From Distraction to Devotion: A Journey of Faith at Zone 2 Youth Friendship Camp

“It is the privilege and duty of Christians to seek to refresh their spirits and invigorate their bodies by innocent recreation,
with the purpose of using their physical and mental powers to the glory of God.”
— Ellen G. White, Messages to Young People, p. 364

In a generation flooded by distractions and drawn to digital comforts, more than 270 young people chose something different. They chose to disconnect from the noise of the world and reconnect with their purpose, their calling, and—most importantly—their Creator. From May 4 to 14, 2025, the hills of Garing-Garing, Tiayon, Zamboanga Sibugay, echoed with the footsteps and voices of youth hungry not just for fun but for faith.

They came from across districts—Kabasalan and Naga (KANA), Ipil 1 & 2, Tungawan 1 & 2, and Zamboanga District 1—but they left as one family, bonded by a shared experience of spiritual awakening, discipleship, and transformation.

With each tent pitched and bamboo pole raised, the campsite turned into a temporary tabernacle—a sacred space where God would meet His children. The laughter of youth, the shouts of teamwork, and the quiet sobs during prayer filled the air like incense rising to heaven.

These young people didn’t come with luxury; they came with willing hearts—prepared to sleep on the ground, cook in the open air, and crawl through mud. Why? Because somewhere deep inside they knew that comfort doesn’t build character, but challenge does.

On the second day, the Rescue Olympics did more than teach practical skills—it awakened a sense of mission. Learning to bandage wounds and carry one another pictured what we are called to do spiritually: bind the broken-hearted, carry one another’s burdens, and respond to the cries of a hurting world. In every rescue scenario, campers weren’t just practicing emergency responses; they were learning that in Christ’s army we must always be ready to act with compassion and courage.

As the third day brought sports and team-building games, something deeper unfolded. In the pushing and pulling, passing and running, the youth discovered a spiritual truth: we are not meant to win alone. The body of Christ is not a solo act; it is a team in which every member matters and every talent contributes. These games broke down barriers and built bridges between strangers, healing division through laughter and sweat. It was a sermon preached without words—unity in action.

During the Balsa and Saddle Races, competition was fierce but friendly. Yet the real victory wasn’t in who crossed the finish line first; it was in realizing that the Christian life is also a race—not of speed, but of endurance, obedience, and faithfulness. With every cheer from the crowd, the campers felt the same encouragement that the “great cloud of witnesses” offers us (Hebrews 12:1). It was fun, but it was also formational.

Blindfolded and vulnerable, the campers walked where they could not see, trusting only the voice of their leader. It was a living parable. Many trembled; some stumbled; but all pressed forward. In the end, they understood that God never asks us to see the whole path—only to trust the One who walks it with us. This activity pierced deeper than any lecture. It taught that faith is not a feeling; it’s a choice—a choice to trust even when the road is uncertain and the obstacles invisible.

By the fifth day the campers faced the Camp Cookery challenge, an activity that tested not only their resourcefulness but also their teamwork and patience. With limited materials and basic ingredients, each group prepared a meal using simple methods and shared effort. It wasn’t about creating perfect dishes but about learning to adapt, take initiative, and support one another under pressure. As they cooked over open fires and worked through challenges together, they were reminded that meaningful lessons often come from ordinary tasks. Through this experience, the campers saw how God can use even simple situations to build character, unity, and gratitude.

The most spiritually arresting moment came during the Heaven and Hell activity. With vivid imagery and a call to decision, the campers were confronted with the reality that life is short, eternity is long, and salvation is not accidental—it is intentional. Tears fell; hearts were stirred. For many, this wasn’t just an emotional moment; it was the beginning of a new direction—a choice for Christ.

When twenty-one young souls stepped into the waters of baptism, time seemed to stand still. The noise of camp faded into silence as every heart turned toward heaven. This was more than a ceremony—it was sacred ground. Each step into the water marked a battle won, a chain broken, a heart fully surrendered to Christ. These twenty-one young people did not just step into the water—they stepped into a new life, a new mission, and a new identity in Christ.

The journey that began as a simple retreat ended as a life-changing encounter with God. As the campers packed their tents and bid farewell to the hills of Garing-Garing, they carried more than memories. They carried transformation, purpose, and the fire of faith that would continue to burn long after they returned home—because this was never just a camp. It was a calling.