In conjunction with the Season of Creation 2025, themed Peace with Creation, Caritas Penang organised a three-day, two-night immersion camp, inviting young adults to spend a night in the jungle with the Orang Asli community.

YOUMAD 2.0 is the fruit of prayer and a collaborative effort between Caritas Penang, Penang Diocesan Youth Network, World Youth Day Pilgrims, and Malaysian Care, designed to empower young people to make a difference. The camp aimed to help young people understand climate change and its impact on vulnerable communities through hands-on experience. It was a reflective journey designed to help participants see the realities on the ground, discern them in the light of the Gospel, and be inspired to take action.

Rooted in Scripture

The programme incorporated Bible study materials from the Season of Creation 2025. Each day, participants gathered to reflect on the Prophet Jeremiah, share their thoughts, and pray for a change of heart. This Bible reflection formed the heart of the YOUMAD 2.0 camp, preparing participants spiritually to understand their purpose and calling in joining the camp.

Through this session, Caritas Penang hoped to nurture in young people the spirit of reflection and prayer, for without it, life can become barren and lack direction.

Br. Solomon, a seminarian on his pastoral year at the Church of the Sacred Heart, Kampar, facilitated the reflection sessions. He guided participants toward a deeper understanding of their faith, their responsibility as children of God, and their duty as stewards of Creation — caring for nature, animals, and the poor.

Experience the Life of the Orang Asli

On the second day, participants spent the entire day at Ladang Care, an Orang Asli demonstration and research centre in Kampung Sungai Cincin, Perak, established by Malaysian Care to support Orang Asli initiatives.

Participants joined community work by helping the workers clean the sheepfold, fertilise the fruit trees and vegetable plots, gather firewood, clear fallen leaves, and tidy up the pathways — the simple, everyday routines of the Orang Asli community.

This was followed by an awareness session led by a coordinator from Malaysian Care, who shared their inspiring ministry among the Orang Asli — a mission deeply rooted in the Gospel’s call to love our neighbours. Their dedication and sacrifice in serving alongside the Orang Asli have helped rebuild lives and communities, bearing witness to the transformative power of love lived out through faith.

Participants also met members of the Temiar and Semai tribes, listened to their stories, asked questions, and formed genuine friendships.

Abang Prima, a Temiar man from Slim River, shared how his village was transformed through Malaysian Care’s empowerment programmes — from lacking basic infrastructure to now having proper roads, housing, clean water, and electricity.

Another inspiring story came from Adik Alang, a 19-year-old youth who was once illiterate. With the help of a pastor who reached out to his village after a major flash flood, he received the opportunity to study in town. Eight years later, he is fluent in both English and Bahasa Malaysia and joyfully shared his story with the participants. His testimony deeply moved everyone, showing how a single act of love can change a life.

The female participants were also touched by the sharing of Orang Asli women, who spoke about their daily struggles, work, and faith — and how they overcame hardship through the support and love of fellow Christians.

In preparation for dinner, participants were divided into groups and guided by the Orang Asli to collect firewood, gather vegetables, handle meat, catch fish, and build a fire. In the jungle, they became students once again — learning survival skills from the Orang Asli.

The second day ended beautifully with praise and worship around the campfire. The Orang Asli Christians and Catholic participants sang and prayed together, lifting their voices in common songs of worship amidst the beauty of nature. Laughter, music, and gift exchanges filled the night. Under a sky glittering with stars, accompanied by the sounds of flowing rivers and chirping crickets, the group ended the day in deep gratitude for God’s creation and for the spirit of solidarity and joy.

Call to Serve

On the final day, the camp concluded with a call to action. Caritas Penang reminded everyone of the Church’s mission entrusted to every Christian — to know God and to make God known through love and service to others.

Participants exchanged words of hope and prayer, followed by an invitation to volunteer with Caritas Penang in its social mission.

Before the camp began, participants were asked to share their expectations — some hoped to make new friends, others to experience the village life of the Orang Asli, to learn about care for creation, or to discover ways to serve. Their responses revealed a deep thirst to strengthen their faith and love.

Through the YOUMAD 2.0 experience, Caritas Penang hopes that these young people have found what they were searching for. The camp is not the end, but the beginning of a new journey — one that calls them to serve the poor and to care for God’s Creation.

“That the joy of Jesus and His delight may be in us, and that our joy may be made full and complete and overflowing.” – John 15:11