Saturday 30 July 2016

COURAGEOUS: GOING HOME TO MAKE IMPACT (FINAL DAY)


On the final day of AYC 2016, the campers and mentors converged at the dining hall to have breakfast at 8:30 am after which the convener, Mrs. Kikelomo Omooba, spoke to the former about the need to put into practice, all that they had learnt from their facilitators. She enjoined them to stick to what is right at all times and make a positive impact in the lives of others they come across with.
Mrs Kikelomo Omooba (Activate Youth Camp Convener)
The convener also admonished campers to ensure that the lifestyle they are living right now is in line with the future they desire. One of the facilitators, Mrs. Rotimi Adeaga, also advised them on the need to live the camp better people living a life driven by courage and hard work. She led them as they made a recap of some of the wonderful sessions they had benefited from in the course of the week as the listened to inspiring and motivational tips from their facilitators.
We also had Access Bank teach financial literacy to the campers as they prepare to leave
Campers from Ibadan


As the curtains pulled, you could feel the expression on their faces. One part telling you I am courageous now to face all challenges, the other looking at friends they would miss. One week had ended so soon, but the Champion in them has been ignited to be COURAGEOUS and will last a lifetime.
Curtains close.

DAY 6: CELEBRATING THE COURAGEOUS


Activate Youth Camp 2016
On day 6 of AYC 2016, campers had their routine early morning drilling before heading back to their hostels to prepare for other activities lined up for the day. At 8:30am breakfast was served and they ate their meals then assembled at the hall where they all took group photographs with their mentors.
The campers immediately went into their breakout sessions where they benefited from lots of inspirational and motivational tips from their facilitators who encouraged them not to be afraid when they fail or make certain mistakes as the word ‘FAIL’ only means First Attempt In Learning.
Motivational breakout session with Champ Ruth Goma 
‘You can choose courage or you can choose comfort. But you cannot have both’, one of the facilitators said also making a quote that ‘no one ever made a difference in this world without stepping foot outside their comfort zone first’ and ‘life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage’ (Anais Nin).
One must also be truthful with himself at all times as this is the best gift a person can give himself. This is in fact the very first ingredient of courage. At other classes some also discussed previous experiences in which they would have acted better and more courageously if they had benefitted from the kind of instruction they received at AYC 2016. They were instructed never to concentrate on their competitors but rather have their eyes fixed on the goal they have set out to achieve lest their concentration will be affected.
A quote by Seneca, ‘it is not because things are difficult that we do not dare, it is because we do not dare that things are difficult’ also served as a basis of reflection for the campers as they reflected on the theme – COURAGEOUS.
Graphics class with Olugbenga Ogunbowale
Following the breakout sessions, there were also classes for skill acquisition with the various experts guiding the campers on how to put certain skills into practice. This session was quite practical with the group of campers in Visual Branding/Graphics exhibiting what their facilitator had taught them about the use of Corel Draw software to design.
At the class for Hair Making, the campers were seen putting into practice what they had been taught on previous days with the guidance of their facilitator by weaving attachments with different styles and also taking time to learn how to tie gele (head tie).
Campers for Ankara Accessories learnt how to use Ankara material to make necklaces, bracelets and bags while their counterparts learning photography were taught how to handle a camera and take good pictures.
Abiodun Baiyewu-Teru on 'Journey of Guided Learning"
Later on at about 2:00pm, they had the privilege of listening to a great and courageous achiever in the person of Abiodun Baiyewu-Teru, who led them in a Journey of Guided Learning. She imbued confidence in the campers by telling them her own story of how being courageous made her overcome so many educational and professional challenges she has encountered; as well as taking her to various positions of influence which she has been privileged to occupy.
She encouraged them to be courageous and overcome their fears noting that ‘no one was born afraid’. ‘You must begin to believe a different story about yourself. If nobody tells you words of affirmation, you must speak to yourself. You must learn to respect you.
Campers also took part in various sporting activities before having their dinner courtesy Dangote Noodles who sponsored and prepared the meals. At the variety night which started immediately after dinner, some campers were awarded prizes for outstanding performance in the various sporting activities they participated in. From there on, it was celebration galore with the campers dancing in excitement to some great music from DJ Xpressit.
Dance! Dance!! Dance!!!

