Clean and green campsite preserve!

I arrived at Merryland Campsite last Saturday 11 July 2009 early at around 9am visit after 2 months ago when the board of CCI intentionally pass-by the area to Lemery Batangas Campsite with the couple Evelyn and Cesar Estigoy who both manages the campsite. It was a good trip when I arrived for the purpose in providing practical need to help a member in the ministry.

The immediate things I see as very obvious at Merryland Campsite at South Banaba, Batangas City was the trimmed grass all over the site was very neat and consistently clean which I think is always been the trade mark and culture that the management would like to portray. I expand my sight from the area where the office is located all throughout the area of other facilities are situated that it makes my feeling appreciations on how they preserve the environment of the campsite.

This shows only how Merryland can provide a venue that is more conducive for relaxation for all kinds of campers from grade school students to even aged campers will enjoy the place of its green environment, fruit bearing trees contribute to a cool place, serenity of the place and a water fun area for swimming activity as well very safe environment. This campsite venue is all-year round available for school camping, church retreats, camping and trainings for any corporate groups can use. Check the CCI website and see more information of this facility for your need of camping venue at www.cciphils.ph.

Jo Racaza
Director for Operation
Vision Camps Outdoor Education Co.
http://visioncamps.webs.com

Unique Campsite at Top of Hill

Newly built campsite at the top of a hill constructed by a large Christian church community in Bacolod City - Ikthus Center. I was invited by the local church leaders to see the facility erected just last summer.

This is my first visit in the island of Negros which for me an adventure one, what a privilege to be able to see new things in the area of Bacolod. The campsite area is about 5-6 hectares with fruit bearing trees, trimmed ground grass within the campsite, semi-organic highland rice farm, an ongoing tree planting activity, very preserved environment. It was the first time also for me to experienced to eat the fruit “marang” in my whole life. I am very thankful to the generous couple serving us as our host during the visit.

Even thought the facility was built at the top of the mountain, there is a bulk of water flowing with an irrigation made across the campsite. The source of water came from a nearby government reserved forest. Water will not be a problem in any season of the year when the time of camp operation will be conducted in the coming years. The piece of land was donated by church member who is a pastor’s kid and actively worshipping with the same church while serving the government.

The quality of each cottages constructed was designed to prolonged the time of use. Although it was made from light materials of bamboo, cogon and round tree woods but how it was done skillfully made the finished cottages a very beautiful one. Each cottage is aligned with the climate in the area elevation as conducive cool atmosphere.

At the moment 6 cottages are ready for use which can accommodate a grade school students from 50-60 person and the session hall can have at least 100-120 in sitting capacity.

The leadership of the church is envisioning the campsite facility can be able to serve all level of people starting from children, youth, adult all over Negros churches, schools and corporate groups. If you need campsite in the Visayas region, please try contact when it will be available for use this existing campsite 45 minutes away from the center of Bacolod City. Please contact Mayang Ledesma - mizpah_5611@yahoo.com


Jo Racaza
Director for Operation
Vision Camps Outdoor Education Co.
http://visioncamps.webs.com

The Vertical Challenge

The Philippine Christian camping model has a slightly different approach compared to other countries. In many countries in Europe, South and North America, Oceana and some parts of Asia, Christian camping is an all-year round ministry of campsite leaders targeting church groups, schools and corporate businesses. In the Philippine context, most church leaders conduct camping only during summer as a venue to evangelize community youths. Others would have camps or retreats for the purposes of church planning, spiritual enhancement, discipleship and leadership training programs but not as a camp ministry.

CCI Philippines initiates to work with the local church by helping them see the potential of camping ministry. This ministry will offer significant growth in terms of numbers and bring church members into a more-deeper relationship with the Savior and become true disciples. The initial partnership CCI will provide the local church is to encourage their leaders to participate in the Youth Camping Festival (YCF) program that is aimed to reach out the un-reached youths (13-19 age brackets) in their community. And at the same
time, the church leaders that are participating will eventually learn how to conduct camping ministry on their own.

Church leaders from 12 churches have enlisted and were accredited to be part of the YCF 2007. They would serve as camp staff and counselors. Part of their preparation is to undergo intentional training that would enhance their capability to guide campers and to assist in the facilitation of outdoor activities. The enlisted churches will then encourage the un-reached youths in their community to attend this year’s festival on April 11-14, 2007. A very minimal camp fee will be collected to defray cost of food and insurance needs. The YCF program provides an opportunity for members (Campsites and Camping Program Providers) of CCI Philippines to share their expertise, camping resources, program and facilities needed in evangelism, discipleship and leadership development. With this program, CCI leaders are encouraged to develop an intentional partnership in promoting camp ministry with churches and build long term relationship.

We are making a difference in the lives of young people in this program! Fulfilling the Great Commission of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ through camping ministry is the heart of the program. The YCF will be a yearly activity and any church with a direct interest in Christian camping ministry or would like to be involved in such a ministry are encouraged to join.

Local churches should contact the national office of CCI Philippines for partnership with annual program of camping festival!

Jo Racaza
Director for Operation
Vision Camps Outdoor Education Co.
http://visioncamps.webs.com