What began as one volunteer’s dream turned into a weekend of impact, inspiration, and ocean advocacy in Cabangan, Zambales.

In a milestone event, I am MAD (Making A Difference) Volunteers Inc. and Alon and Araw Club (AAC) held their first-ever co-created MAD Camp—a values-driven, youth-focused outreach program that combined character-building, environmental education, and community connection. Held in AAC’s home province of Zambales, the camp gathered 27 volunteers and 50 children from coastal and upland communities for a shared journey of purpose.

One Volunteer’s Vision, A Community’s Impact
This 102nd edition of MAD Camp marked a first for I am MAD: the entire experience was co-designed with a partner nonprofit. At the helm was Teacher Lourie Garcia, an AAC project manager and alumna of I am MAD’s 2025 Builders Training Program. With deep ties to Cabangan and its children, Garcia led the camp’s planning and execution alongside mentors from I am MAD and founders of AAC.

“It was exhausting to prepare, but so fulfilling,” Garcia said. “This was all for the children’s smiles. For them, I endure—and I always will.”

Two Missions, One Purpose
Alon and Araw Club, based in Cabangan, empowers underprivileged coastal children through community-based ocean conservation. For this camp, AAC brought in youth from its adopted fishing village in San Isidro and students from Sapangbato Elementary School.

I am MAD facilitated sessions on values, storytelling, and team-building. AAC, meanwhile, introduced campers to environmental issues through an eco-village tour and beach cleanup led by founders Gabi del Rosario and Donn Quintos. The activity highlighted AAC’s plastic upcycling program, which has diverted over 25,000 kilograms of waste from the ocean—proof that local solutions can drive global change.

“Families may not prioritize the environment when they’re just trying to get by,” said Del Rosario. “But when you involve the youth with stories, sports, and values, like this camp did, you awaken ownership.”

Healing, Learning, and Moving Forward
One of the most heartfelt moments came during the MAD Circle, when kids read letters they had written to their parents during sessions on love and reconciliation. For Garcia, it was the full-circle moment that made the camp worth building.

The volunteers, too, left with more than memories—they gained deeper insights into coastal challenges and the power of grassroots collaboration.

More Than a Camp
Backed by community partners and generous donors, Garcia and her team were able to cover all the essentials—transportation, meals, and school kits—showing that when passion leads, support follows.

“This experience proved that when you truly believe in a dream, people will show up to help you make it real,” she said.

The success of this camp is proof of what can happen when shared values meet shared action: compassion, community, and real change begin to ripple outward.

And it all began with one volunteer who dared to say yes.

Join the Movement:
Registration is now open for MAD Camps 2025, which serve children aged 10–12 in underserved areas across the country. Visit bit.ly/MADcamp2025reg https://bit.ly/MADcamp2025reg, donate to BIDA Eskwela AmBAGan via bit.ly/bidadonate https://bit.ly/bidadonate, follow fb.com/IamMakingADifference https://fb.com/IamMakingADifference, or email iammadph@gmail.com

Learn more about Alon and Araw Club at fb.com/alonandarawclub https://fb.com/alonandarawclub