The KAC Homecoming

Camping. One of those activities most people have gone through. Most, that’s right. I haven’t experienced camping, not until last year, during the summer break. And, our homecoming is fast approaching! =)

It was the best camping I have ever joined! Really! It is named Kool Adventure Camp. It is also a program sponsored by the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI). It is a 3-day camp and also a leadership training for the youth. I had so many fun moments with my camp batch mates. I learned many things and widen my horizons.

On our first day of camp, I was still shy to see and meet new faces. The UP High School population was the largest. We were eighteen; I think when we arrived at the venue. Other schools had 2-8 participants. Actually, I was expecting a larger population, like we were really many. But it came out that we were only 30-35 joining the camp. We were named Bacth127 of the KAC. We were taught to move out of our comfort zone and think out of the box. We have learned many things even on our first day.

On our second day, we went to Punta Engaño. I wondered at first why we were there. When we arrived, we had a few exercises. Then, we were told and oriented that we will have 3 dragons to conquer (not actual dragons of course!). They were exercises that would help us conquer our fear of heights.

The first exercise we encountered in our group was to climb up a post, stand atop a disk, shout out what you want to be and then jump to reach a rope. It was of course, frightening! When I climbed up, it wasn’t scary but when I had to stand on top of the disk, wow! My knees were shaking so hard! I could only laugh, remembering.

The second exercise we had was to climb up a wall, by threes. Pretty fun, right? But here’s the twist. The second person, the person between the two other is supposed to be blind folded. And I was the one who gets that person! It was still scary but my companions were there to help me. We really had teamwork. I was really happy when we were on top and found out about the beautiful scenery. I t was all the sea, the wind, the sky… It was all so picturesque.

Our last exercise was by pair. We are supposed to walk on a rope and meet in between then go together. It was really fun, though! It was still frightening but it was all washed away by the feeling of happiness inside me.

On our last day, we still had fun activities. Our teamwork was tested . During our lunch break, we are supposed to not speak at all or show any expression and we aren't supposed to get our own food, somebody should give it to us. It was really fun and I was given my lunch by someone unexpected. Before we went home, we were given T-shirts and certificates. We had pictures taken and then, wished each other for a temporary goodbye.

And now, we will say our hellos again. This March 31- April 2, we will have our homecoming reunion and again., meet new people since other camping batches will join. I really can't wait! I hope to see them again. And it's real soon.