The return of the SHS Boot Camp last August 9 to 11 from a four-year hiatus was a rousing success as Senior High School (SHS) students, teachers, and alumni had the time of their lives at Dream Campsite, Trece Martires, Cavite, despite an unexpected five-hour power outage on the second night.
Last held in 2019, the annual Boot Camp for SHS students was put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic concerns. However, with the recent post-pandemic efforts and the resumption of Lifecamp in February, this year’s camp came back with a vengeance and a fresh batch of SHS students.
"The main goal of the boot camp was to CONNECT – connect students with the Lord, connect cell group leaders and their members, and connect Atsi and Ahias with the students," said Chrislyn Chow, an MGCNL alumna, who was also one of the Atsis and organizers of the camp. "The boot camp was designed to create as many opportunities as possible for these connections to form."
With the theme “Versus,” the three-day, two-night event featured a series of four plenary sessions led by Reverend Harg Timothy Ang, with the goal of reconnecting the grades 11 and 12 students with God and each other. Based on the “Not A Fan” Series by Kyle Idelman, Boot Camp 2023’s topics included Fan vs. Follower, Knowing things about Jesus vs. Knowing Jesus, Is He Amongst Many? Or Is He The One and Only?, and Living for me vs. Dying for Him. The sessions underlined the difference between being a mere fan cheering on Jesus from the sidelines and being Jesus’ dedicated disciple who is willing to do whatever it takes to follow Him.
Meanwhile, for Revival Night, Pastor Jun Go shared his testimony describing God's greatness amidst the three consecutive tragedies in his life, demonstrating how God can truly change lives and always plans to show His purpose. Students and mentors then recommitted their lives to God by lining up and getting "I follow JESUS" stickers. The night ended with more praise and worship led by the alumni music band.
The team spirits of the students, teachers, achis, and ahias, were further boosted during the camp through the array of peculiar but exciting group games and prizes. Each cell group fiercely competed in the different games, all in the hopes of ending up on top. The cell group of alumnus Elmer Feliche Labella eventually emerged victorious.
The camp also served as a digital detox for all as phone usage was only allowed during meal times and night time. With the unexpected power outage on the last night of the camp, all attendees were further encouraged to reconnect with one another.
Hans Gamboa of Zion STEM remarked, “The Boot Camp experience was unique, thrilling, and memorable… One part I will never forget is the brownout, where students and teachers alike passed the time by playing various games, talking to one another, and simply being in each others’ company. I felt it was during this time that we truly connected with other people.”
"It [Boot Camp] was a great way to reconnect with others and renew our faith. It was such a fun-filled experience to share with my closest friends with God at the center of everything," shared Maegan Sih from Olive ABM.