“Respect girls as we respect our mothers. The sessions provided would be a big help for those who are presently in a boy-girl relationship”,
a reflection from a 15-year old boy after the camp.

The 3-day True Love Waits Seminar / Summer Camp held at the Rizal Re-Creation Center in Rizal, Laguna April 28-30 was indeed a success. The camp was a time for reflection, meaningful fun and games, and strengthened group bonding among our participants. The sessions conducted taught about God’s love for us, the true meaning of Love which confuses our young generation today, the benefits of waiting
(NO TO PREMARITAL SEX), the consequences of sex before marriage and how to behave responsibly in a boy-girl relationship.

The proliferation of sex-oriented materials in our society today has taught our kids to engage in sex in an early age. This alarming reality is what this camp would like to address, that is, to teach our kids to be morally responsible to their actions to keep them away from the long-term effects of sex outside marriage. True love, respect and accountability were the central themes of this Camp.

The approach is not knowledge-giving, but more of values formation which our young kids lack nowadays. Group sharing, team building activities and movie viewing were the methodologies used to get the group’s participation and enthusiasm on the lessons. The True Love Waits team was composed of 5 members who facilitated the 3-day camp. The participants responded positively in every activity. Everybody willingly participated in every task assigned to them. As an output from the Camp, each participant came up with a poem and designed their own T-Shirts based on what they have learned from the camp. After the camp, positive reflections were solicited from the 13 teenage participants.

With the present pressures that our young kids face today, it is really a challenge for them to follow what they have learned from the Camp. Hence, guidance of responsible adults is needed to keep these kids on the right track.

Rationale / Background

The project was conducted in response to the 2 pregnancy incidents last year among AAP young beneficiaries. Realizing that prevention is better than cure, the Social Welfare Committee came up with this Camp that would help our young beneficiaries face the pressures of sex before marriage. The school teaches about reproductive health, including the use of contraceptives for safe sex. However, what we need is to look into our values system that would help curb the practice of sex before marriage, especially among teens.

Partners and Sponsors

AAP is most indebted to the following organizations and people who supported this worthwhile project:

Manila Elks Club for financing this worthwhile project

International SOS headed by Mr. Serge Grynkewich for donating a traveler’s first aid kit; for lending his van with his driver, and of course, the ready access to International SOS 24-hotline, in case of emergencies during the 3-day Camp

Mr. Reynaldo De Jesus for lending his van which helped offset our transportation expenses

Last but not the least, to the True Love Waits team members Derek, Kai, Mike, John and Kaligay for giving their time, patiently educating our wards, and for facilitating the whole duration of the Camp without charge

To everybody who in one way or another helped materialize this project, our sincere thanks to all of you.

Testimonials from the Participants

Mikey (15)
“I learned that we should not cheat other people. We should respect girls as we respect our mothers. It is a great help for those who are in a relationship now.”

Emerson (16)
“I can wait. The camp helped me (decide on) what direction should I take. I realized that I should use my strength in spreading the good news of Jehovah.”EJ (17)

EJ (17)
“The camp taught me that we should not make any decision if we are not yet sure. We do not have to rush ourselves into getting into a relationship. We should commit ourselves at the right time and at the right age; when we are sure enough that such person is really what we are looking for.”

Mayce (14)
“I learned that lying will not indeed do us any (good. We should not cheat on people and never play with their feelings.”

Steph (16)
“The one thing I’ve learned from this camp is to never allow your partner to touch you physically like kissing or even holding hands.”

Twinkle (16)
“I should learn from my older sisters and I do not want that to happen to me. I am thankful that I have been a part of this seminar. Now I would like to make a commitment – no boyfriend.”Michael (22)
“I realized that God exists. There were times at the lowest part of my life and even asked myself if God is true and if He loves me. The talks we had opened (me) to the reality that God indeed exists and that we should return his love by loving others. This seminar is worth it.”

Michael (22)
“I realized that God exists. There were times at the lowest part of my life and even asked myself if God is true and if He loves me. The talks we had opened (me) to the reality that God indeed exists and that we should return his love by loving others. This seminar is worth it.”

Mangie (14)
“Very awesome! I realized that it is OK if I do not have a boyfriend. I will focus with my studies, instead of entertaining the thoughts of having a boyfriend.”

Nikola (16)
“Very nice! I could relate from the discussions… I realized I am not yet ready to face the responsibilities attached to marriage.”

Dwyne (13)
“Never cheat nor hurt a girl’s feelings”

Haydee (18)
"The camp will help me lead a good life – what direction to take and how to act responsibly in (my) chosen path."

JD (15)
“Learn to wait and not to rush things. Never succumb to peer pressure. Respect the feelings of a girl.”

The 13 AAP kids joined the journey of love, purity, respect and accountability	1. True Love Waits facilitators giving the mechanics for the 1st warm up activity
2.	First session - Follow the leader
Second session - How Do I Love Thee?
Day 2 - Poem Writing	T-shirt Making
T-shirt Making	Kuya Mike explaining to the group how to go about the first teambuilding activity
We say "WAG MUNA"	With True Love Waits team members Kaligay, Kai & Derek, AAP staff and our kids
AAP group, headed by SWC Chair Will Feuerstein, with top master, Rev. Joe Mauk.