Peace is a very simple word, but it is something that every one need. Every family needs it. Every nation needs it. Every creature in this world from the smallest ant to the mightiest elephant needs it. Sadly though, peace can be elusive. Then again, if we look into ourselves hard enough, we may find and nurture peace. Thus, the hope to make this world a better place lives on.

     That is why the EDSOR Consortium, composed of Immaculate Conception Academy, Poveda Learning Center, La Salle and Xavier School organized the 5th EDSOR Peace Camp for students. Last November 26 – 27, 2004 delegates from the four schools got together with the hope of rediscovering the peace that rests with in each individual, particularly, the youth of today. It is also aimed at forming student leaders who are capable of building a better life for themselves, their children, and their communities. The host school for this year’s Peace Camp was La Salle, Greenhills.

     The event started off with a meaningful opening ceremony. It was an eye opener to the reality of what is happening around us. There was a presentation about how our less fortunate brothers in the streets try to make a living by asking for alms and selling sampaguita garlands, newspapers, cigarettes and just about anything they could think of.

     After that, the participants had the very first plenary session. They were divided into groups according to the colors indicated in their IDs. They had a lot of activities like water filtration and segregation of trash activities. They were also taught the value of water and conservation of it. They were given a brief talk on how fresh water is depleting in an alarming rate and that the next world war may be over water.

     After a hearty lunch, the first concurrent session began. Delegates were given the liberty to choose from the different activities. The choices were, Writing songs of peace, Theater and dance, Alternative forms of prayer and meditation, Advocating peace through music and sharing stories of peace. As one of the delegates, I chose Alternative forms of prayer and meditation. I sure thought that it will be a very exciting activity and I was right. In the session, participants were taught the body prayer and some relaxing techniques. Imagine, it is the first time that I used my body to pray!

     There were a lot of cool activities to choose from which I wished I could be in all of them. Anyway, after giving it a much good thought, I ended up joining Cyber Peace. We were briefed on the many dangers online. A cyber cop (the person who is assigned to catch the "bad guys " online) even came to the rescue!

     The first day of the Peace Camp was exhausting. But it was filled with interesting activities that I looked forward to what the second day will bring.

     The next day began with some warm-up exercises on peace. After everyone was all revved up, the third and final concurrent session rolled along. My choice this time was "Youth empowerment in school". In this session, they made us realize that we should make do with whatever we have and that we should not take physical handicap as a hindrance to
success in life. They made us understand that our future depends much on whatever choices we made today. It was indeed an eye opener for me. The day went on with a workshop. We were given sometime to come up with a creative presentation about peace. All the participants rolled up their sleeves and presented with such wonderful numbers.

     Finally, when all the lined up activities were over, a Eucharistic celebration officiated by our very own school director, Father Johnny Go, SJ fittingly closed the program. After the solemn mass, everybody got pumped up for the variety show. This turned out to be the icing on the cake for all delegates. The members of different dance clubs of ICA, Poveda, La Salle and Xavier shared us their talent and showed their talents. It was a blast!

     Let me take this opportunity to thank all those people who made this event possible. They were fantastic in coming with all those activities that inspired and encouraged students like me to become better people in service to others and with each other. More than anything else, I was very happy to be given a chance to be a part of this year's Edsor Peace Camp. It was for me, one of the most memorable events that have happened this year. I wish that I would be given another chance to join such an event for I believe that I won't be getting it from the four walls of my classroom.

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