Living and Learning Together
by Denise Mirano Bascos
When you have 25 or so kids between 10 and 17 years old living together in close quarters 24/7 for a week over the summer, it’s inevitable that conflicts will arise. This was exactly the case during our intensive summer camp workshop in preparation for the initial run of Awit ni Pulau in 1991 at Elim’s in Tagaytay. Factions formed and “wars” broke out occasionally, which were actually over very silly things in hindsight. What eventually calmed things down was a nightly “devotion” led by the most senior member of the group at the time, Marsha Dungog. During these meetings, we got to reflect about the things going on and we really talked to each other about the issues at hand. Hurt feelings were brought out in a safe space, we fought, issues were resolved, we cried and laughed, and we came out of the camp as better people that were closer than ever.
This was the start of the UPCS practice of having “team building” and “life lesson” activities during camps. The practice continues to this day (albeit constantly altering in format and delivery to adapt to changing times and personalities), and is a vital part of the education we receive as members of the group. The adult staff of the group leaves the sessions completely to the children, as the group has learned that children, when trained properly, can be leaders. The older members of the group are placed in charge of creating the activities and processing them, thereby teaching them leadership, responsibility, and thoughtfulness in all things. The younger members on the other hand, learn how to behave and live harmoniously with other children by being mindful of their actions and their words. These activities, along with the musical rigors of the choir, help the children to grow up into responsible, sensitive, caring individuals
As adults, each and every UPCS member continues to carry these values with them. Our training in the choir prepared us for life in a larger society, where conflicts and disagreements are bound to arise. But armed with our training, we know that conflicts can be resolved by listening to each other and working through the problems with compassion and understanding. And, just as with any choral piece, when we listen to each other and try to find a way to sync and groove together we can create a life with beautiful harmony.
