From April 30th to May 4th, the Boldog Özséb Youth House hosted the Whole Heart youth leadership training camp. This time, participants delved even deeper into the professional aspects of youth and music group leadership. The entire experience was accompanied by a prayerful spirit, as the organizing team once again aimed to bear witness to genuine values for those eager to grow.

Starting Wednesday afternoon, the young participants learned for four days about acquiring and developing leadership qualities and skills. They became familiar with the Catholic liturgy, while the younger group (“ifi”) studied the basics of rhetoric and testimony, and the “forte” team focused on Christian contemporary music, psalms, and the order of Mass. Based on their training, they created enjoyable activities for youth and music groups. Leadership styles, vision, and the acronym for THURSDAY (CSÜTÖRTÖK) enriched the training repertoire. Practical experience was gained through sword fighting exercises, game refereeing, and rehearsals, preparing the future leaders.

In parallel, the issimo training covered mentoring and coaching competencies, while Bravissimo organized a youth event and Fortissimo composed their first joint worship song, which was also performed at the camp’s closing Mass.

Despite the busy schedule, the week was marked by constant good mood and cheerfulness. Serious and light-hearted conversations culminated on Thursday evening, and the Eucharistic adoration on Friday night provided spiritual refreshment and answers for the youth. The participants once again demonstrated their enthusiasm and courage, culminating in a talent show on Saturday evening. Around the campfire, we enjoyed stories, poems, jokes, musical pieces, and songs. The communal singing quickly turned into folk dancing, and we also got to know the interesting adventures of Zselé.

Our sunny camp concluded with Sunday Mass, which had a festive atmosphere, especially as many parents were our guests that day. We all ended a week full of experiences, spiritually refreshed and enthusiastic.

Praise the Lord for illuminating our camp with His grace and for showing young people how wonderful it is to be a Catholic Christian!

Anna Bács