ECOCAMP 2016

To heed Pope Francis’ “urgent challenge to protect our common home", Iraya Study Center  organized an ECOCAMP on May 12-15 with the aim of transmitting the message of LAUDATO SI, his 2nd encyclical published on May 24, 2015.  The camp involved volunteer work at Paradise Ranch in Clark Pampanga, a nature and conservation park where students had time to commune with nature and learn new skills like grafting plants, potting, grounds clean-up, etc. In the words of a volunteer, the camp was also an opportunity to meet people who share the same aim of conserving and caring for the environment. By making new friends and among them the Aetas who work at the ranch, it helped her to appreciate and understand those with a cultural background different from hers.