YUM’s Youth Capacity Building Camp 2025: Learning, Growth, and New Adventures

Laughter, teamwork, and discovery filled the air during YUM’s Youth Capacity Building Camp 2025, where 58 junior and senior high school students spent two days exploring, learning, and bonding. Held in three locations: YUM Community Center, Pondok Pemuda Cibodas, and the scenic Curug Cibeureum Waterfall, the camp blended education with fun — leaving every participant inspired.

• Building Confidence and Creativity:

The camp opened with words of encouragement from Mr. Aris Gunawan, YUM’s Sponsorship Coordinator and Mr. Samsul Maarif, YUM Cipanas Program Manager, reminding students to step outside their comfort zones and believe in their potential. Equipped with seminar kits and eager minds, participants joined workshops designed to strengthen both practical skills and self-confidence.

• Day 1: Digital Dreams & Future Goals

In the first session, Mr. Rama and Ms. Ovi from the Cianjur Committee for Creative Economy and Innovation introduced the basics of digital marketing, showing how creativity connects to real-world opportunities. One participant, D. (Grade 8), shared how he designs and sells digital stickers — sparking excitement among his peers.

Next, Mr. Taufik Maulana (Opik) guided students through job-seeking skills, helping them understand how to prepare resumes, build confidence, and see every experience as a stepping stone. The day continued with entrepreneurship insights from Mr. Najmi, owner of The Home Made Food, whose story of perseverance inspired students to stay curious and resilient in the face of challenges.

• Inspiration Under the Stars:

As night fell, the campfire became a space for music, laughter, and connection. During an Inspirational Talkshow, three alumni of the YUM Sponsorship program shared how they pursued higher education through scholarships while balancing work and passion. Their stories reminded everyone that with dedication, dreams can take flight.

• Day 2: Nature, Teamwork, and Fresh Air

The next morning, students set out on a hike to Curug Cibeureum Waterfall, where teamwork and encouragement turned the steep trail into an adventure. Reaching the waterfall was a moment of pride and reflection — a symbol of perseverance and unity.

• From Ideas to Action:

Back at the venue, students took part in a group business challenge, forming teams to develop creative ideas such as Eco-Smart, Dimsum Delights, and Tahu Ayam Suwir. Senior students guided their juniors, showcasing collaboration, leadership, and innovation in action.

• Reflections from the Heart:

“I really enjoyed the camp because everyone was kind, and I made new friends while learning so many new things,” shared D. (Grade 8).

“The camp gave me new experiences and made me more eager to learn beyond school lessons,” added N. (Grade 11).

• Thank You, UWCSEA:

This unforgettable experience was made possible through the generous support of the Jakarta Street Kids Global Concerns group at UWCSEA (United World College South East Asia), who have been dedicated supporters of the Sponsorship & Family-Based Services program for more than 10 years. Because of your kindness, YUM’s sponsored children gained confidence, new skills, and lasting friendships that will guide them toward brighter futures.