By: Dr Alexis Leones
Twenty-two Filipino-Australian youth ventured in the cultural immersion program, the Filipino Cultural Heritage Youth Camp, held on 2-4 January 2009 at Camp Fletcher, Hazelbrook NSW. The youth were inspired by the camp theme of “Amazing Philippines – Know and Tell” and poem “Bakit Tayo Naririto”.
The camp was organised by the Philippine Language and Cultural Association of Australia (PLCAA), assisted by the Penrith Community Filipino School (PCFS) staff and supported by the Philippine Community Council-NSW (PCC-NSW). The majority of the youth aged 10 to 22 years of age, are students of the PCFS and members of BARKADA, the Penrith Filipino youth group.
Participants enjoyed the fellowship created with the tasks given and appreciated the use of Filipino language in common expressions, in songs and in real-life contexts. The youth made use of their artistic and creative skills as they took part in the musical production, Philippine dances and costumes, Filipino cooking, Pinoy games and powerpoint presentations. The camp’s interactive program made the youth experience leadership and effective group dynamics in achieving their tasks.
Mr. Neil Galang who is the PCC-NSW Vice President External, Management Committee member of the Western Sydney Multicultural Inc., and the treasurer of the Blacktown City Local Government Committee of the ALP was the guest speaker. Neil being an effective lobbyist encouraged the youth to take active roles in the community and be proud of their Filipino heritage as they share this rich culture with the community.
A tiring but rewarding experience filled with fun activities, this first Filipino cultural heritage camp is an inaugural undertaking by PLCAA who promises a second camp in 2010 for the benefit of the young Filipino-Australians and the community at-large.
With the encouraging and constructive feedback handed in by the youth camp participants, the second camp is envisaged to be interesting and challenging.
The camp was organised by the Philippine Language and Cultural Association of Australia (PLCAA), assisted by the Penrith Community Filipino School (PCFS) staff and supported by the Philippine Community Council-NSW (PCC-NSW). The majority of the youth aged 10 to 22 years of age, are students of the PCFS and members of BARKADA, the Penrith Filipino youth group.
Participants enjoyed the fellowship created with the tasks given and appreciated the use of Filipino language in common expressions, in songs and in real-life contexts. The youth made use of their artistic and creative skills as they took part in the musical production, Philippine dances and costumes, Filipino cooking, Pinoy games and powerpoint presentations. The camp’s interactive program made the youth experience leadership and effective group dynamics in achieving their tasks.
Mr. Neil Galang who is the PCC-NSW Vice President External, Management Committee member of the Western Sydney Multicultural Inc., and the treasurer of the Blacktown City Local Government Committee of the ALP was the guest speaker. Neil being an effective lobbyist encouraged the youth to take active roles in the community and be proud of their Filipino heritage as they share this rich culture with the community.
A tiring but rewarding experience filled with fun activities, this first Filipino cultural heritage camp is an inaugural undertaking by PLCAA who promises a second camp in 2010 for the benefit of the young Filipino-Australians and the community at-large.
With the encouraging and constructive feedback handed in by the youth camp participants, the second camp is envisaged to be interesting and challenging.
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