Friday 29 July 2016

NOW WE ARE COURAGEOUS (CAMPERS TESTIMONIALS)


"...all that changed when I joined Activate Youth Camp"
Before Activate Youth Camp, I was a mildly dull person who had no way of expressing herself. I would most times sit on my own in loneliness and just a bit afraid. But, all that changed when I joined Activate Youth Camp. I met new people; I met new friends and mostly learnt that although I am afraid, I don’t need that to stop me. I just need to be courageous.
One of the many facilitators I met was Mrs. Izefua who has been taking me and some of my friends for breakout courage classes. She would teach us about courage and what it entails. She taught us that courage is not outward but it is inward and it is from the heart. And that our values and beliefs affect who we are on the outside. Courage is not the absence of fear. Courage is facing our problems head on despite the fact that we are afraid.
Paul-Rotua Oluwatise
Sapphire Team
Dance Skill

"I can now face my biggest fears and never start being courageous" - Aseroma Britney
On the 29th of July 2016, my brother and I checked into the Activate Youth Camp at Igbobi College Yaba Lagos. At first I was frightened because of the number of people I saw. I sat down beside my fellow team members (Sapphire). It was actually my first time coming for AYC.
We ate lunch and had an interaction with Taiwo Akinlami afterward. Later on we were told to go to our various rooms. We were also told to wake up around 5:45am for morning drill.
During the course of the night, I found it hard to adapt to the situation. Being able to go to the fridge to get water around 0:00am in the morning or or going to the bathroom at 1:00am was not possible.
Aseroma Britney
The next morning was a whole lot of activities and I really enjoyed myself a lot. I met lots of new people including: Ayanfe, Adebola, Daniel, Osemu, Angel, Emmanuel, Ara and more of them.
I really learnt a lot in AYC with this year’s theme “THE COURAGEOUS”. Above everything I learnt, is that I should be able to face my biggest fears and never start being courageous no matter the repercautions, and I would recommend it to anyone who seeks to change in his/her life.
Aseroma Britney
Team Sapphire

"I just still can’t believe it’s free. AYC is great" - Alao Kofoworola

Hi, my name is Alao Kofoworola Omowonuola. I’m 15, I heard about Activate Youth Camp from my sister’s friend. When I heard of it, I was delighted to go and when I registered and got a message that I was selected, I was excited. When the day finally came, I didn’t know what to expect when I get there, I was furious and curious.
When I finally got there I was surprised that we were welcomed warmly and everyone seemed to be happy; that made me calm. On the first day of camp, our teacher talked to us about our fears and challenged us to face our fears. That day I thought about it and decided to fight my fears and I finally conquered one. I felt happy and free. Here in Activate Youth Camp, I have learnt a lot about how to associate with people.
Alao Kofoworola
I am so happy that the Champions Creed is now a part of me; I will think right, talk right and live right. And I was encouraged to know I am a Champion. I also learnt so much that, if I start to write them all out, I wouldn’t stop. Above all I learnt to be courageous.
I think AYC is a really great inspiring and educating camp, I wish it is more than one week, and if I have the opportunity to come again, I will come till I pass the age grade. If I grow up and get married and finally give birth and AYC is still on, I will make sure all my children come for AYC.
I just still can’t believe it’s free. AYC is great. I LOVE ACTIVATE YOUTH CAMP. THANK YOU PASTOR KIKELOMO
Alao Kofoworola Omowonnuola
Team: Emerald
Skill: Dance


"The people here made me realize that I am a champion" - Osode Deborah
This being my second time at AYC, I truly have had a great experience. From the adventures, down to the talks, it all has been awesome. To this effect, I have noticed a lot of changes about myself. I am more confident and courageous now than ever. Normally, I would never want to get up on stage, neither would I want to volunteer for anything but coming to this camp has inverted that. The people here made me realize that I am a champion.
When I would hide in the crowd or try to give up on something I already started because of death of faith or even fear, they would tell me NO! Champions don’t do that. Never stop trying!
Obode Deborah
My facilitator, Mrs. Nkechi Alli-Balogun told me something. She said ‘the fear of fear is what kills people’. It is totally absurd to let fear affect you. We also watched a movie, ‘The Maze Runner’ which teaches that as humans we would be afraid of something but despite the fear, we should always try and never give much attention to our fears.
The games and adventures have been really fun and extremely educating. For my skill, I chose hair making and I have learnt a lot from my teacher, Mr. Noble Pebble. Everything for me, is a turn on. I encourage anyone who has not been here to please come because it will truly transform your life. Now, I am aware, I have it in me.

