Called to serve

CEBU, Philippines – Cables, wires, fiber optics and lots of computer time didn't hold up to the scenic sunsets, cool breeze and beautiful mountains just outside the window that Gabriel Lamparas found. The choice, of course, was obvious.

As a computer engineer, he developed software and hardware peripherals and could give a mouthful of computer jargons enough to make anyone's nose to bleed. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Engineering, Major in Computer Networks. But there came a different calling he couldn't resist - one which offered an opportunity for him to touch the lives of the youth and inspire their growth.

He joined the Kool Adventure Camp (KAC), and has not looked back since. It all started with him "when I experienced the Youth Leadership Development Program of KAC back in high school." He said, "The KAC experience developed my leadership skills and prepared me to take on various challenges during my adolescence," he added.

Known by his KAC camp name "Teak," after a tropical hardwood known for its durability, he was so inspired by the KAC mission that he decided to become a community volunteer afterwards. He volunteered in many community development activities, like tree planting, house building, reaching out to mountain residents etc. It all the more helped him develop his leadership skills in college, especially in school events, Teak said.

He became a regular KAC volunteer even while still attending school - as one of the technical crew and not just an on-call instructor. One highlight of his volunteer years was when he interacted with the Netherlands delegates attending the Multi-Youth eXchange Program.

Then a "call" came by way of an advertisement of a KAC instructor vacancy. "I felt it was for me," Teak related, "so I submitted my application." It was a big challenge, but Teak was determined to be part of the very first fully dedicated adventure education center in the Philippines.

"I have to uphold the safety standards and protocols of the center," Teak said. "Both my soft and hard skills must be at the highest levels at all times. I always have to ensure my participants' safety and their learning." Teak takes everyday as an opportunity to learn from the various participants, as well.

"This is what I love to do. This is what I do best," Teak asserts. "On the job, I know I'm shaping future leaders. It's also his way of paying it forward. "KAC made a positive impact in my life," he says, so he feels morally obligated to make it happen in others, too.

Hi greatest reward is the "overwhelming feeling when a former participant from many years back still recalls his KAC experience, and tells you it has a positive influence on his present professional, social, and family life."

Everyone has a personal calling in life. But, often, it takes proper direction and nurturing for one to discover what his or her calling is. Teak is an example - one activity in high school has led him towards what he most loves to do in life.

Kool Adventure Camp is a flagship project of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc.