Here We Go

Just one more day to camp!

The 365 Youth Camp 08 blog thus 'expires', after months of posts and writing but the journey starting this Sunday could very well last a lifetime for every one of us. Throughout these months, different committee members have written about their hopes and dreams, their fond memories of the past youth camps, their significant encounters with God. We have all realized there is much to 'take home' from any youth camp, and this Sunday presents another opportunity for a great encounter with God.

This blog has really been the sum of different accounts of people who have had colourful experiences in camps. Your life, like this blog, will be the sum of all the experiences you have gone through in life, displayed for all to see, read, enjoy and learn from. For many of you, this coming camp may bring a 'new post' and a new page, if only we would allow God to write it.

As we pack for these 4 days and 3 nights, let's go remembering 'God is able'. Let's go with expectant hearts and open hands. Let's go ready.

With this, we would like to say goodbye here and a big thank you for being faithful readers in this blog. We will see you in camp :>


Abel Cheah

Camp Briefing Points

Dear all,

We are only a few days away. This is for those of you who didn't attend our Briefing on Saturday.

365 Youth Camp 2008 Briefing

In order to maximize your enjoyment during the camp, you are required to obey certain camp guidelines.

1.0 Common ethics

1.1 Behavior

• Maintain appropriate conduct throughout the duration of camp (e.g. no fighting, bullying, sleeping in during sessions, littering)
• Turn off your hand phones during the sessions to reduce distractions. Maintain decorum when the Speaker is preaching and during the altar calls.

1.2 Attendance

• Be punctual for all events (sessions, games, quiet time, dorm moments). All campers are not allowed to leave the premises of the campsite without permission from the Commandant and are expected to attend ALL sessions.
• Light-outs rule at 11 p.m. (and on Tuesday night, 12 p.m.) to be obeyed without any questions.

1.3 Participation

• All campers are to take part in the workshops, games and other activities (Banquet Night, Talent Time, Photo Session).

1.4 Prohibited Items

• Weapons, drugs, alcohol, cards, lighters, cigarettes, inappropriate magazines, books, unnecessary valuables (jewelry, laptops, PSP). These will be confiscated if found.

2.0 Items to bring/Attire

2.1 For Sessions

• Bible, notebook, stationery
• Long pants, warm clothing, jackets (hall may be cold)
• No shorts, miniskirts, inappropriate clothing.

2.1 For Games

• Sports attire
• Good shoes and dark colored T-Shirts

2.2 For Banquet Night

• Your date (!)
• Clothing according to the theme (retro)

2.3 For the entire stay

• Toiletries (tooth brush, toothpaste, cleanser, soap, shampoo) and towels
• Regular changes of underclothes and socks
• Water bottle
• Some money
• Any special, personal medication if required

The buses will leave FGT at 1:15 p.m. on Sunday, 7^th Dec. Campers may bring their bags into the church hall and leave them at the back. For admin purposes, be at church at 1 p.m. SHARP. Buses are expected to arrive in church around 3.30 p.m. on Wednesday, 10^th Dec.

p.s. Do remember your gifts for the 'Angels and Mortals' game too..


It's going to be an awesome time...

(Last post on Friday)

Captain Able's Final Moments!

YES! It's the final episode everybody!


NOW, enjoy...











Uh oh, will this be over?

Will there be a next episode?




Well, no. This episode ain't ending yet...













And Camp is about another week!

Make sure to sign up, for those who haven't!

And here you go.
Captain Able has finished his duties...

Jon Tan

365 Youth Camp 2008 Committee - Part 2

::Dorm and Group department::

Name: Ng Ee Huei

Age: 16

Occupation: Student. SMK Taman SEA.

Favorite color: Black & White? No favourite la

Favorite band: Simple Plan

Favorite Movies: Pearl Harbour , Flyboys , National Treasure

What kind of songs do I usually like to listen?

