Over 1,000 junior and senior cadet Girl Scouts from Negros Oriental and Siquijor are participating in the four-day 39th encampment that ends today, Feb. 2 at Camp Lily Gamo in Sibulan town.
Organized by the Girl Scouts of the Philippines-Negros Oriental and Siquijor Council, this year’s encampment banners the theme, Women of Today for the Girls of Tomorrow.
The activity aims to promote the preparedness of young learners to do useful things for themselves and for others.
Dr. Fe Violeta Taring, chairperson of the GSP National Membership committee, said they expect the girls to experience the learning in the outdoors, and prepare them for a better tomorrow.
“Our girls need to come up with the chores, they have to know like cooking, arts and crafts, self defense, team-building, and a lot more activities are being prepared for them,” said Taring.
The encampment also hopes to inculcate in the youth the value of patriotism, and encourage their involvement in public and civic affairs.
“The girls will be trained in scout craft, and teach them patriotism, courage, self-reliance, and kindred virtues,” added Taring.
Cadet Girl Scout Fea Jammeah Dini-ay, 22, from Silliman University expressed excitement for this second Council camp after the pandemic.
“I am expecting to meet new friends as I am one of central staff for this camp. We are also looking forward for fun activities,” said Fea, Board member of the GSP Council, and young adult representative for Negros Oriental-Siquijor.
The campers are divided into junior/elementary level, senior/high school level, and cadet/college level.
Activities lined up include Larong Pinoy, obstacle games, disaster preparedness, martial arts, First Aid, and fire safety drills, campfire, and talent night.
“We know that camping is the lifeblood of Scouting, and we hope in this outdoors experience, we will be able to reach our goal with enthusiasm, and to be empowered for better leadership,” said Taring.
The encampment is held with the assistance of the Department of Education, Provincial Health Office, Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Information Agency, the municipal government of Sibulan, and the Department of Public Works & Highways. (JCT/PIA7 NegOr)
