The much anticipated Multiple Intelligence Camp in the South Philippines has commenced at Mountain View College (MVC). Attending students, mostly from grades five and six across ninety (90) Adventist elementary schools in the South Philippines, actively participated in the camp. The camp spanned from February 11 to 17, offering a week-long experience for students, faculty, and staff. This event delivers a distinctive blend of educational enrichment and spiritual nourishment to its attendees. Under the theme "I Learn, I Grow, I Shine—I am God’s Design," the Multiple Intelligence Camp unfolded as a holistic experience, seamlessly integrating education, spirituality, and community.
During registration, each camper received a Bible as a gift for their morning and evening devotional sessions. Driven by faith and fundraising efforts spearheaded by the Education Department of the Southwestern Philippines region (SwPUC), a total of 3,111 Bibles were distributed. Generous contributions poured in from various organizations and generous individuals, with a notable donation from the workers of Adventist Medical Center in Valencia City for the purchase of the Bibles, materials, and overall operation. Moreover, forty (40) brand-new printers and two (2) laptops were awarded as prizes to selected recipients during the closing ceremony. As the event unfolded, it transitioned into a festive and majestic celebration, captivating campers and guests alike with a dazzling light presentation by mission and conference school representatives.
To ensure a diverse and enriching learning experience, students were offered a wide array of camps tailored to their interests. These camps spanned various subjects such as music, Bible study, sports, science, math, journalism, digital and traditional arts, stage arts, speech arts, research, aqua splash, and health science. A total of 13 different track camps were available for delegates to choose from.
Despite the diverse array of campers present, the camp was well-supported by a substantial number of facilitators from various institutions, such as Mountain View College (MVC) and Academy, South Philippine Adventist College (SPAC), and Adventist Medical Center (AMC) College, ensuring a rich variety of activities that could be offered throughout the camp. Rigorous control over the delegate count, totaling 4,836, ensured the event's objectives were effectively met. There were 1,427 teachers, principals, and parents supporting a total of 298 dedicated instructors. Ensuring the safety of all attendees was a top priority for the organizers. To this end, the Adventist Rescue Operators Network (ARON) team was diligently stationed as the designated standby rescue unit for the duration of the camp.
Dr. Alevir Pido, Education Director of the Southwestern Philippine Union Conference, provided insights on the inception of the Multiple Intelligence Camp. She explained that the planning process started in 2022 with education directors from the former South Philippine Union Conference and finally came to fruition in late 2023 with the collaboration of two unions, the Southwestern Philippine Union Conference (SwPUC) and the Southeastern Philippine Union Mission (SePUM).
“The time and effort invested in this project are all worth it as we see our youth immersed holistically in various aspects of our being to equip themselves and ready them to become people of faith and leaders in the future,” Alevir Pido said. Romy Lamputi, SwPUC's Associate Education Director, also welcomed teachers and principals to the event and assured them that all activities were carefully planned to provide enjoyment and enrichment for each participant/camper. Dr. Elona Leodecario Jr., MVC Dean of the College of Education, delivered a powerful message. He emphasized the importance of using our talents for God's glory.
The camp concluded and received positive responses from parents and families, hoping that the camp will initiate its second wave next year, creating an opportunity for students to learn, grow, and shine for Jesus.
Roxie Pido, SWPUC Communication Department
The original version of this story was posted on the Southwestern Philippine Union Conference website.