Rock, Pop, Contemporaries

What would I do normally with my free time?
Go online , playing guitar and a little reading =)

How would I describe myself...
Hi everyone , my name is Ee Huei but for some people they just call me E because they can't pronounce my name properly . I'm 16 and also the youngest in the committee. I'm in Form 4 and I've chosen Science stream. I normally spend my time by surfing the internet about what is going on in the world, playing games and chat with my friends . I like to read but sometimes I just fall asleep in the middle of it. Guess you all have to be my friend if you want to know me better. Just looking forward to youth camp and hope to see you all there.

::Publicity and Games department::

Name: Jonathan Tan Ern Wei

Age: 18

Occupation: Student. Taylor's College (TCPJ)

Favorite color: Blue

Favorite Band: Armor For Sleep

Favorite movie: The Machinist, if you know what movie is that

What kind of songs do I usually like to listen?

Variety of songs, but I enjoy rock especially.

What would I do normally with my free time?

Watch movies.

How would I describe myself...

How can I describe myself Intelligent. No la. I'm a guy with grass-like hair. I can be witty. If I got nothing to talk about, I keep quiet. I'm studying to be an architect.

Youth Camp...
Trust this year's committee. It's gonna be a great camp. By the way, about the toilets. For the hygienic people, its safe to use. For the vain pots, the mirror there is BIG and CLEAR.

::Head of Publicity::

Name: Foo Kar Kien

Age: 19

Occupation: Student. Monash University.

Favorite color: Different colors suits different situations.

Favorite band: None

Favorite Movies: Shawshank Redemption, Ironman, Troy, 300

What kind of songs do I usually like to listen?

No particular preferences

What would I do normally with my free time?

I'll read magazines or the newspaper, chat online and taking pictures.

How would I describe myself...
I can be very cheeky at times. I like to crack jokes. haha. I'm into photography, I really enjoy taking pictures. Not a very patient person =)

Youth camp...

Would be very exciting this year. The games are fun and I'm sure the message is gonna speak to the hearts of people.

::T-Shirt Coordinator::

Name: Ooi Dar Ray

Age: 21

Occupation: Student. Monash University.

Favorite color: Blue

Favorite band: -

Favorite Movies: Crash

What kind of songs do I usually like to listen?

-

What would I do normally with my free time?

I catch up with my friends whenever I could.

How would I describe myself...

I would say that I am a meticulous person, i like to know things to the finest detail. Maybe that's why I like to handle parties such where and when we're gona have something on and make sure that it happens. I love team games, be it video games or outdoor activities like treasure hunt or water sports. I feel great working in a team towards a goal!

::Registration::

Name: Melissa Wong

Age: 18

Occupation: Student. Sunway University College.

Favorite color: Pink

Favorite band: I don't really have a favorite band. I listen to any songs. As long as the songs suit me.

Favorite Movies: Any romantic comedies. I like the lovey-dovey types. =)

What kind of songs do I usually like to listen?

Umm. Any nice songs. I think I will go for pop and rock.

What would I do normally with my free time?

Watch movie, online or shopping when I have the money.

How would I describe myself...

Nickname - sasa. Short. Blur. Can be quite forgetful. Loves to smile. A chocolate addict. Enjoys shopping. Most important of all, LOVES GOD!

Youth camp...

Come and have fun. and to enjoy God's presence!

Secondary Committee

• Gene Lih
• Cae Me
  
• Su Ann
  

Camp Briefing and Banquet Night theme

Dear 365 campers (and potential campers, we look forward to having you sign up this weekend),

This Saturday is very important as we will be having our camp briefing after the 365. All who are attending the camp are strongly encouraged to come, to have an idea of what is expected during the camp.

Banquet Night

To give you all a heads-up with regards to the theme of our Banquet Night (a dinner event on Monday night) this year... our theme is "Blast from the Past". You can all come dressed in the 60's/70's/80's style (any one of them), as long as you don't look modern :P



We are looking forward to camp, continue to pray as it draws nearer.

Interview with the Seniors (Part 2)

(From left: Uncle Mun Leong and Uncle Kim Hong, in their youth)

Uncle Kim Hong

1) When was the first youth camp that you went to, and when was the last (year)?
My first camp was in 1981 and the last was ...aiyoh...such a long time ago...cant exactly remember, but I knew it was in STM seremban

2) From all the years that you went to youth camp, what can you remember most clearly that has probably changed your life?

