I will stay in this venue together with your children for the whole duration of the camp.
In case you need to communicate or visit your children please dont hesitate to contact me. (Please give your contact
details to them)
2. Give the Youth Camp house rules that their children will need to follow inside the camp (ex. No smoking and drinking)
and other related important information such as the time of wake-up call, off limits areas etc.
3. In the last session / talk of the youth camp (most likely to be a Sunday) we ask you to please be here at 10:00 am with
a love letter for your children. Your presence and your letters are very important part of the session.
4. End the orientation by thanking the parents for giving you the opportunity to bring the youth closer to God

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PARENTS FORUM
TALK OUTLINE:
Note: This talk should be given by the Couple Coordinator of the area conducting the camp. This is a 20-30 min
forum given to all of the parents before the parent and child pray over and dialogue. This talk is given simultaneously with the participants talk 5: Growing in the Spirit

I. Welcome all the Parents


1. Make the atmosphere light and joyful. Give jokes as an icebreaker. You may mingle for a minute or two with the parents for them to get to know you better.
2. Honor the parents for allowing their children to attend the youth camp and for giving their time in this very important last day of the youth camp. Thank also the parents for trusting you with their children during the duration of the
Camp

II. Welcoming Remarks


Introduce yourself as the Youth Camp Couple Coordinator and all the CFC support team and other couple coordinators in
the camp. Again explain briefly what is YFL and what is a Youth Camp? Considering some of the parents might not have
attended the parents orientation at the start of the youth camp.
CFC YFL stands for CFC Youth for Family and Life; it is the youth ministry of Couples for Christ Foundation for Family
and Life (CFC-FFL) for ALL young people from 13-21 years old.
The Youth Camp is a three days and two nights retreat where young people can hear and experience God through
various talks, prayers and fun activities. This is the entry point for a youth to be a member of CFC Youth for Family
and life.
1. Explain what happened to their children during the youth camp.
They had just finished listening to 5 Sessions namely: Gods Love and His plans for us; Who is Jesus Christ to me;
Repentance, faith, forgiveness and healing; Receiving the power of the Holy Spirit and Growing in the Holy Spirit.
They were thought basics of prayer and worship.
They met new friends both participants and service team.
Some of them have shared their talents such as singing, dancing and playing musical instruments.
They had the sacrament of confession.
Note: A YFL Service Team member could give a 3-5min sharing about the current Youth Camp Experience with
the participants. It should highlight what the participants have been up to inside the camp. The YFL Service
Team member should also share his or her personal youth camp experience and how God change him or her for
the better through the CFC YFL Community.

2. Explain what will happened after the youth camp


The Youth Camp is not an end but just the beginning of our personal walk with the Lord. As we continue to help your children nurture their new found relationship with God, we would like to ask for your support in achieving this by allowing
your children to:
a. Attend Their Households.
All YFL members belong to smaller and more intimate groups that we call Households. These Households regularly meet. At the end of this Youth Camp, your children will be assigned to a Household.
b. Attend Their Assemblies
All YFL members attends a monthly chapter assembly that give teachings to your children in living out their renewed conviction and love for God

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c. Attend Activities
By allowing them to attend official CFC YFL Activities your children can sustain and develop the
friendships that they established during the Youth Camp. They will also be given opportunities to develop their
talents and create a desire in them to use such gifts in serving the Lord. They will also be lead back to the Church
because our activities allow them to serve in their respective parishes.
Hopefully, the positive experience of the Youth Camp will remain a special memory that your children may look back to and
draw strength fromthroughout their lives.
3. Important reminders
a. It is important for all the parents to understand that the renewal process of their children doesnt end in the youth
camp but a life-long process.
b. That they are still the prime mover in their childrens spiritual renewal and so we encourage them to be a source
of encouragement to your children in this process of renewal.
c. Support them in being an active member of CFC Youth for family and life.
4. Invite the parents who are non community members to join Couples for Christ Foundation for family and life. Announce the important details regarding the upcoming local Christian Life Seminar. (CLS) Note: Make sure that the local
CFC FFL will have all the contact details of all the non-CFC FFL Members for evangelization purposes.
5. Explain the process of parent and child pray over and dialogue
a. After our forum the team leader will give the go signal for all the parents to their child.
b. The couple coordinator will be leading all the parents to pray over their child.
c. The youth team leader will be leading all the participants to pray over their parents.
d. The parent and child will be given 30min. to have their dialogue at any comfortable place inside or outside the
session hall. They could start the conversation by reading each others love letters.
e. Everyone is expected to go back at the session hall for the next activity.

