Fresh air.  Starry skies. Campfire.  Sleeping bags. Tents. Camping!

Beyond the fun and fresh air, camping can teach kids valuable life lessons about making decisions, respecting nature, and being active. Scout camps teach values and basic skills in life. It gives a head start to growing up in order to develop independent, young men who can be self-reliant and responsible.

In line with this, the CSQC Institutional Scouting Unit had its year-end backyard camp last February 2 – 3, 2019 at the school grounds. KAB Scouts from Grades 1-3, Boy Scouts from Grades 4-6, and Senior Scouts from high school participated in the said activity. The backyard camp began with an orientation for the participants. Scouts were reminded of the camp rules to maintain cleanliness and order during the overnight event. The importance of unity, teamwork and brotherhood among scouts in order to accomplish the tasks assigned to them were emphasized by the scouters.

KAB scouts from Grades 2 and 3 joined the Boy and Senior Scouts in the overnight camp while KAB Scouts from Grade 1 only spent the day camp during the first day. The scouts actively participated in the base method activities such as bandaging, flag hoisting, pioneering, and following trail signs.

The much-awaited campfire was held on the evening of Saturday. It was a time for the scouts to relax and   bond with each other. It is also an opportunity for them to share their talents, to conquer their fears and to develop   team spirit and also leadership. Kawan, patrols, and crew gathered around the campfire and performed their yells, songs, and skits with confidence and enthusiasm.

The second day commenced with a Eucharistic celebration presided by Fr. Santiago G. Gonzalez, CMF who  mentioned that in the Gospel, Jesus was rejected by His town mates  and yet “He serenely passed through them, and started walking away “because His time has not yet come.  Fr. Santiago was also inspired by the letter of Paul to the Corinthians: Love is patient, kind, not boastful and not ill-mannered. Love overcomes anger and rejoices in truth. In his homily he emphasized that the most important thing we can do for others is to love God. For if we love God most, we will love and serve others best. Inspired by Jesus, like a true scout, one must always be ready to SERVE OTHERS!

 The participants went home feeling fulfilled and accomplished with awards and certificates after the two-day camp.