Indonesia: Church-Sponsored Camp Trains Youth to “Hope, Serve, and Guard”

The Beatae Maria Virginis Cathedral Parish in the Diocese of Bogor, Western Indonesia, organized a two-day youth camp on July 5–6, 2025, under the theme “Pilgrim of Hope, Humanitarian Service, and Guardian of Diversity.” Over 50 young Catholics from across the diocese participated.

The participants were primarily members of Catholic Youth (Orang Muda Katolik – OMK), aged 13–35, and the Missionary Children and Teenagers group (SEKAMI – Anak dan Remaja Misioner), under 13 years old. They were guided by 10 organizers and 4 representatives from OMK’s territorial divisions (Wilayah), who helped facilitate the program.

Despite weather challenges, including leaky tents that forced the group to sleep indoors, the spirit of the participants remained high. 

“The team-building session was the most fun. It’s a pity we couldn’t sleep in tents due to the rain, but we learned a lot and are starting to understand each other better,” said Kiana, one of the young participants.

The camp featured workshops, group discussions, creative performances, prayer moments, and concluded with a Eucharistic celebration. Notable speakers included: Mr. Ginting from the Diocesan Education Commission, Fr. Dionysius Adi Tedjo Saputro from the Public Apostolate Commission, Mr. Benediktus Fernando from the Interreligious Dialogue Commission, Fr. Robertus Untung Harmoko, Vicar for Youth and Education in the Diocese of Bogor, who also led team-building activities.

The program aimed to encourage young people to engage actively in both Church and social life, build inclusive and compassionate faith communities, and foster unity in diversity through genuine relationships.

Organized as part of the annual pastoral agenda of the Public Apostolate Commission and the Youth Commission, the camp sought to strengthen fraternity among Catholic youth while promoting openness to interfaith dialogue and humanitarian service.

“I feel grateful and joyful to accompany these young souls,” said Indah Lisliyanto, one of the organizing staff and a member of the Social Division of the Public Apostolate Commission. “This is part of my calling to serve as a Catholic.”

The event’s impact extended to families as well.

Yohana Nugraheni, a mother who followed the event with her family and camped nearby, shared her thoughts: “Thanks be to God! I’m so grateful to see these young people as the future of our faith. Watching their energy and laughter, even just jumping into the pool together, I know they enjoy each other’s company and are capable of great things ahead.”

Youth involvement in Church life is a key value emphasized in Gaudium et Spes, the Second Vatican Council’s pastoral constitution on the Church in the modern world, which calls young people “the hope of the Church.” Catholic youth hold tremendous potential as agents of change, championing justice, peace, interfaith understanding, and humanitarian service.