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Tuesday, April 19, 2005
A Science holiday
By Melody Ross M. Tinoy
I STILL can't get over that memorable weekend. Somewhere along the green trees and aromatic breeze of Malagos Garden Resort in Calinan was held the 2005 Regional Youth Science, Technology and Environment Camp or Rystec, from February 24-to March 1, 2005.
Science enthusiasts, mostly students, from all over Region 11 took a break and experienced nothing but pure bliss of science-ism. The theme "Space Trek: Unraveling the stars of the future through Space Technology," seems bizarre but undoubtedly cool.
With the Regional Executive Council and Regional Executive Council Assistance Team as driving forces, the science gathering was not just your average camp.
Day 1: February 24
Staff members were so pleased too see the campers' thrilled faces with their heavy baggage. The campers, coming from various parts of Region 11, and their advisers were fascinated by the lush beauty of the venue.
The camp officially opened after dinner. The hosts, Ate Jenny and Kuya Timon, welcomed the campers who were informed of the house rules, the food, the staff and the camp. After the campers were divided into 5 groups, they were given time to be acquainted with teammates.
Day 2: February 25
The day started with Ensign Making. Members of the staff doodled the campers' faces with paints. After that, a series of lectures took place. For a starter, Mr. Antonio Ajero, publisher of Sun.Star Davao and founding director of the SSD Institute of Journalism, gave a lecture on Science Journalism. He introduced to campers the journalese of science writing, reinforcing his talk with a workshop.
Dr. Jose Edgardo Aban generated awe with his lecture on Satellite Remote Sensing. Two more lectures--Research Topic Identification by Dr. Emma Ruth Bayogan for the teacher and Geographic Information System by Mr. Rogelio Abalus- were just as exciting. Workshops were given to test how deep their understanding was about the lectures.
In the evening, the campers and teachers benefited from "Maging Galak at Busog" or MGB. They guffawed and horsed around at the out of the ordinary games we prepared.
Day 3: February 26
A different didactic diurnal for everyone as the second batch of lectures and workshops occurred. The lectures about Cosmology and Agrometeorology were terrific. The campers and teachers bombarded the speaker, Dr. Alan Pineda, with questions about the field of the scientific study of the origin and structure of the universe.
Malagos Garden Resort was a lovely haven for all of us during the evening. The contestants of Space Idol 2005 amused us. They showed not only their talents but their intellectual abilities as well. Daniel Juson impressed us. He was a delegate from Davao Christian High School who garnered the top place.
The evening activities were capped with the movie, "October Sky" that dealt with the genesis of NASA's rocket ship program that was a high school science experiment.
Day 4: February 27
We started the day with a Holy Mass for Catholics and a prayer service for Christians of other denominations. Then, REC President Francis Elyon del Prado gave a lecture on leadership.
In the afternoon, the Space Menace elated everyone. It did not only charm the campers' physical strengths, but defy their astuteness as youth. It was in this activity that their unity as subcamps was tested.
Intelligence was the main criterion during the late part of the day for the campers. A Quiz Show, both for school and subcamp levels were conducted. A chain of easy, moderate and hard questions was given the contestants. After the tough competition, only two survivors were proclaimed as winners of the said event: Marie Emily Joy Buaya of Tagum National High School for the School Category and Subcamp Ceres for the team level. The campers were exhausted that day.
Day 5: February 28
This was a tedious but environment-friendly day for the campers, teachers and staff. Collaborative Undertaking Revive the Environment Part I (CureI) consisted of hiking and tree planting.
After lunch, Mr. Christian Alvarez gave the last lecture and demonstration on Global Positioning System. It was a preparation for the next activity- the CURE II comprising endless hiking, and environmental amazing race-ish activities. It was as if the campers were inflicted first-degree injuries from whacking. Everyone was complaining of cramps.
The evening activity was very solemn and heartwarming for we knew that it would be the last night of the camp. Tired as we were, everyone was still on the go for the lachrymal closing ceremony. It was also an excellent photo opportunity for just anybody who had a camera. Without a doubt, February 28 was the most momentous day in the camp.
Day 6: March 1
Judgment day finally dawned. The winners were known. The campers and staff were in high spirits but a tint of sadness of parting was very perceptible. The last cheers per subcamp were heard; the last picture was taken. And for the last time, the "The World's Greatest" (camp's theme song) was played. It was a poignant scene indeed.
I came to Rystec as a staff without much expectation. The science camp came as a refreshing break. I went home loaded with pleasant memories of that decidedly once-in-a-lifetime camp.
"There are a few reliable data of global prevalence or morbidity of Parkinson's disease, but it is known to affect all ethnic groups."
For Bisaya stories from Davao. Click here. (April 19, 2005 issue)
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