Our kids and volunteers could hardly wait to step off the bus and into this year’s venue for one of the most anticipated activities of the year, Kythe’s Summer Camp. What greeted them in Clearwater Resort and Country Club in Pampanga was a host of activities, ranging from arts and crafts to team relays; bonding opportunities for downtime; a program to showcase their special talents; and their own pool paradise to wade through over and over.
Campers got to know each other over paints and while winding down at the pool, and during games and karaoke. On the second day, fun challenges awaited campers at the Amazing Race. Teamwork was required to get through a hoop relay, blanket volleyball, group charades, an obstacle course, and-boat sailing.
Traditions continued in Kythe Camp to strengthen camaraderie among the kids and the volunteers were the Big Brother/Sister system and letter writing, where the campers could leave little messages for friends familiar and newfound alike.
Camp culminated in Talent Night on the last night. In groups, campers showed “Kythers Got Talent” by dancing, singing, and dressing up. A tribute was also paid to beloved Kythe-Ateneo volunteer Amanda “Sei” Hsieh, whose presence was dearly missed since the last Summer Camp in 2014.
Having rushed full force into the summer, the Kythe campers left on a happy note: “Kythe-saya-saya ng Summer Camp!”
Kythe extends its thanks to Kinder Kanker Genezing, Boehringer Ingelheim, JB Dimayuga, and Lisa Cummins and Friends of Ireland; Artist Madhouse for sponsoring the art activities; Ian Celis Productions for covering the event; Reynaldo Mendoza and Francis Tady for the volunteer photography.