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CFC YOUTH FOR FAMILY AND LIFE | 2011

YOUTH CAMP MANUAL

CFC YOUTH FOR FAMILY AND LIFE


SAMPLE YOUTH CAMP INVITATION LETTER FOR PARENTS

47

September 25, 2008


Dear Mr. and Mrs. Valencia,
Christ's Peace be with you!
Your child has been invited to a Youth Camp scheduled on October 14 to 16, 2008 to be held at Alpadi Renewal Center,
Alpadi Estate, Antipolo, Rizal. The Youth Camp serves as the entry point to CFC Youth for Family and Life (YFL), the youth
ministry of Couples for Christ Foundation for Family and Life (CFC FFL). It is an experience, which will afford your child the
opportunity to know Jesus Christ in a personal way and build lasting Christian friendships with other young adults, through
a program consisting of talks and sharings as well as fun-filled activities which utilize their talents and skills.
The success of this program largely depends on your involvement, especially after the Youth Camp. In this regard, we
would like to share with you more features of the YFL program through a Parents Orientation scheduled on Saturday, October 8, 2008, 6 pm to 7 pm to be held at the San Antonio de Padua Parish Hall.
The camp fee of Php 650.00 will cover complete board and lodging and Youth Camp materials. Please let us know if there
are any financial constraints, so we can make arrangements for your child ahead of time. Registration for the Youth Camp
will be from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. of the first day.
Your children are enjoined to bring clothing provisions good for two nights and two days. Also, if so desired, your children
may bring additional snacks. Kindly accomplish the attached reply form and information sheet so that we include your child
in the list of participants.
We are looking forward to seeing you and your child at the Youth Camp.
Thank you and God bless!
Yours in the service of Christ,
Bert and Linda Ramos
Couple Coordinators
San Antonio de Padua Parish
CFC Youth for Family and Life
Noted By:
Jess Faustino
San Antonio de Padua Parish
Chapter Head
Couples For Christ Foundation for Family and Life

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48

SAMPLE YOUTH CAMP REPLY SHEET


A. FOR CHILD PARTICIPATION IN THE YOUTH CAMP
(Please check one)
I/We grant permission for our child(ren) to attend
Name of child(ren)
___________________________________

___________________________________

___________________________________

Age
__________
__________
__________

I/We regret that our young adults cannot attend for the following reasons:
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________

B. FOR PARENTS ORIENTATION
(Please check one)

Mother and Father will attend


Father only will attend
Mother only will attend
Guardian will attend

__________________________________
FATHER'S SIGNATURE
(over printed name)

__________________________________
MOTHER'S SIGNATURE
(over printed name)

________________________________
GUARDIANS SIGNATURE
(Sign over printed name. State relationship to participant)
Address: __________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________ Tel. # : ________________________________________

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CFC YOUTH FOR FAMILY AND LIFE | 2011

YOUTH CAMP MANUAL

CFC YOUTH FOR FAMILY AND LIFE


SAMPLE YOUTH CAMP INVITATION LETTER FOR PRIESTS

49

September 25, 2008


The Reverend Father Arturo E. Santos
Parish Priest
San Antonio de Padua Parish
Dear Father Art,
Greetings of Joy!
On October 14 to 16, 2008, the San Antonio de Padua Parish chapter of CFC Youth for Family and Life (YFL) will hold a Youth
Camp at Alpadi Renewal Center, Alpadi Estate, Antipolo, Rizal. The Youth Camp serves as the entry point to YFL, the youth
ministry of Couples for Christ Foundation for Family and Life (CFC FFL). It is an experience, which will afford young adults
the opportunity to know Jesus Christ in a personal way and build lasting Christian friendships with other young adults
through a program, consisting of talks and sharings as well as fun-filled activities which utilize their talents and skills.
It would be a great honour if you could join us and be part of this special occasion, from April 14-16, 2008 (please see the
attached program schedule), and in particular, administer the Sacrament of Reconciliation to the participants on the 2nd
day of the Youth Camp, October 15, 2008 from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm and officiate the Holy Eucharist for us on the 3rd day
of the Youth Camp, October 16, 2008 at 11:00 am.
We are looking forward to seeing you at the Youth Camp.
Thank you and God bless!
Yours in the service of Christ,
Bert and Linda Ramos
Couple Coordinators
San Antonio de Padua Parish
CFC Youth for Family and Life
Noted By:
Jess Faustino
Chapter Head
San Antonio de Padua Parish
Couples for Christ Foundation for Family and Life

www.cfcyfl.org

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50

GENERAL SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES


DAY 1
PM
5:00 - 5:30
5:30 - 6:30
6:30 - 6:45
6:45 - 7:00

7:00 - 8:00
8:00 - 8:30
8:30 - 8:35
8:35 - 8:45
8:45 - 10:00
10:00 - 10:30
10:30 - 10:35
10:35 - 11:00
11:00