Obode Deborah
Team: Ruby
Skill: Hair Making

"This might be my first time in AYC but it won’t be my last" - Ronald Dosunmu
The theme for this year was ‘Courageous’ and to be honest I have really gained a lot more understanding about the word ‘courage’ and it has really changed my life in so many ways. Despite waking up so early in the morning for early morning drills, and sleeping around 10:00pm, I really enjoyed so many other things like the sports, the breakout sessions and the food. 
It was really to inspire and encourage us to become successful people. This might be my first time in AYC but it won’t be my last. I enjoyed the AYC experience.
Ronald Dosunmu
Team: Amber
Skill: Graphics

"I have been motivated to face every situation with Courage" - Abiodun Princess
AYC, Activate Youth Camp!! Wow!! I have got a lot of things to say about this amazing camp, but to mention a few, I will say I have learnt a whole lot here.
The theme for this year ‘COURAGEOUS’ means a whole lot to me and it’s just what I needed for my day to day life. Learning that being courageous doesn’t mean you aren’t afraid but it means facing your fears and overcoming them. I have been motivated to face every situation with courage.
Abiodun Princess A.
Team: Ruby

"full packaged inspiring camp" - Adjete George
I arrived camp on Sunday and immediately I got my intern T-shirt and started work immediately. I got to be in charge of providing drinking water for the campers amongst other tasks, I attended classes at my leisure hour and I also took part in the sports activities.
Adjete George
I got familiar with the campers as well as other full and intern-mentors. I also enjoyed all the learning activities on camp such as inspiring classes from Champ Ruth Goma amongst other facilitators, sessions after sessions were all inspiring even during the dance night. I was inspired by Mr. Segun Lawal, our dance facilitator.
Altogether Camp Activate is a full packaged inspiring camp you don’t want to miss. Why do I have a feeling that the person reading this is already making plans for the next edition, if my feelings are correct then fear not for the form will be out soon! Hope to see you soon.
Yours in love
President George A.E. <GCFR to be>

DAY 5: MUSIC, FOOD FOR THE COURAGEOUS


Gaise at Activate Youth Camp 2016

On day 5 of AYC 2016, the campers woke up very early in the morning and were taken through physical training exercises before returning to their hostels to freshen up and prepare for other activities lined up for the day. The main highlight for the day was the music night.

Champ Rotimi Adeaga on "COURAGE"
Assembled at the dining hall by 6:30am, they had breakfast and celebrated with one of their colleagues, who marked his birthday. By 7:00am they all moved to the hall and listened to Rotimi Adeaga, who facilitated the general session. Rotimi told the campers that ‘courage is having the feeling of fear but still choosing to act’. She went on say, ‘In order to address your fear, ‘you must first acknowledge it’. ‘Do not let it control you, but acknowledge that it is there’, she said.
Buttressing her point, she made reference to a famous quote by Nobel Laureate and former President of South Africa, the Late Dr. Nelson Mandela, that “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear”.
Activate Youth Camp breakout sessions
At the breakout sessions which followed suit, campers benefited from lots of exciting and inspiring presentations from their facilitators. ‘Your beliefs are like scripts which you unconsciously act everyday’, Izefua Ehia-Williams Erhabor informed the group of campers in her group, noting that they must begin to work on empowering their beliefs. Other facilitators including: (Name), told the campers that courage is a journey that they need to start now, paying little or no attention to discrimination of any kind that appears to be a hindrance to their goals.
The facilitators also stressed that life is a lot easier when one is not weighed down by negativity because it is your response to any situation that matters. Having the right attitudes and values as well as disciplining yourself in such a way that you can take things and face reality with calm is ideal.
Peer pressure must not stop us from being courageous to do the right things. You must know that criticisms will always come but never allow them discourage you. Be resilient and determined, not giving up easily.

