Following the GEN School, the retreat transitioned into the Vocational Camp, which focused on self-knowledge in God and discernment processes.
This program aimed to help participants understand their unique paths and how they could align their lives with their spiritual calling. The Vocational Camp was a profound moment of encounter, centred on self-knowledge in God and learning the process of discernment in daily life. With the precious contribution of many guests, the camp offered reflections, sharing, and guidance that helped participants grow spiritually.
A highlight of the camp was the time of Adoration and prayer to the Holy Spirit, which created a deep atmosphere of silence, reflection, and openness to God’s voice. This experience allowed participants to renew their commitment and welcome the Spirit’s guidance in their personal journey of vocation.
The Vocational Camp featured a series of workshops led by Stephane and various guests who shared their wisdom on discernment and self-discovery. Participants engaged in reflective exercises that allowed them to explore their identities and understand how their gifts could serve others within the context of their faith.
This Vocational Camp was not only a place of learning but also a sacred space where young people could encounter God more deeply. Through teachings, guest contributions, and moments of prayer, the participants gained tools for discernment, discovered the value of self-knowledge, and felt the presence of the Holy Spirit guiding their path. The camp ended with a renewed sense of personal commitment, unity, and readiness to respond to God’s call in their lives.
Some impressions: 1. This vocational camp gave me insights to question myself where, how and what I have been doing and the things I have done so far. It gave me guidance on how to be friendly with other people. It also gave me a better understanding of The Holy Spirit, family, vocation and choice. What touched my heart most was the conversation we had with Sister Tigist which discuss about choices, decisions and ones need and also about family which is the best thing in someone life. I have understood that in God’s timing, everything will be great and whatever God has planned for my life He will provide to me, and I will be called for His purpose. This vocational camp helped me to understand what my relationship should look like with The Holy Spirit; it helped me to take time to talk to myself and God as well as how to listen to God’s voice. (Tinsae, Hossana)
2. This vocational camp is very necessary for youths like us to hear God’s call and to have a moment of silence in order to unwrap our gift and know about our vocation. What touched me the most was all the little things that we know but we don’t remember and be conscious about what are very necessary to reveal our core-self and to unwrap our gift. This vocational camp helped me to recognize and sort out what tool helps me to know my vocation and it thought me that how much silence time I need with myself which is very important to hear Gods call. The change in me after this camp is the part that I wasn’t listening to myself and being interrupted by my thoughts, emotions, fears etc…, this camp helped me to change things. (Fromsa, Adama)
3. I realized that when some people say that they are looking for their vocation they have to let the Holy Spirit guide them and listen to what they have been told. I realized that call for vocation takes time, years even; for some God, may call upon them since they are children. The main understanding I got from this camp is that to realize my vocation I have to silent and let the Holy Spirit do His thing. What mostly touched me was the experience sharing we did, how everyone had to sacrifice something to answer to the call or vocation given to them by the Holy Spirit. This vocational Camp helped me to understand how I can listen to my vocation and the tools I need to realize it. But I don’t think I have done it quite yet. The fact that we learned how to sit and listen to the Holy Spirit make me believe that I’ll change to a more listening person than I was before I camen here. (Jordan, Addis Abeba)
4. This vocational camp was a meaningful experience for me. In this camp I added the life tips for self-knowledge in God, Praying and listening to God. The Lectio Divina moment was a beautiful moment for me, also when we were united in prayer and specially our adoration time. The themes helped me a lot, especially when we learned about vocation, how we can know ourselves through God and the Lectio Divina. This camp helped me to update my life as the way the Lord wants me and to understand the presence of the holy spirit. The changes after this vocational camp will be to stay silent, meditate and make a right decision (Edilawit, Addis Ababa)
5. During this vocational camp, I got something that I never had before, and it pushed me to make another step. The session about knowing ourselves had a big place in my heart; knowing myself deeply and evaluate my choices. I need to listen to God’s words in addition to my prayers. This camp shaped my spirituality and helped me to be close to God and have a good bond with Him. It encouraged me to improve my spiritual life, evaluate myself. I got a big lesson for the future to put God first always. (Veronica, Dilla)