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

Service team meeting


Arrival / registration
Gathering / Teaching of songs
Orientation of participants (by team leader)
Orientation of parents (by couple coordinators)
Dinner
Gathering of participants / Teaching of songs
Opening prayer
Energizer / Games
Session 1: GODS LOVE AND HIS PLAN FOR US
Discussion groups
Announcements / Closing song (if desired)
Informal fellowship
Lights out

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

Wake up call
Breakfast
Common prayer time (include reflection)
Gathering participants / Opening song and prayer
Session 2: WHO IS JESUS CHRIST TO ME?
Discussion groups
Break
Gathering of participants/ Opening song and short prayer
Session 3: REPENTANCE, FAITH, FORGIVENESS AND HEALING
Activity and Confession
Lunch

DAY 2
AM
6:00 - 6:30
6:30 - 7:30
7:30 - 8:00
8:00 - 8:15
8:15 - 9:30
9:30 - 10:00
10:00 - 10:30
10:30 - 10:45
10:45 - 11:25
11:25 - 12:00
12:00 - 1:00

PM
1:00 - 5:30
:
One to ones / Letter writing to parents / Rest
5:30 - 6:30
:
Service team meeting with worship
6:30 - 7:30
:
Dinner
7:30 - 8:00
:
Gathering of participants / Opening prayer
8:00 - 8:45
:
Session 4: RECEIVING GOD'S GIFT: THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
8:45 - 9:00
:
Commitment to Christ ceremony
9:00 - 10:00 :
Pray-over session
10:00 - 10:15 :
Group worship
10:15 - 10:30 :
Closing exhortation
10:30 - 11:00 :
Preparation for Entertainment night
11:00 - 12:00
:
Entertainment night
12:00
:
Informal fellowship

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Note: The participants may stay up, although they should respect those who want to sleep.
Silence should be maintained.

DAY 3
AM
7:00 - 8:00
8:00 - 9:00
9:00 - 9:15
9:15 - 9:30
9:30 - 10:10
10:10 - 10:40
10:40 - 10:50
10:50 - 10:55
10:55 - 11:00
11:00 - 12:00
12:00 - 1:00

:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

Breakfast
Common prayer time / Letter to parents writing activity
Gathering / Teach of songs
Worship
Session 5: GROWING IN THE SPIRIT
Dialogue with parents
Sharing of participants
Final song
Preparation for Holy Mass
Holy Mass
Lunch (if available)

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CFC YOUTH FOR FAMILY AND LIFE


INFORMATION SHEET
District / Cluster / Chapter:
Youth Camp Date:

Name: _____________________________________________________ Nickname: ______________________________



(Surname)
(Given name)
(m.i)
Address: _________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________ Telephone#: ___________________ Birthday: _______________________
School / Grade or Year level / Course: ___________________________________________________________________
Other Seminars / Retreats Attended: (extracurricular, religious, etc.)
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
Membership in School and Parish Organizations:
ORGANIZATION
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________

POSITION / Nature of Service


___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________

Special Skills (ex. playing musical instruments, dancing, singing, etc.): __________________________________ ________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
Name of Father: _____________________________________________ Occupation: _____________________________
Name of Mother: _____________________________________________ Occupation: ____________________________
Organizations of parents: (If members of CFC FFL; please indicate Parish / District).
Father: ____________________________________________________________________________________________
Mother: ___________________________________________________________________________________________
Indicate illness that will require special attention :
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
Persons to notify in case of emergency
Name
__________________________________________
__________________________________________

www.cfcyfl.org

Relationship
Phone
________________________ __________________________
________________________ __________________________

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CFC YOUTH FOR FAMILY AND LIFE


YOUTH CAMP CHECKLIST
District / Cluster / Chapter: _______________________________________
Youth Camp Date: ______________________________________________

A. VENUE: _________________________________________________________ Tel.#____________________________


Address: (Include map if needed):
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
Camp Fee: ____________________________________________________
Number of Participants: __________________________________________
Food Provisions: _______________________________________________
Contact Person: ____________________ Tel.#_______________________
B. MATERIALS
Songbooks and Song sheets
Whiteboard w/ marker or Blackboard w/ chalk Registration materials
Information Sheets
Official Receipt and Cash Box
Pentel Pens, Ballpens, Paper
Manila Envelopes
Tape
Scissors
Stapler
IDs for Participants
First Aid and medicine
Bell
Emergency Lights

