Stepping Up Strong: The Grade 6 Camp Experience

A two-day adventure of friendship, fun, and finding the hero within

by: Mr. John Erick Moje
17-18 October 2025

Forty-seven Grade 6 students from Blessed Ceslao of Poland and St. Hyacinth of Poland participated in an engaging and enriching adventure at the annual Grade 6 Camp, held on October 17–18, 2025. The camp, themed “Stepping-Up with Confidence and Care,” was designed to be an immersive experience focusing on learning, fun, building friendship, intensifying self-awareness, and developing empathy and positive connections.


Throughout the two-day event, campers explored meaningful activities that strengthened both heart and mind. The program featured a variety of interactive sessions and workshops facilitated by dedicated administrators, teachers, staff, and even a parent volunteer—all working together to create a nurturing and joyful environment.


Highlights included:

  • Artwork: Self-Reflection and Projection, led by DIS Parent and Parents Learning Community member, Ms. Lauren Chi, which encouraged students to express their inner thoughts and dreams through creative art pieces.
  • Check-In Using Emoticons, facilitated by Dr. Eranie “Anne” Portillo, Career and College Counselor, which helped students identify and communicate their emotions in a fun and relatable way.
  • My Super Shield: Discovering the Superhero in Me and Circle of Support Workshop, a comprehensive workshop facilitated by by Dr. Milagrosa “Agosh” Librea, Extra-Curricular Activity Coordinator, which promoted resilience, teamwork, and gratitude.
  • Hiking: Conquering Heights, a physical and mental challenge guided by Fr. Francisco Carin, CMF, which reminded the students that perseverance and unity can take them to greater heights—literally and figuratively.

The success of the camp was attributed to the collaborative effort of the entire school community, led by Principal/Directress, Sr. Jackie Manuel, O.P., Vice-Principal Sr. Rosa Dabhi, CCV, and a team of devoted teachers, staff, and our ever-reliable “aunties and uncles” headed by Ms. Apao Hsu. Their care and encouragement ensured that every student felt supported and safe throughout the experience.


Appreciation is also extended to the committed faculty and support team who contributed to the camp’s success:

  • Mr. John Erick S. Moje, M.A. Ed., LPT., Religious Studies Department and Professional Development Coordinator
  • Dr. Agosh Librea, Extra-Curricular Coordinator
  • Ms. Vivian Lee, LS Activity Coordinator
  • Dr. Anne Portillo, Career and College Counselor, and AP and SAT Coordinator
  • Dr. Patrick Bugarin, MTSS Coordinator and CM Member
  • Mr. Erick Gonzales, Community Service and CM Member
  • Mr. Mervin Villaroya, Lower School Discipline Officer
  • Mr. Arcel Joseph Amoguis, English Teacher and DYM Kiddie Moderator
  • Ms. Blanca Delariarte, Religious Studies Teacher and DYM Kiddie Moderator
  • Mr. Paul Li, Assistant Homeroom Teacher and Chinese Language Teacher
  • Mr. Ian Crisostomo, Mr. Edwin Portillo, and Dr. Ed Solis, MIT Personnel
  • Ms. Sophie Marie Luna Cardenas, Dominican Youth Movement Volunteer, who lent her time and cheerful energy to assist in camp activities and student engagement

In post-camp reflections, students overwhelmingly highlighted the importance of emotional regulation and positive social skills. One camper shared, “Something that I learned is to be better in emotions and not to get too angry easily.” Another noted, “Kindness is key in socializing,” while a third celebrated personal growth, “I learned that I can be like a superhero too if I believe in myself.”


Beyond the fun and adventure, the camp served as a transformative experience—a practical, hands-on opportunity for students to enhance their Social Emotional Learning (SEL) skills, strengthen friendships, and prepare for the exciting transition to middle school. It was a time to reflect, recharge, and realize that stepping up means not just growing older, but growing wiser, kinder, and more confident.


As the camp concluded, laughter and songs filled the air—a joyful reminder that learning is most powerful when done with love, care, and community.


The Video