July Celebrants at Activate Youth Camp
Campers later took part in different adventures sporting activities before having dinner. The evening of AYC day 5 saw the various teams of campers make musical presentations with popular gospel artist and producer, Gaise Baba on hand to guide them and make constructive criticism of their singing performance and reward a few of them with his musical CD. The session ended with Gaise Baba thrilling the audience with a wonderful presentation.
The audience sang a birthday song for all celebrants in the month of July and together they cut their birthday cake and celebrated with joy.

See more photos on Activate Youth Camp Facebook page

Wednesday 27 July 2016

DAY 4: COURAGE IN CRISIS


The fourth day of AYC 2016 started with the campers being engaged in physical fitness exercises. At 7:00am they all assembled at the dining hall to have breakfast and then broke out for their team meetings to rehearse for tonight's drama performances.

Barrister Rotimi Ogunyemi was on hand to facilitate the general session on the topic Courage in difficulties: the story of the Hudson river plane crash" informed the campers that the true test of courage will only be determined in times of crisis using a short video documentary on the crash.
He ended on the note that "When life hits you with unexpected scenarios, do not panic but STAY CALM! Being courageous starts from the inside and displays on the outside showing that its not only about value to yourself but also to others.


During breakout motivational sessions, Mrs Izefua encouraged her team using "LEADD: Learning, Engagement, Acceptance, Decision and Doing" Mrs Foluke Ayoola taught her group the attributes of courageous people:

  1. Courageous people believe the unbelievable
  2. They must be patient
  3. Have the courage to say "NO"
  4. Do the right thing even when its not common
  5. Show genuine emotions
  6. Have the courage to forgive
During skills, it was amazing to see how well and far the campers had learned. The soap making class made soaps today, hair making fixed some new hairstyles, and the graphics class designed popular logos for the first time.




For the evening session, we began with ‘Journey of Guided Learning’ facilitated by Lampe Omoyele, ta brand builder and coach. He engaged everyone on "Purpose. Vision. Purpose." He hared his personal values as "Integrity, faithfulness and respect". He rounded up by noting "Wrong is wrong even if everyone is doing it; Right is right even when only you is doing it."

Various sporting activities were held later and in the evening the four teams made drama presentations depicting telling stories on how being courageous when confronted with challenges can yield great results if against all odds we go for our goals.


Tonight ended on a high for everyone as there were no winners or losers, only courageous people who dared the stage and told us impactful stories through drama.

DAY 3: DANCE, A NEW WAY TO BEING COURAGEOUS


Day three started normal with our morning drills, and there was no way we could predict that by lights out, it would have been an extraordinary experience. But then, this is what courageous champions are made of.


With friends for life to make, impact to create and future global leaders to nurture, Activate Youth Camp is just getting started; day three (3) was set rolling. Champ Ruth Goma did a recap of day two’s  movie and champions shared what they learnt from the movie – The Maze Runner. She highlighted that “Life is about choices, do you want to be courageous or do you want to fear… When in your difficult circumstance, courage must rise by you identifying your fears and facing it”. She rounded by charging campers to make a decision to be courageous and not allowing fear to dictate their future.



The breakout motivational sessions were life changing. Our facilitators had words of wisdom and calls to action on varieties of topic from financial management to etiquette, from spiritual development to personal development. The skills class keyed into the momentum and accelerated. The expression and dedication on the campers were immeasurable as they learn new skills that will empower them personally and economically.




The moments that glowed as stars in the night was the dance competition. We had award-winning Mr Segun Lawal, an internationally recognized dance trainer from the Spirit of David Dance Group as our judge as teams exhibited their dance skills.



Before leaving, he noted, “dance is not just movements, its worship and a display of courage against your fears as exhibited by King David” - now that is a new way to being courageous.

In case you missed our previous days, catch up here from the Theme and Arrivals video