"MATH CAMP 2009”

 Balanga City, Bataan-- Students of Basic Education Curriculum (BEC) and 8 students of Special Program in Journalism (SPJ) joined the much talked about event- the MATH CAMP 2009 held at La Vista Inland Resort on the 30^th day of February, 2008.

During the opening program, rules and regulations were discussed by the speakers. They made us, participants, feel at ease and comfortable, after all we were ready to unwind and relax and at the same time rev up on activities for us by our Math teachers. Afterwards, speakers told all campers to find their respective camps and camp leaders. Our camp name was “Smarties Teta”. We practiced for our origami activity to construct a “crane”, a bird called in Tagalog as “tagak”. We then took a rest to recharge ourselves for all of the activities in store for us the whole day. After several minutes, the speaker told us that all campers will experience a notorious yet exciting Puzzle Hunt-- find our camp flags (A-I) and follow directions written on it. Among the challenges during the hunt we have to accomplish was to search for any teacher sitting inside a tree house located somewhere within La Vista. And we have to answer all of their questions, if we succeed, they will attach their signature on our flags that which would symbolize that we have gone through their questions correctly. It also signified validation of our answers to avoid possible ‘cheating’. At sunset, we again took a breather from the puzzle hunt. All boy campers had 18 tents. I, Justine, Martin and Ian got inside our tent. We exchanged stories and stuff during our relaxation time.

During midnight, talents were displayed loud and proud. All campers performed onstage at the Vista Pavilion.  There were songs, dances and witty performances to the delight of the audience. All groups must be composed of 24-25 members. Later that night, all group councilors must customize outfit designs together with the camp members by using newspapers. After finishing the fashionable ‘newspaper’ outfit, we dressed our math teachers using the said outfits. They then gave all of us one cup noodles for each student. After the activity, we went to our tents to sleep and to be ready for another activity tomorrow. In the morning, all campers went to the field to exercise. There is free breakfast at the pavilion. We started gathering by the swimming pools and wave pools at 8 in the morning. We also enjoyed the Wild River. At around 11:30, we went back to the program venue to take our much-needed lunch. We returned to the pools.

By 2:00 pm, we packed our things to prepare to go home. We were all jittery while waiting for our bus. That day will forever remain in my fond memories. While I hesitantly took my sluggish feet upon the steps of the bus; I told myself, “Bye La Vista, I hope I can visit your grandeur again next time”.

-Syrian Adam Quiliza