Enabled for Great Love: The Second Asia Pacific Youth Camp for the Disabled
Society often calls them special, but this label is far from the daily experience for many of our differently-abled brothers and sisters.
Last June 6-8, however, a total of 41 individuals with different physical and mental conditions were welcomed as very special guests during the 2nd Asia Pacific Youth Camp for the Disabled. Thirty-nine other volunteers from different countries assisted them as they participated in varied activities prepared by the Order of Malta Philippines, this year’s host for the Annual Summer Camp.
With participants and guests coming from Australia, Hong Kong, Thailand, Singapore and the Philippines, the event was a colorful, inter-cultural fellowship that fostered dialogue and understanding among all participants.
During the opening program, Don Eric Nicolas, Hospitaller of the Philippines, set the tone by emphasizing that the camp was designed to be a learning experience for both guests and volunteers alike. He reminded the audience that, many times, ordinary people suffer from worse disabilities than those who are born with such.
“We can walk but often our steps are very heavy. We can talk but often our voice show anger, despair, ungratefulness and complaint. We can see but often we are blind to see the greatness of the world. We have arms but often they are used for wars,” said Mr. Nicolas.
He then hoped that in the course of the three-day camp, the volunteers may learn from the participants how to exude great love and hope despite limitations through simple, everyday acts.
The camp was held at the tranquil and idyllic Villa Escudero in Tiaong, Quezon, a coconut plantation that was converted as a tourist resort so that visitors may experience Philippine provincial life and local culture. The venue was a welcome respite from the cold and fast-paced urban life that many of participants are exposed to daily. A highlight of the event was the fellowship lunch where everyone ate sumptuous local cuisine on top of bamboo rafts at the foot of a man-made waterfall.
The peaceful and sprawling grounds also served as an ideal setting for simple but enjoyable activities that sought to build the self-esteem and the social skills of the participants. These ranged from amusing parlor games and obstacle relays like boccia, intriguing board games such as chess and scrabble, and even competitive sports such as croquet.
There were also workshops that stimulated both mind and body as participants were taught how to weave bags, make rosaries, perform dances, paint artwork and even bake home-made pasta. Most importantly, there were spiritual activities that nourished the soul including a procession, communal prayers and sharing sessions, recitation of novenas and the celebration of the Holy Eucharist.
This holistic design of the camp was effective in empowering the participants to overcome the inhibitions that they have unwittingly developed due to their disabilities. Among them was Joshua Andre Rosas who remarked that the camp helped him become less self-conscious due to the love and acceptance he felt during the event.
“Before, I would not even talk to my classmates. But from now on, I’m a new person,” said Joshua in the local language.
The event was capped off by an awarding ceremony where everyone was recognized for the exceptional skills and talent they demonstrated during the three-day camp. In his closing speech,
Don Eric Nicolas thanked the participants for teaching everyone how to be loving individuals despite physical limitations and social discrimination.
“Because you exude such a sheer positive outlook towards life, all of you are real examples of lives worth living,” said Mr. Nicolas.
His remarks capped off an event that proved that although we may face different forms of disabilities, all of us are still enabled by God to love and serve each other.
The regional summer youth camp is a tradition that was started by members of the Order of Malta in Europe in 1984. The camp was first brought to Asia last year in Singapore and will be held in Hong Kong next year.
