2025 YM Camp FAQ

The 2025 YM Camp, themed "Foundations for the Future: Mapping Your Life's Journey," aims to help young men reflect on their personal growth, spiritual development, and future goals. Through leader testimonies, self-reflection using a "Life Plan" template, group activities, and fun, they will explore how faith, education, career, and relationships contribute to a fulfilling, Christ-centered life while building camaraderie. The camp balances spiritual focus with fun fellowship activities.

The camp runs from the evening of Friday, April 25th through the evening of Saturday, April 26th, 2025. It will be held at a private Airbnb resort on the shores of Lake Taal, near Tagaytay. More details and a link to the venue can be found on Makati4th.com on the YM Camp section.

The cost is tiered based on participation in the recent cheese bread fundraiser:

770 PHP for young men who participated in the fundraiser.
2680 PHP for young men who did not participate.

Both prices already reflect a 1000 PHP subsidy per person from the ward budget. The fee covers transportation, overnight accommodation, all meals (Friday dinner through Saturday dinner), and planned activity costs.

Please notify Matt Farley once you have made the payment so he can update the records.

Please speak confidentially with a member of the Bishopric. They can discuss available support options. We want every young man to have the opportunity to attend.

Yes. A signed permission slip and release form (which may include medical information/waivers) is required for participation. You can find the link to download the form on Makati4th.com in the YM Camp section. Please print it, sign it, and have your son bring the signed hard copy with him to the departure point.

Transportation is coordinated via assigned vehicles driven by adult leaders or designated drivers. Please refer to the Transportation Plan available on Makati4th.com (in the YM Camp section) to see which vehicle your son is assigned to for both the trip to the camp and the return trip from the camp (they may differ).

Departure (Fri, Apr 25): You must coordinate directly with your son's assigned driver regarding the exact departure time (likely late afternoon/early evening) and specific meeting location (e.g., Makati, Alabang, PPT, Essensa). Travel time is estimated at 1.5 - 2.5 hours depending on traffic.

Return (Sat, Apr 26): Coordinate with the return trip driver regarding the drop-off location (e.g., church building, home). Estimated return arrival in Metro Manila is around 9:30 PM.

If running late, communicate immediately and directly with your assigned driver. Alternative transportation is discouraged due to coordination efforts; please discuss any specific needs well in advance with the Young Men Presidency.

Activities are designed for spiritual growth, goal setting, service, and fun. They include: leader life story testimonies, personal reflection time, a "Life Plan" presentation session, a service project (beach cleanup led by Deacons), sports tournaments (3-on-3 Basketball led by Teachers, 4-on-4 Volleyball led by Priests), swimming, kayaking, board/card games, and a concluding Campfire Fireside with messages and testimony sharing.

The "Life Plan" is a core activity where young men reflect on and set goals for different areas of their lives (spiritual, education, mission, marriage, career, etc.).

Preparation: Access to an online Life Plan Presentation App (with tutorial) is now available at Makati4th.com. Your son should try to thoughtfully complete his plan before arriving at camp.

Presentation: On Friday night, leaders will share their life plan (in retrospect), then on Saturday young men will have the opportunity to present their plans (using the app, PowerPoint, or notes) to receive positive feedback and coaching from peers and leaders. Sharing personal details is optional, and the environment will be supportive and sensitive. A computer/internet access is helpful for the app/PowerPoint but not strictly required.

While full participation is encouraged to get the most out of the experience, boys can opt out of specific activities (like swimming) if needed. However, participation in key elements like the Life Plan session is expected.

The young men and leaders will be staying overnight in shared accommodations (rooms with beds/bunks) at the rented Airbnb resort. Bedding is expected to be provided. Specific room assignments will be organized by leaders upon arrival.

No food needed. All main meals (Friday dinner - hot meal at Airbnb planned, Saturday breakfast, lunch, and dinner) are included and will be prepared/served by resort staff.

Dietary Needs: Please inform the YM Presidency (or note on the permission form) ASAP about any food allergies or dietary restrictions.

Water Bottle: Yes, please have your son bring his own reusable water bottle. Water refills will be available.

Optional Snacks: Personal snacks are okay but not necessary.

Please refer to the detailed Packing List on Makati4th.com. Key items include:
Casual, comfortable clothing (shorts, shirts)
Athletic wear/shoes for sports
Swimwear
Sunscreen
Personal Medications
Reusable Water Bottle

Dress Code: Casual and modest attire appropriate for church activities. Athletic wear for sports, swimwear for water activities.

Bedding: Provided by the Airbnb.
Sports Equipment: Assigned Quorums will bring primary basketballs/volleyballs. Bringing personal board/card games is encouraged.
Spending Money: Not required. All essentials are covered.

Standard Church safety guidelines will be followed. Adult supervision will be constant, particularly during sports and water activities (swimming, kayaking - life jackets provided). First aid supplies will be available. Ensure medical info on the permission slip is accurate.

Contact information for leaders are on the Church website (or LDS Tools app). You can also find their phone number in the Ward WhatsApp group. In an emergency, try your son's phone first (if applicable and signal permits) or the designated leader contacts. Ensure your emergency contact details on the permission slip are accurate and you are reachable. Leaders will contact parents immediately in case of emergency.

Leaders may send occasional brief updates or photos via established channels (e.g., WhatsApp, private Facebook group), but their primary focus is supervision and activities. Assume no news is good news unless contacted directly.

Phones are allowed for necessary communication/photos but usage should be minimized, especially during activities, to encourage engagement. Leaders may ask for phones to be put away during group sessions. Other electronics (gaming devices, tablets) should be left at home. Valuables are brought at own risk.

Parent visits are discouraged to maintain the immersive experience, except in emergencies. If partial attendance is necessary, please discuss arrangements with the YM Presidency in advance.

Discuss the camp theme ("Foundations for the Future"), encourage reflection on goals, and pray together. For first-timers, reassure them about supervision and the fun activities. A familiar item or note from home can help.

Matt Farley is the YM Camp Director for 2025. You can also direct your questions to any member of the Bishopric.