Sound System
Microphone
CD/MP3 Player
Youth Camp Manual
Holy Bible
Crucifix
Candles
Camera
Youth Camp Completion Report
Prayer Journals and Devotionals
Guitar/s
Others:
___________________________________
___________________________________


C. SERVICE TEAM
Team Leaders : __________________________________________________
Camp Servants: ___________________________________________________
Couple Coordinator(s): _____________________________________________
Speakers:
Session 1: ______________________________________
Session 2: ______________________________________
Session 3: ______________________________________
Session 4: ______________________________________
Session 5: _____________________________________

www.cfcyfl.org

Sharers:
_____________________________________
_____________________________________

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Registration Table
Brothers
_________________________________________
________________________________________
Facilitators: (ratio to participants is 1:5)

Boys:
Age:
___________________________
____
___________________________
____
___________________________
____
___________________________
____
___________________________
____
___________________________
____
___________________________
____
___________________________
____
___________________________
____

Sisters
_________________________________________
_________________________________________

Girls:
___________________________
___________________________
___________________________
___________________________
___________________________
___________________________
___________________________
___________________________
___________________________

Age:
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____

Music Ministry:
# of Guitars: ___________

Singers: _________________________________________________________________

Guitarist(s): ______________________________________________________
Keyboards: ______________________________________________________
Other Instruments: ________________________________________________
Confession:
Priest(s):________________________________________________________
Who will pick up the Priest?: ________________________________________
Address:___________________________________________________________________________________________
Phone # :______________________
Holy Mass:
Priest(s):_________________________________________________________
Who will pick up the Priest?: _________________________________________
Address: ________________________________________________________ _______________ Phone #: ___________
______________________________
Commentator: _______________________________________
Offerers: _____________________________________________
1st Reading: __________________________________________
2nd Reading: __________________________________________
Collection Basket (2): _______________________________

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D. OTHERS
Nearest Doctor: __________________________________________
Phone #: ________________________________________________
Address: ________________________________________________

Nurse in Camp: __________________________________________
Phone #: ________________________________________________
Program / Entertainment Night:
Emcee(s):_____________________________________

Bonfire set-up:
Person in Charge: ____________________________________________
firewood
food
matches
E. FOR MISSION TRIPS ONLY
Departure: ___________________________________________________________ Cost: _________________________
Destination: ______________________________________________________________ Time: _____________________
Departure date: _____________________________________________________________________________________
Terminal: __________________________________________________________________________________________
Meeting place and time: ______________________________________________________________________________
Arrival to destination
Date: _____________________________________________________________________ Time: ___________________
Terminal: __________________________________________________________________________________________
Receiving / welcoming committee:
Address & Tel.# _____________________________________________________________________________________
Itinerary
Day 1:
Day 2:
Day 3:
Day 4:
Day 5:
Day 6:
Day 7:
Day 8:
Day 9:

__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________

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CFC YOUTH FOR FAMILY AND LIFE | 2011

YOUTH CAMP MANUAL

CFC YOUTH FOR FAMILY AND LIFE


SAMPLE YOUTH CAMP COMPLETION REPORT

56

District / Cluster / Chapter: __________________________________________


Youth Camp Dat e: ________________________________________________
Youth Camp Registration Fee: _______________________________________
Youth Camp Team Leader: _________________________________________
Youth Camp Assistant Team Leader: _________________________________
Youth Camp Venue: _______________________________________________
Address: ________________________________________________________
Telephone Number: _______________________________________________
Contact Person: ___________________________________________________
Total Number of Participants: ________________________________________
Total Number of Brothers: __________________________________________
Total Number of Sisters: ____________________________________________
Total Number of Service Team: ______________________________________
Total Number of Brothers: __________________________________________
Total Number of Sisters: ___________________________________________

Accomplished by:
_____________________________________________

CFC YFL Couple Coordinator

San Antonio de Padua Parish Chapter

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CFC YOUTH FOR FAMILY AND LIFE | 2011

YOUTH CAMP MANUAL

CFC YOUTH FOR FAMILY AND LIFE


SAMPLE YOUTH CAMP HOUSE RULES

57

No one is allowed to go out the Youth Camp venue premises without the consent of the couple coordinators.
Boys are not allowed in the Girls Accommodations area. Girls are not allowed in the Boys Accommodations
area.
No Smoking. No Drinking.
Cell Phones are not allowed in the Session area.
Keep our venue clean. Throw your waste properly.
No one is allowed to stay up after Lights out.
Wake up call is at 6:00 am
Smile Always!

www.cfcyfl.org

CFC YOUTH FOR FAMILY AND LIFE | 2011

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