Well, my first camp was the most memorable one.....I still remember that I was in Form 4 and after rededicating my life to Christ in school after my SRP, the next step was to make a stand home. My parents are staunch Taoist believers and being the only son, they would never approve of my decision of accepting Christ. I had planned to break the news to them on the eve of CNY in 1982 as that was the highlight of ancestral worship in my home. As such, during the 1981 camp, the whole camp, especially my dorm was praying for me throughout the camp. The encouragement I got from everyone in camp gave me the confidence to go through with the whole thing. This carried on even after camp and when I finally made a stand at home, I had the comfort of knowing that everyone was there for me and was praying for me. Thats brotherly love man....

3) Any funny/interesting moments? (Any particular incident)
Yup, every camp has its funny moments....I still remembered my first banquet night...1981 camp...being a rookie who has never been to camp, I did not know that we had to dress up.....long sleeve shirt, ties, nice leather shoes and everything else...so I turned up with a pair of pants (not a proper one), short sleeve shirt (quite a flimsy one) and jogging shoes!!....plus a borrowed tie which did not match....and guess who was my date...Pas. Yoke Poh!!..habis!!!...anyway, it went alright....she forgave me....being young, you only think about the food....well...

I also remembered my first fasting camp...yes, we had one and if I am not mistaken, it was in 1985....I came home losing so much weight that my mother could hardly recognize me...anyway, it was a great camp as everyone learnt to get up early to pray (nearly everyday at 530am) and we fasted from all meals for about 4 days...you guys should try it....helps to cut down on camp fees!! ha ha!!!

I also remembered we tied someone up at a tree after games one day as an initiation rite....fun man....he was never the same again....

4) What were the conditions of the campsites that you went to, and how were the physical environments like?
Most of the camps we had those days were in a place called Lakeview Ringlet, Cameron Highland....it was old but comfortable and cold....but not every chalet was like that. I remembered one year, we had one chalet, 2 storey, which we called "the black hole of calcutta" ...not only was it old and very dark at night but everything there does not work. I remember, we had to move everyone from the top chalet to the lower chalet as the top bathroom leaked so badly that whenever someone bathed, soap water would come down like rain. Thank goodness it was just soap water that flowed down and not the sewerage!! ha ha!!!...Generally, the camp site was nice as it had a rustic feel to it. The is a lake which was about 1km away which we usually went for picnics....cant say the same now as my last visit there, it was no longer nice but very muddy. The camp site also had a great place for games but the hall was small...anyway, close fellowship good mah...

The air in Cameron Highlands was fantastic then .....not as good now lah.

The worst one for me was ACS Malacca....we had one camp there and it we lived in this school for a week....the toilets...were not great lah and not only was it hot, we had to light up about 5-6 mosquito coils every night to keep the mossies away. However, we enjoyed the school field as it was big and we could have so many games and activities there.

Then there's STM. STM (Seminari Theoloji Malaysia) was more dormitory style and it was the only camp which saw a separation between the youth and yound adults. STM had a nice hall and cafeteria. Quite an enjoyable place actually....but compared to Cameron Highlands, we missed the cold weather and greenery....

Hey, wherever the camp site is and no matter what the conditions are, God always shows up...

5) What would be the highlight of a youth camp, as you knew it back then?
Well, I would say games plus the morning and night sessions. We usually had telematches plus captain ball and tene coil (quite similar to captain ball). Games were a serious matter then but everyone kept their cool.....relax, relax....even the pastors played....tension eh.....but in games, no friend friend lah, everyone went all out to win....pastor also no give chance man!!!!

Camp was important for many as most of us came wanting to hear from God. As much as it was fun, it was also a serious time for many. Many spent much time alone as well or prayed in groups seeking God for either one thing or another. The hunger for the Word made the morning and night meetings very important to many. We also prayed alot in camp. I guess it's the hallmark of our church ...never leave home forgetting it......

6) Why would you encourage the youth today to come to camp?

