When Young Hearts Meet Christ—A Dad’s Reflection By Kelvin Koh

Conversation Between Father and Son

“Why do I have to go? It’s going to be boring! And why can’t we use our phones at night?”

My 14-year-old son was not pleased about attending a church camp for Secondary 2 youths at the start of the June holidays. I suspect his greatest concern was the ban on mobile phones at night. After all, he would lose all his mobile gaming “streaks”.

As one of the catechists serving at the camp, I simply replied, “You’re going. You won’t regret it.”

His eye roll suggested otherwise.

Letter to God

During one of the camp activities, the youths were invited to write a personal letter to God. They were encouraged to pour out their worries, frustrations and struggles in complete privacy. The letters were not meant to be shared with anyone else.

When we later reflected on the experience, their responses were revealing.

Some admitted that they felt awkward because they had never expressed themselves in such a way. Others were unsure what to write because they had never really stopped to think about their struggles. A few were able to put pen to paper immediately, almost as though they had been carrying these burdens for a long time.

What struck me most, however, was that many of them had never considered bringing their concerns to God at all.

When asked why, the responses were simple and honest. Some did not think it would help. Others had never thought of it as an option. More often, they turned to close friends or simply kept their struggles to themselves.

Perhaps this says something about the reality facing many young people today. It is not necessarily that they have rejected God. Rather, they may never have developed a personal relationship with Him in the first place. And if a relationship has never truly been formed, how can it be strengthened?

Eucharistic Adoration

Later that evening, the youths gathered for Eucharistic Adoration. They were invited to spend time before the Blessed Sacrament and, if they wished, to receive prayer from the adult facilitators for challenges they were facing — personal struggles, family difficulties, friendship issues, bullying and more.

At first, no one moved.

Perhaps they were afraid of being judged. Perhaps they felt uncomfortable being vulnerable in front of their peers.

Perhaps they were just wondering when the session would end.

Then one teenager quietly stood up and knelt before the Blessed Sacrament. A facilitator approached and prayed with her.

Soon another youth stepped forward. Then another.

What began as a single act of courage became a movement of grace. Realising that they were not alone in their struggles, the youths came forward without fear or embarrassment.

Together, they brought their burdens before the Lord as the hall echoed with the familiar chorus of a song:

“All my life You have been faithful.
All my life You have been so, so good.
With every breath that I am able,
I will sing of the goodness of God.”

Praise and Worship

In that moment, I was reminded that many young people are not looking for perfect answers. They are looking for an encounter. Sometimes, all they need is the opportunity to pause, put aside the distractions around them and become aware once again of God’s presence.

The joy and conviction in their voices during the Praise and Worship session that followed bore witness to something deeper at work. It reinforced for me how important it is for us, as Catholic educators, parents and catechists, to intentionally create spaces where young people can encounter Christ through prayer, community and authentic relationships.

Praying for and with Our Children and Youth

As we celebrate Youth Day on Sunday, 5 July 2026, let us pray especially for our young people in Singapore and around the world. May they come to know that God is present in their lives, that He listens to their hopes and struggles and that His love continues to call them closer to Him.

And what about my son?

At the end of the camp, he sheepishly admitted, “You’re right, Papa. I didn’t regret going.”

Then, after a brief pause, he asked, “So… when’s the next camp?”