Despite the challenges and difficult circumstances, the youth movements of the Holy Land organized their summer camps for 2025, affirming that hope is unconquerable. In the Diocese of Jerusalem, a variety of spiritual and educational activities brought together hundreds of young people on a journey of faith, love, and renewal — reaffirming that youth are the heartbeat of the Church and the hope for its future."
Youth of Palestine
Despite difficulties and the dangers of the roads, the General Secretariat of the Christian Youth in Palestine – Youth of Jesus’ Homeland – held its summer camps this year, affirming that hope is stronger than challenges and that the youth’s mission continues in serving the Church’s children with a spirit of love and faith.
The Working Youth Camp was launched under the theme "My Faith Under the Microscope," where working young adults spent days focusing on strengthening their faith and confronting doubts to help them live true hope and build a mature Christian life. Meanwhile, the Buds Camp was held under the theme "My Key is the Secret to Your Hope," planting in children's hearts the seeds of prayer, joy, and holiness, offering them practical keys to Christian hope through simple activities filled with love and fun.
The High School Camp under the theme "Who Am I?" embraced high schoolers, helping them discover their identity in Christ and solidify their trust in the Gospel and faith despite challenges. The Middle School Camp titled "A Mark in My Heart" reassured the youth that Jesus is the closest friend and that a relationship with Him brings joy and meaning to their lives through engaging lectures and fun activities.
The series of camps concluded with the University Youth Camp under the theme "Under Maintenance," which accompanied university students on a journey of self-reflection and contemplation on topics such as change, vocation, and relationships, to help them find in God the trust and strength to move forward.
At the conclusion of the summer activities, Fr. Luis Salman shared: "The experience of this camp, especially in these difficult times, made me cling to my faith more strongly and see hope despite all challenges. The strength of my relationship with God and the youth, and our presence together in these circumstances, gave me a sense of unity and solidarity. I felt that the camps are not just activities, but a message of hope that pushes us to continue on with faith, joy, and hope."
Youth of Galilee
The Latin Patriarchate Youth Pastoral Office – General Secretariat in Galilee held a spiritual retreat as part of its summer activities, with the participation of all its members at the general youth headquarters in Haifa. They also visited several parishes in Galilee, praying the Rosary with them, and concluded the activities with a Marian evening held at the Haifa youth center.
Due to the difficult security situation caused by the war, several meetings and programs dedicated to different youth groups – including the Buds, high school students, cultural and academic activities, and young couples – were postponed. Additionally, the youth’s participation in the Jubilee of Hope in Rome was canceled.
However, at the end of August, a special gathering was organized for the group that had participated in the Jubilee of Hope in April, specifically targeting high schoolers.
Youth of Jordan
The General Secretariat of Christian Youth in Jordan organized a series of spiritual and educational summer camps in 2025, targeting various age groups under inspiring themes that reflect stages of spiritual and psychological growth.
The summer began with the Buds Camp under the theme "A Brave Step," which offered interactive faith-filled adventures that combined play and spiritual growth, turning nature into a stage for discovering God's love and discerning His voice amid the world’s noise.
The Middle School Camp was themed "Mission 616," training participants to put on the full armor of God, discern internal voices, and discover true peace founded on justice and love through interactive workshops, Eucharistic adoration, and personal reflection, forming them as true soldiers for Jesus Christ.
In the High School Camp titled "Level Up," the youth found a real space to reflect on the intellectual and social challenges they face, drawing from the world of challenges the spirit of perseverance and faith to face life with confidence.
The University Camp under the title "SEACURE" delved deep into themes of self-discovery and leadership through Bible studies, self-development training, and collective experiences that reinforced faith amid the questions of university life.
The Working Youth Camp, titled "We'll Be Back Shortly," focused on returning to and reviving deep spiritual values, aiming to refresh spiritual knowledge and reclaim a childlike spirit to re-launch with strong and steadfast faith. The camp emphasized the concept of leading without authority, offering spaces for contemplation and repentance in a calm atmosphere, alongside adventure activities and practical workshops on life skills and relationships.
This summer journey concluded with a special celebration honoring Christian youth who had graduated from high school with distinction, Mr. Ghassan Asfour, Secretary General of the Christian Youth in Jordan, addressed the graduates by saying: "Success is not just a certificate, but a sign of faith and hard work. Knowledge, degrees, and faith are all complementary shields that protect youth in their journey." He emphasized that true success is to be a light wherever they go.
These camps across the Diocese of Jerusalem formed a rich and profound milestone for meeting, reflection, and renewal of faith, planting in the hearts of young people seeds of belonging, leadership, and love – so they may be witnesses of hope in a world that needs their light.
