On Saturday, 10 October 2026, I had the privilege of attending an overnight camp meeting at Lake Chivero, organized by the Jesuit Youth Office, in collaboration with the National Movement of Catholic Students (NMCS) at the University of Zimbabwe and Mwenyi Safari and Lodges. The camp was a memorable experience that combined education, adventure, teamwork, environmental awareness and spiritual and personal growth. It provided an opportunity for students to step away from their usual routines, interact with one another and appreciate the importance of living responsibly within our natural environment. It is through this experience that the Chaplain introduced the theme of the camp. He said that we are called to be Youth Leaders in Community Health Initiatives. Health is multifaced, thus be like these living waters that gives life wherever they go. With these words we were welcomed into the Africa Jesuit AIDS Network project, “Strengthening Ignatian Youth Participation in Youth Led Community Health & Wellness Initiatives”.

The camp became more than just an outdoor gathering, it was an opportunity to learn practical life skills, build meaningful relationships and appreciate the beauty of nature. The activities were carefully organised to encourage participation, cooperation and personal development. From the educational safari walk to the team-building exercises, bonfire and braai, every activity contributed to making the experience both enjoyable and educational. One of the most interesting activities was the educational safari walk, which allowed us to explore the natural environment and appreciate the importance of wildlife and environmental conservation. Through this experience, I gained a better understanding of the need to protect our surroundings and coexist peacefully with nature. It reminded me that the environment is a valuable resource that must be preserved for present and future generations. As young people and students, we have a responsibility to promote environmental awareness and adopt sustainable practices in our everyday lives for through them our wellness is guaranteed.

The camp also included various team-building activities that encouraged cooperation, communication, trust and unity among participants. These activities demonstrated that working together makes it easier to overcome challenges and achieve common goals. They also provided an opportunity for participants to interact beyond their usual social circles, strengthening friendships and fostering a sense of belonging within the Catholic student community. The experience reinforced the importance of teamwork, respect for others and collective responsibility, values that are essential in our academic, professional and personal lives. Another highlight of the camp was learning practical outdoor survival skills.

For me, one of the most exciting achievements was learning how to pitch a tent. Although it may appear to be a simple activity, it required patience, coordination and cooperation. This was a valuable lesson because it demonstrated that personal growth often comes from being willing to try new things and step outside one’s comfort zone. The experience also taught me the importance of preparation, adaptability and resourcefulness when faced with unfamiliar situations. Cooking food over an open fire was another memorable part of the camping experience. It gave us an opportunity to appreciate the effort involved in preparing meals without the usual conveniences of home. It also encouraged us to share responsibilities, work together and make the best use of the resources available to us. These practical experiences taught me responsibility, independence and appreciation for the everyday comforts that we sometimes take for granted.

As the evening progressed, the bonfire created a warm and welcoming atmosphere where participants could relax, socialize and enjoy one another’s company. The braai further added to the excitement of the evening, making it a wonderful opportunity to share food, laughter and memorable moments. The overnight arrangement allowed us to experience camping more fully and appreciate the unique experience of spending time outdoors. Overall, the activities created a healthy balance between learning and recreation, making the camp both refreshing and worthwhile.

We concluded our night feeling well again, and we all bothered ourselves on what can we do to help create a happy generation. The camp meeting at Lake Chivero was an unforgettable experience that combined adventure, education, teamwork and environmental awareness. I returned with new practical skills, including pitching a tent, a greater appreciation for nature and a renewed understanding of responsibility and cooperation. Most importantly, the experience reminded me that some of life’s most valuable lessons are learned through participation, exploration and interaction with others.

Par, Britney Ruwende (2nd Yr)
Student, Catholic Society-University of Zimbabwe, Integral Youth Development Office (IYD).