by Danica Biacora

Another successful summer camp hosted by the Philippine Society of Youth Science Clubs was held at the Royale Tagaytay Estates last April 7 to 10 year 2010. The yearly activity hosted by the organization is really unique among other events. This year’s camp, as they said was more mature as compared to the other camps, with the theme Alert Level 10: The R.E.S.C.U.E. (Resilient and Empowered Science Clubbers even Under Emergency). The terms “rescue” and “rescuers” were used to address the subcamps and the alert and enthusiastic subcampers respectively. Unlike last year’s camp, this camp was more practical given the state of the Philippine archipelago on earth – prone to natural disasters.  

               

 Lectures delivered were no-ordinary ones. Workshops were given every after a lecture in which all the members of the subcamps diligently worked for. Even though doing the said activity was sometimes tiring, thinking of the awards and the awarding night puts us in good mood & high spirits. That’s why we really exerted effort and did our best. Of all the workshops given, the overall workshop was the most memorable one for me. Not only does it give questions for us to answer, it is also a one of a kind workshop that harnessed our talents and skills.

               

 Evening activities made every one excited because it gave us time to mingle and have fun after the exhausting activities during daytime. The involvement of “Ates” and “Kuyas” as facilitators made the camp a unique one. They don’t just facilitate and guide us in what to do, they also participate in the “nightlife”-like activities. They also have some showdown to inspire us rescuers and they cheer for us!

               

 Even though some went home too early, the excitement of everyone was in the high level like the earthquake’s 10th magnitude in cheering and shouting. Everyone had the same goal that night: To bring home the bacon. But even though some weren’t able to bring home some medals, all rescuers surely were pressured by their opponents’ great skills. 

Sad to say, every beginning has to end and so, the Pledge Night and the Awarding Night became the time for thanksgiving, for tears and for good-bye hugs but the memories we had at Camp Tagaytay, and the friends we made there are surely treasures! Treasures that will last for a lifetime!

Joining the camp was never a regret due to its new and exciting activities, new friends, supportive Ates and Kuyas, the precious memories, the tour, and the workshops that unleashed the spirit of camaraderie and workmanship among the members.  The PSYSC officers and Board of Trustees surely did give their full power in making this camp a different one.