Travelling together as a global family

With the theme "Travelling together as a global family", 16 students from Marist schools in Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore joined Marist Student Camp 2019 in Singapore, Flower Road, 7-11 August, to immerse themselves in 5 days of learning and reflection on their own values, the meaning of the school (Marist education) and their roles in society as a global citizen.

This is the second school meeting organized by the Marist Education Committee of the China Sector of the East Asia Province after having held the first camp in 2018, together with the celebration of the bicentenary of the Congregation.

The camp "is an experience that gives Marist students the opportunity to learn more about being Marist, about themselves and about Jesus Christ in a personal way, and also to build a network of East Asian students from current and former Marist schools, and to facilitate long-term collaborations at different levels," said Brother John Chong.

The Camp "Travelling together as a global family" had 5 objectives:

• To build on the East Asia student network between Marist schools (and the former Marist school) and to facilitate collaborations at different levels in the long term.
• Develop teamwork and reinforce practical skills among students with various talents.
• Inspire them to pursue their personal aspirations and perfection.
• Reinforce their responsibility to collaborate in schools and communities.
• Develop their awareness of global social and cultural issues.

“The camp started with prayer, evening meal and introducing one another. The next day, the group attended the pre-national day celebration at Maris Stella High School and were glad to be one of the participants in forming the word “Singapore 200”, which broke the school record on total of persons participating for such formation. The 3^rd day, we attended morning Mass at nearby church of Immaculate Heart of Mary to pray for and with the citizens of Singapore as they celebrate their national day. On the 4^th day, we went earlier to attend novena prayer at the famous church of St. Alphonsus. On the last day the 11^th, we spent the morning in prayer and some quiet moment in reflecting on the past few days activities. We did a group evaluation. We exchanged gifts and said thanks and goodbye to one another. We attended the Sunday Mass at Immaculate of Heart of Mary Church. After the buffet lunch, participants were presented certificate and prizes for their group’s performances. Vote of thanks were given to thank the local Marist Brothers community especially, Br. Elmer and Br. Thomas for allowing us to use the facility. Thanks also to Mrs. Woo, the Principal of Maris Stella High School for supporting the camp in various ways. Thanks also to Ms. Audrey Tan, teacher in charge of the spirituality of the school for helping in organizing the camp. Thank you for the wonderful experience of God’s presence in the 5 days camp in Singapore” Br. John Chong.