The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints broke ground for its first "For the Strength of Youth (FSY) Camp" in Asia on June 30, 2021. The site is located in Tanay, Rizal about 65 kilometers east of Manila in the Philippines.
The historic event was attended by Church leaders and members, local government officials, and friends of other faiths.
Elder Taniela Wakolo, Area President of the Church in the Philippines, offered the dedicatory prayer and led in the groundbreaking ceremony. He was joined by Tanay City Mayor Rex Manuel Tanjuatco and Vice Mayor Rafael Tanjuatco.
| Temple Square is always beautiful in the springtime. Gardeners work to prepare the ground for General Conference. © 2012 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. | 1 / 2 |
"FSY conferences are designed to help youth have fun, strengthen faith in Jesus Christ and feel joy and belonging as they live the gospel," said Elder Wakolo.
"These facilities will contribute towards strengthening the character of our youth and inspire them to express silent sermons by the way they live their lives as sons and daughters of God," he added.
Tanay Mayor Rex Manuel Tanjuatco highlighted the great importance of preparing the youth of today. "Through this camp, youth will find God's purpose in their lives. Let's make this facility the partner of youth development because this facility will transform the youth of the future."
The 24.13-acre property will be developed with dormitories, an auditorium, a pavilion, several meeting buildings, and an outdoor amphitheater. Once completed, the FSY Camp can accommodate 7,200 youth and leaders annually, and serve about 400 to 800 participants on a weekly basis. It will also be catering the following areas: Metro Manila, Bulacan, Pampanga, Bataan, Zambales, Laguna, Batangas, Lucena, Rizal, Cavite, and the Quezon Province.
The 18-month long project is expected to reach completion in the first quarter of 2023.
About FSY Conferences
FSY Conferences are large-scale youth activities that are held under the direction of the Area Presidency. It is for youth ages 14-18 and for 13-year olds who will be turning 14 in the year the FSY conference will be held.
In an FSY Conference, youth participate in up to five days of devotionals, classes, and activities and engage in inspired learning opportunities and wholesome social experiences. These activities will help the youth strengthen their faith in Jesus Christ and feel joy and belonging as they live the gospel of Jesus Christ. This camp will serve as the venue for these youth conferences.
The program provides a balance of spiritual, social, physical and intellectual aspects in the lives of youth. This is accomplished by affording them various opportunities in gospel learning, service, and personal development. FSY Conferences focus on the youth theme for the year and is facilitated by worthy, spiritually mature young single adult leaders.