Leadership trainees' homecoming

CEBU, Philippines – A select group of students from different schools who had earlier undergone training in leadership as well as in the values of character, competence and citizenship came together again in October. It was their homecoming as alumni of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. – Kool Adventure Camp (RAFI-KAC) and an occasion for them to present the best practices they have since adopted after their training.

The October 18 to 19 event was also to recognize the alumni's different implemented school and community projects, among which are study area contruction, tutorials, clean-up drive, old uniform donations, tree planting, feeding and waste segregation.

The returning alumni campers also actively participated in the planning, preparation and implementation of post-program projects. The projects implemented by the KAC alumni are part of their post-program initiatives, where they applied the leadership skills and RAFI - KAC's core values of character, competence and citizenship. Likewise, it was a chance for RAFI-KAC to  reorient the alumni on the connection between adventure program and effective leadership.

Supreme Student Goverment president Hebraica Ambus, one of the alumni from Toledo City Science High School swears to have "learned and grown so much from KAC [training]." Charles Gothong, a KAC alumnus, shared that he always learns something new each time he comes back to KAC.

KAC alumni Jedde Ampolitod and Gabriel Lamparas also shared their experiences. "The Camp made me realize I had to do something. Who I am and what I have really matters only as much as what others become because of me. I have to become the change I want to see in this world," Ampolitod said. For his part, Lamparas - who is a triathlete - added, "Now being a KAC youth development program instructor, it is my [duty] to help others to achieve their goals."

The event culminated with a closing remarks from the KAC - Youth Development Program (YDP) Deputy Director Marie Sol Gonzalvo. "If you want to be someone, do something. Do something now," she said. "Do it now. Do it with all your heart. Make a difference. Greatness will follow."

The event was the first alumni homecoming that happened  at the KAC adventure education center. The Camp has been offering adventure education programs for leadership and team development for youth and professionals for a decade already. It has recently opened the Philippines' first fully dedicated adventure education center. Interested parties may visit www.kac.rafi.org.ph  or www.facebook.com/kooladventurecamp, or call Althea Santillan at 260-9000 local 1001.