July 10, 2024
Fostering friendships and joyous experiences at scholars’ camp
By Dorothy Castro
With the end of the 2024 Tzu Chi Scholars’ Camp on June 30, first-time attendees from different regions took home a wealth of experiences and insights. Apart from the valuable learnings they gained through the talks of different resource speakers and volunteers, scholars also formed very special and unique bonds with their fellow scholars.
One hundred sixty-two scholars coming from Bicol, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Leyte, Pampanga, Zamboanga, and the National Capital Region traveled for many hours to take part in the three days of fun events. From serious discussions to ice breaker segments, each part was an opportunity to build connections with fellow scholars.
While there was a fear of miscommunication at the first meeting, scholars eventually found themselves happily sharing stories of their hometowns to their fellow scholars, even teaching them words from their own languages.
Patricia Briz, a Tzu Chi scholar from Bicol, found this experience fascinating, albeit foreign. “Sometimes, it’s hard… You don’t know the languages that they speak. But we taught one another our own languages,” Briz explained.
To make the scholars’ camp an opportunity to get to know one another, the groupings of scholars ensured that each Tzu Chi chapter was represented. As such, Irene Manlunas from Cebu was able to interact with fellow scholars from all walks of life. “I'm happy I was grouped with different people… I enjoyed my time, and I also learned valuable lessons from our guest speakers,” Manlunas added.
For scholars’ camp first-timers, “Starry, Starry Night” and “Filial Piety” were among the most appreciated events, as they got in touch with their emotions and processed the sacrifices they experienced as they struggled before becoming scholars.
“In these experiences, we can’t help but cry from hearing others’ stories. It is in this occasion where you learn what [fellow scholars] are feeling deep inside. It’s easy to not notice how happy they seem, only to find out that they are sad,” Briz recounted, reminiscing the nights where she and fellow scholars shed tears of empathy.
Furthermore, discussions on Tzu Chi’s history and missions helped in shaping the scholars’ sense of volunteerism. This sparked the motivation to create a cycle of compassion through helping others.
For the typically outgoing Gabriel Zarceno of Iloilo, this experience helped him look forward to his future plans, and towards becoming a volunteer. Taking in the effort and time dedicated by Tzu Chi Volunteers, he expressed his gratitude. “Our volunteers are the pioneers who will create volunteers in us soon. We are very happy to embody the principles of Tzu Chi,” Zarceno said.
Now back in their respective homes and ready to start another academic year, these three scholars cherish the valuable lessons they earned during the three-day camp.
Ending the scholars’ camp was a bittersweet one for Briz; however she is hopeful for the future opportunities to connect with fellow scholars. “Now that the camp is over, I think we'll just treasure the knowledge, the lessons, and the experiences that we can share with our fellow scholars who haven't attended our camp yet,” she shared.
Games at the 2024 Tzu Chi Scholars’ Camp highlighted teamwork, encouraging participants to help each other to win.
Scholars shared many laughs during the camp, especially whenever they gained points to win the games.
Participants were also persevering, even in games. They made sure to study the topic for the game in order to win.
During emotional moments, scholars learn about each others’ experiences. Through this support for one another, they learn to give comfort and gain a wider perspective in life.
Gabriel Zarceno from Iloilo (standing) is recognized as the Most Active Scholar of the 2024 Tzu Chi Scholars’ Camp.
Dancing together was one of the fun experiences at the scholars’ camp.
Scholars participate in the Tzu Chi song and dance “Pulling the Ox Cart.”
The perfect way to end the three-day camp: with scholars singing and dancing around the Jing Si Auditorium.