I just had my second leadership training camp at Lola Corazon's Leisure Farm entitled, Luminos. It was beyond my expectation for it was really the best leadership training camp I had especially the place was perfect. Now, I still couldn't get over it and I am having a separation anxiety or they call it SEPANX (sounds Sepak to me, a sport name. Haha) and I am hoping for a part two for this leadership training camp (I know that is ostensible).
Actually, the most reason why I miss the leadership training camp is my team, Team Monkey. Although in our first meeting we were a bit shy with each other, but it just washed away when the first activity started--the flag making. We grouped ourselves into two: the first group, in which I was part of, was creating the five core values; the second group was making the design for our flag. In my group, we were all brainstorming to make our own five core values which should be applicable for the group (all the groups were asked to do it). We looked for words in the dictionary, listed the possible words which we think appropriate for the said core values, and then lastly we picked the top five words we voted. The other group was sketching the design for our team's flag. We were given two small bottles which contained a paint, black and white so the second group started to paint our flag slowly. After finalizing the five core values, we merged again as one group for the finishing of the flag which was a bit challenging for us. We had to be careful in painting for the sketch was a bit unclear. We all put our fingers in the bottle and painted our flag that has finalized sketch with our fingers and hands. After that, all the groups, including us, presented the respective flags and made a cheer just like what we have always known--making a jingle for the group to show, of course, support. Later, we had a war game. This game is an elimination game where all the team should capture the opponent's flag through touching or holding. Surprisingly, we were the second placer in this game and I still couldn't believe that one of our teammates, Irvin, was our superb ace! Although he got eliminated later on, we were still so proud of him for his bravery for eliminating three teams in a row. The most funny thing about what happened in this night is our speaker, Kuya Poppet, stepped on the frog barefooted and squeezed it to death (he said it splattered; it sounds good to me). However, one thing that is a bit saddening is after the closing game (where we all threw balloons filled with water to the winning team and the facilitators), I left the flag in the field so we were the first team to get penalized, but I learned my lesson in it.
The next morning, a mini seminar has conducted by the student council together with the other organizations to present the academic year calendar. In the afternoon, we had the most precious time of all, The Amazing Race. We did a lot of things that built our bond and camaraderie which is the best part and the most touching part of all! Thus, this was the moment where I got teary-eyed even until now because we roamed around the whole wide place for three times instead of doing an activity already in our assigned station. When we started our first station, the other group was already in completion for their seventh station which made us a bit upset. As we moved on to our next station, our upsets slowly covered with joy because simply we enjoyed every accomplishments of our tasks. Surprisingly, we were not the last group to finish; so we had our dinner the moment we went back to the alfresco dining room 2 (I call it in such way. Haha). Then we took a shower and went back to the alfresco dining room 1 (again, I call it in such way) to have a prayer together with our respective groups. We shared our insights and expressed our deep gratitude with each other, though I consider my part a bad part since I stuttered a lot. After it, Kuya Poppet asked us to move all the chairs aside and told us that the Amazing Race was not the end yet and asked us to do 2000 push-ups, 2000 sit-ups, and 2000 jumping jacks. We tried everything even uniting with other groups as one and deciding what was the answer to that tricky question but we failed. The facilitators even got suddenly a bit intimidating. Not until when we were able to unlock the key to the answer and yes, the accomplishment for our final task was indeed really delightful, and not only we have built a camaraderie with our teammates, but also with the other groups since we all worked hard together; even the facilitators were happy as well. We all hugged at once until we stumbled and proceeded to the next program, the pageant. Pageant made my night and the reason why I got soar throat within one week because I laughed so hard and cheered for our group the loudest and the best I can.
The next morning, we had a free time after the breakfast so I took the opportunity to ride on a zip-line twice, to play billiard/pool, and to swim in the pool. How refreshing it was to release my stress since it was my first time to ride on a zip-line which I even wanted more. Actually I was also able to do wall climbing, and web climbing, together with my teammates, during our amazing race. See how we really have been so productive during the camp. Hanging with new friends was also the best part because we all shared things in common. Later, we all went to our respective rooms to prepare and take a bath and then went to the alfresco dining room 1 while with us is our own white t-shirt. This purpose was for us to write a message on our shirt what we wanted to say to each other. This moment is saddening because I know that this is the last activity of the camp so I told them through writing what I wanted to say and took a picture with them. "I'm going to miss you," the phrase I always said to them inside me every after I took a picture with them. Aside from my teammates, I also took a picture with my friends and newly met friends in the other team. Actually, the picture-taking didn't end that moment, it lasted even during and after the meal. We, then, went to our respective buses and went back to UST. During the travel, we even had karaoke. Then, I said to myself that this is really the best leadership training camp I ever had, no doubt. Even up to this moment writing this blog, the happiness and excitement I felt has not still faded yet.
I learned a lot of things in the leadership training camp. Not only how to socialize with other people, but also to become a student servant leader, the most important role that we always need to play in the society. I now consider myself a student servant leader because of the lessons. I encourage everyone to join an LTC because I want you to not only excel academically, but also intellectually, socially, mentally, and spiritually. I hope this post inspires you. Aye!
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| #TeamMONKEY Left to right:Ate Jaimee, our team planner; John, at the back of Ate Jaimee, our team messenger; Kuya Jam, our team inspirational messenger; Gieann, our team's great artist; Eilsel, our jolly teammate; Ate Niña, our team's intellectual muse; Nina, at the back of Ate Niña, one of the great leaders in the team; Irvin, at the back of Nina, our team ace; Bea, one of the shy types but is enthusiastic; Me, at the back of Bea; Kuya Renz, our jolly and great, great leader; Nath, below Kuya Renz, one of the intellectuals in our team; and Ate Nicole, our beautiful team facilitator. |
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