I developed great friendships in camp. My good buddy, Mun Leong (you can see him on my Facebook) and me have been friends for such a long time and camp was a place where we really got close. He has been a source of strenghth and encouragement to me and its a great joy for us to see each other grow and mature in the Lord through these years. Godly friends help push you to greater heights in God. Camp is a right place to develop friendships like that

Camp is also a good place to better yourself. Its a place to learn from others, esp. your leaders and pastors as you mature in your christian life. Other than your normal friends, learn to develop good relationships with your leaders and pastors as well....no where better than camp since you will be there for a great number of days. There's also the areas in your life which needs polishing, eg. habits, etc. If your stay long enough with your friends in camp year after year (since camp was a whole week then), you notice things and perhaps learn things about yourself which you never noticed....trust me, it shows...good friends help to correct one another...

Anyway, why not camp? Why not set aside time to meet God, learn His word, develop godly friendships plus have fun all the way? If you think this is boring, then you need help....serious help....

7) What makes a good camp?
Good planning ...of course with more fun programs lah....much prayer......encourage yourself by setting some goals for camp thus personal preparation of going to meet God makes going to camp more exciting....

Thanks to both Uncle Kim Hong and Uncle Mun Leong for their time.

I'm so secure

You're here with me

You stay the same

Your love remains

Here in my heart

Chorus :

So close I believe

You're holding me now

In your hands I belong

You'll never let me go

This song makes me remember how God touched me during camp. Each time I hear or sing this song, I will definitely remember how God encouraged me when I was facing different problems during that time and how God spoke to me through this song during my very first camp. This song really strengthens my faith and it gives me the assurance that God will be with me in times of hardship and discouragement. I felt so secure being in God's presence. As a new Christian at that time, I didn't expect to gain or learn anything from camp, but as this song was sung again and again, my faith grew stronger.

Trust God in everything, He will never let you go!


Melissa

An interview with the Youth Pastors, Richard & Louisa Evans

Q: Which year did you first attend camp and how many camps have you been to so far?
R: I attended my first Christian camp when I was 8 years old, back in England. My friend had invited me, and i went. But after that, I did not attend any other Camps until I attended FGT's Youth Camp in 2004. This year will be my 5th Youth Camp with FGT.

L: I first attended FGT's Youth Camp in 1989(!) and continued to attend four more Youth Camps until 1993, when I left to study in the UK. I was the (scary) Assistant Camp Commandant for the Camp in 1993.

Q: What are your fond memories about Youth Camp?
R: I felt last year's Youth Camp was really, really good. I really enjoyed all the teaching sessions, the times of ministry, the games and...going for a dip in the sea!

L: For me, Youth Camp is always a time of significant encounter with God. We were "highly spiritual" in those days (hehe) and would wake up at 5am to pray everyday during camp!

Q. What are your hopes for 365 in general in this year's Youth Camp?
(apart from that fire would come down from heaven!!!)
R: That God would 'prime' the new generation. 'Prime' is preparation. It's like when you want to paint a wall you have to 'prime' it first (strip the old paint off and put on an undercoat, or "primer" layer) before actually repainting it. Likewise, I believe there has to be some preparation done amongst us before we will see God really move. I also would like to see a much stronger sense of Community/Fellowship (Koinonia) built up among our young people.

L: I would like everyone to have an encounter with God and hear something from God personally. That God would be real to them, because many have still not had that experience. After an encounter with God, you can't stay the same. People won't give their lives to serve God without a real encounter with God. I believe that God will do something significant for 365 this year.

Q. What do you think of the theme 'Survive, Thrive, Revive'?
R: I love it! It is very appropriate! For the 365, in some sense we have "strived" and "thrived", but we need the spiritual "revival" from God to really take us further. At the end of the day, it's God who is able.

Q. What would you like to tell the campers?
L: People need to come prepared to receive something from God for their spiritual lives. They need to remind themselves that this is 4 solid days with God, and for God, to "allow" Him to do something in their spiritual lives.

R: The camp committee has worked very hard and worked very well this whole year! I particularly like the Camp Blog and I love the Captain Able "cartoons"! Personally I would also love to see many more people sign up for camp over these next couple of weeks...I believe that the camp will be great time and that it would be a great shame for anybody to miss out on what God is about to do!


Samuel