Our family recently attended a Family Camp 2023 in Batam, organised by our parish Church of Saint Michael. It was a new experience for us, as my husband is a free thinker, my son is in the beginning stages of his faith with Catechism class level 1, and I am still learning about my faith through RCIA. It was also our first time joining a large group of strangers on a trip like this, and everything was brand new to us, including our trip to Batam Island.
The theme for the camp was “1 Degree”, which focused on how a small change can make a big difference. The phrase “one degree” highlights small changes leading to significant differences over time. For example: In navigation, a one-degree error in a course can lead to a significant deviation from the intended destination over a long distance. In relationships, one degree of change can refer to making small but consistent efforts to improve communication, show appreciation, or give attention to one’s partner.
The daily schedule was packed with fun activities and bonding. Each day started with a delicious breakfast catered by the resort, and then we had two sessions – one in the morning and one in the evening. The morning session was split into age groups, with the adults having their session led by Father Terence and the kids having their sessions with the amazing facilitators. (Christine, Angie, Jacob and Brother Andre)
Each session ended with a reflection, where we shared our thoughts and feelings with other couples. Seeing how we all bonded over our shared faith and experiences was amazing.
On the second day, we had so much fun on the beach. We all worked as a team, with some becoming leaders, coordinators, cheerleaders, and participants. Everyone played a role, just like the apostles’ who came from different backgrounds but had a common goal to spread the teachings of Jesus Christ and establish the Christian faith.
In Acts 4:32: “Now the company of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things which he possessed was his own, but they had everything in common.”
The evening fellowship session before dinner was so much fun! We were split into ladies’ and men’s groups and had quality time together. It was a great opportunity to bond and connect.
One of the highlights was the group dinners we had in the evenings. But the last night was truly unforgettable! We had an open-fire barbeque beside the beach, with twinkling fairy lights and everyone dressed in beautiful beach dresses and shirts. Brother Jacob’s retro playlist blasted in the background, and you couldn’t resist jumping up and dancing!
God’s love descended upon us, and it spread like wildfire! Soon everyone was up and dancing, singing, and having the time of their lives. We ended the night exhausted but so happy, praising God for giving us such a wonderful end to the family camp.
Psalm 30:11: “You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy.”
The Family Camp 2023 was an amazing experience that brought us closer as a community of faith and my family. The support and encouragement from the parishioners of CSM (Church of Saint Michael) were heart-warming, especially with my son’s situation. At the family camp, I was met with understanding and compassion. We were tasked to sit with a different family every breakfast and dinner, and through sharing our stories of joy and suffering, we bonded and supported each other.
James 1:2-4: “Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you meet various trials.”
The most amazing change was my husband, Jeff. He was so inspired and touched by the experience that he opened up and made himself vulnerable to God’s love. He said this was one of his most memorable holidays ever, and he now joins our family prayer sessions and looks forward to spending time with the Lord every Sunday EC.
Jeremiah 29:12: “Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will find you. You will seek and find me; when you seek me with all your heart.”
We all should not be afraid to make that one degree of change. Be open and vulnerable to it, and who knows what God and the Holy Spirit have in store for you. I was afraid and doubtful when I first came into this faith, but I took the leap and brought my family along too. The result was more than I could have imagined. John 4:7-14: “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. The water that I shall give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”
I thank the Lord and my dear brothers and sisters for sharing God’s light and words, which have deeply touched our family’s hearts. Let us continue to spread love and positivity wherever we go, guided by the Holy Spirit. I highly recommend families to attend the family camp, as it offers an excellent opportunity for bonding and getting to know our fellow brothers and sisters in the parish. So don’t miss out on this chance to experience it; make sure to sign up for Family Camp 2024!
Galatians. 5:22-23 “But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such, there is no law.”
Written by Kit Lee