Initially, I was hesitant to join. Since I hadn’t been to church events in a long time, I struggled to feel a sense of belonging. However, God tugged at my heart to have an open mind after I was unexpectedly invited by the Youth Leader to attend. That simple encouragement made me realize that the presence of even a single individual was more valuable to the community than I thought. Everything that was happening felt like a message from God: it was time to come home. Despite my fears, I encouraged myself to go; I reminded myself that my goal was not social validation, but rather to answer God’s call to seek community again.

The camp’s theme of love and discussions that highlighted common experiences of today’s youth provided a space for participants that remained relatable and compassionate. Although I initially struggled with the group setting as an individual who prefers solitude in prayer, in this God-centred community I was reminded that He did not create man to be alone! Whether we were praising God in loud song or worshipping Him in silence, we were reminded of the power of prayer in unity. Additionally, participating in the physical games and talent night preparations provided incredible and memorable bonding experiences with my group mates. You will never catch me participating in sports the way that I did with them, but I had LOTS of fun! 

Most importantly, the input sessions from the speakers and the intentional group discussions that followed moved me deeply. Hearing various testimonies about the different ways people encounter God and share His love challenged my assumptions; I realized that holiness does not look the same for everyone – it’s not supposed to! Each of us reflect God’s love in the unique ways he created us to do so, and God loves us all unconditionally.

More than anything, the time we spent made many feel seen and loved, which is our mission call as Christians: to love as Jesus loved us. The KAYM committee members opened up to many participants about their encounters with God’s love, which was greatly inspiring. They also reminded everyone that they were wholeheartedly accepted and welcomed into the KAYM community — and into the wider Catholic Church — regardless of who they were. The stories shared during this camp reminded me just how diverse our individual journeys to heaven can be — even as we follow the same Father. Isn’t that wonderful?

Even after the camp, the love has not stopped flowing. People have been reaching out to invite everyone to serve God alongside each other in church and to continue this journey to heaven together, affirming that the experience I had during those few days was not just temporary. It was God’s everlasting love lived out through His people.