Ateneo de Cebu hosts historic Scouts Camp for PH Jesuit Schools

History was made on 5-7 July 2024 when the first ever Jesuit Schools Scouting Network (JSSN) Camp was held at Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu (SHS-AdC) in Mandaue City. More than 150 boy scouts and girl scouts from six Jesuit schools in the Philippines gathered at one grand event to foster camaraderie in a weekend of thrilling activities and engaging fun.

The JSSN was created in early 2024 precisely to connect scouting units from all Jesuit schools in the country and to provide a platform for their respective scouts and scouter leaders to interact, share experiences, and participate in joint scouting activities. Thanks to the pioneering JSSN Camp, the gathering that had long been a dream of previous generations of scouts from Jesuit schools in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao became a glorious reality. 

Guided by the theme “Ignatian Scouting: Trailblazers of the Magis,” the event began with a Eucharistic celebration presided by JSSN Camp Chief and President of SHS-AdC, Fr Michael “Mike” Pineda SJ. After the Mass came the colorful parade featuring the six participating Jesuit schools: Ateneo de Manila University, Ateneo de Zamboanga University, Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan, Xavier School Nuvali, Ateneo de Davao University, and Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu. The procession led to the Magis Eagles Arena (MEA), where the opening program kicked off with presentations that showcased the talents and cultural diversity of each participating school’s scouts.

The camp’s overall consultant, Fr Joaquin Jose Mari “Jonjee” Sumpaico III SJ, WBH w/ CML, then gave his welcome remarks. The keynote address of Atty Jennoh Tequillo, former National Executive Board Member of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP) and Scout alumnus of SHS-Ateneo de Cebu, followed. The challenge to the Scouts was delivered by Atty Cedric Train, LT, Chief National Commissioner BSP, while Dr Marvin Nicer, LT, Youth Development Officer V of the BSP Eastern Visayas Regional Coordination Office, gave the inspirational message.

After the messages came the festive and delicious boodle fight, which bonded scouts and scouters in the spirit of friendship and camaraderie. Thus concluded day one of the camp.

Day two provided opportunities for learning and advancement. The Scout Skills Carousel featured morning activities on survival skills and emergency preparedness, as well as discussions on special hobbies and interests. There was also a tree-planting activity for selected scouts and adult leaders. In the afternoon, the scouts applied their skills via the Amazing Race, which had each school’s delegates racing to complete a string of activities ranging from team-building games to skills-based scouting tests.

Day two culminated in the Grand Campfire held in the evening. Each school’s delegation vividly displayed its creativity and talent through the campfire presentation, with our very own Ateneo de Manila scouts, trained by Scouter Jimilette Fernandez,  performing the Tubong Kalatong folk dance. The presentations were followed by the Social Night festivities in the covered courts, where the campers enjoyed the delicacies prepared by each Jesuit school and bonding with one another. Afterwards, an awarding ceremony took place which recognized the schools for their campfire performances. The day ended with an Examen in thanksgiving for the camp’s activities and the scouts’ achievements.

Day three, the final day of the JSSN Camp, commenced with scouts, leaders, and guests gathering for an outdoor Eucharistic celebration, presided by Fr Nono Levosada SJ, Chaplain of SHS-AdC and Fr Jonjee Sumpaico SJ. In his homily, Fr Nono emphasized that scouts are lights for others, as was evident during the camp. The JSSN Camp concluded with the Awarding and Closing Ceremony that recognized the camp organizers and each school’s especially laudable participation. Ateneo de Manila received three awards: Biggest Delegation, Most Thrifty, and Best in Skills, an award that our AGS Scouts shared with the Senior Scouts of Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan JHS. In his closing remarks, Fr Jonjee Sumpaico SJ said that he hoped that the participants would remember what they experienced in the historic camp, and bring home what they learned to enrich the ideals of Scouting in their daily lives. 

The inaugural JSSN Camp was a resounding success. With activities that went beyond merely teaching, instilling, and nurturing scouting skills, the camp fostered a sense of camaraderie, cultural appreciation, and nationalism among its participants, thus laying the groundwork for more enriching experiences and stronger collaborations ahead. This is just the beginning for the JSSN, and its future endeavors promise to be even more spirited, exciting, and enriching.

The Ateneo de Manila University JSSN Camp delegation was composed of Boy Scouts Andrew Bugaoan, Justin Costuna, Martin Darilag, Steven Egwaras, Drake Walo, Samuel Gatchalian, Daniel Guerrero, Marco Jacobo, Juanico Lumuntad, Iago Merino, Samuel Ngoho, Gio Ocampo and Gervacio Tanjangco; and Senior Scouts JC Daug, Joaquin Jobog, Alfonso Lasala, Joab Manaysay, Alfonso Merino, Matt Padilla, Mordy Puno, Christian Rana, Ethan Rivadelo, Mickey Rosete, Matthew Sulit, Rafa Tuazon and JR Viray.

They were guided by the adult Scouters led by Fr Jonjee Sumpaico SJ, Vice President for Basic Education and JSSN Camp Overall Consultant; Mr Jervy Robles, AGS Headmaster and Contingent Head; Ms Virgie Esteves, AGS Assistant Headmaster for Formation and Deputy Contingent Head; Ms Jimilette Fernandez, Senior Scout Commissioner; Mr Mark Catarroja, Boy Scout Commissioner;  Ms Arriete Pacle, Administration Officer; Mr Enrico Patulan, Program Office; Mr Punch San Jose, Logistics Officer; Mr Ron Querijero, Health and Safety Officer; and Mr Manuel Joseph de los Reyes, Documentation Officer. Also with the Ateneo de Manila contingent was Mr Fred Laureles, a retired AGS teacher who also served as a Scoutmaster for more than 50 years. At the JSSN Camp in Cebu, he was reunited with Fr Mike Pineda SJ, his Grade 5 student who is now President of Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu.