May 5, 2026
53 youth become ‘Seeds of Change’ in 2026 Tzu Chi Youth Camp
By Joy Rojas
Jedd Emerson Lee was 15 when his parents signed him up for a youth camp by the Tzu Chi Foundation, an organization they had heard about through word of mouth. Then living a comfortable, carefree life—his routine consisted of eating, sleeping, and playing computer games—he was looking for a change. “I wanted to meet new people, build more connections, and do something with my life,” he says.
Three years later, the now 18-year-old Grade 12 student from De La Salle University (DLSU) went from joining the camp to leading it this year, from May 1 to 3 at the Buddhist Tzu Chi Campus (BTCC) in Sta. Mesa Manila. Guided by the theme, “Seeds of Change: Growing a Better Tomorrow,” he hopes that the 53 participating campers “connect with a community, meet people who share your values, and grow alongside one another,” said Jedd during his welcome address. “Ultimately, we hope you lead with impact, discover your potential, and become someone who can inspire others.”
The camp leader speaks from experience. His first volunteer work at a medical mission in Navotas opened his eyes to the struggles of indigent Filipinos and the blessings in his life that he took for granted. Monthly visits to a senior home for abandoned Filipino-Chinese women made him realize how simply showing up for others gives people joy and hope.
“When you volunteer, Tzu Chi offers you an opportunity to understand yourself,” he says. “You learn how to be a better person, and eventually, a happy person.”
Packed weekend
Over a packed weekend, he and a team of 52 Tzu Chi Youth (TCY) volunteers oversaw engaging activities that introduced and immersed participants to the teachings, values, and culture of the global non-profit founded by Buddhist nun Dharma Master Cheng Yen. They had plant-based meals and prepared a vegetarian version of fresh spring roll, learned how to compost, mixed their own bottle of the chemical-free cleaner eco-enzyme using fruit and vegetable peels, created flowers out of upcycled materials, and listened to lectures that promoted the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations.
They also shared their personal thoughts in a cozy setting of floor mats and twinkling tea lights, challenged speaker Pong Tee’s unconventional ideas in his talk on “Building Calm in a Stressful World,” and wrote letters to their parents following heart-tugging testimonials on filial piety by former Tzu Chi scholars Albert Briongos and Mera Daganasol.
As the camp winded down, many were not only glad they attended, they committed to volunteering to future Tzu Chi programs.
At a time when teens and 20somethings feel alone, misunderstood, and unsure about themselves and what to do with their life, TCY serves as a welcoming, safe, and judgement-free space.
“It’s really the culture,” says Jedd. “No one is left behind, no one sits alone.”
Immediate camaraderie
Before TCY, Kaeryn Arriane Chua was so shy, she couldn’t even place her orders with a fast-food crew worker manning the cash register.
An invitation to join a TCY beach cleanup at SM Mall of Asia a year ago proved a turning point. Kae, who stayed overnight at BTCC then took the bus early next day to the cleanup site with a group of youth she had just met, felt a sense of immediate camaraderie. “I didn't know them at all. I met them last night, and yet we spent all night talking, sharing information and all these things,” says the 16-year-old Grade 12 student at DLSU’s College of St. Benilde.
The same thing happened at this year’s camp. “We stayed up until 2:30 am just talking and talking. These are people you meet for the first time and don't really know in-depth, and yet you are able to open up, share, and find friendship.”
Coming out of her shell didn’t just widen her social circle. It led this future doctor to golden opportunities, such as the time she witnessed Tzu Chi Medical Foundation Philippines’s Dr. Robert Sy at work in 2024. Through her father, an optometrist who volunteers in Tzu Chi medical missions, Kae found herself in the surgery room where Dr. Sy was leading procedures for minor cyst removals. “He taught me how to put on my gloves the sterile way and I watched him operate. It was very interesting,” she says.
No longer as shy as she used to be—on Day One of the camp, she was the first to recite in a room full of awkward strangers, and on Day Three, she represented her group in a sharing session—Kae has become more outgoing and open to new experiences. “I used to stop myself from talking to people because I thought, ‘What if they’re not who I expect them to be?’” she admits. “Now I feel those expectations are less so. I’m less cautious now when it comes to people, and I feel like I need to talk to them, even if it’s to tell them, ‘Hey, I like your hair.’”
Next-generation Tzu Chi volunteer
The son and grandson of Tzu Chi volunteers, Davao-based Regan Lee knew what he was getting into when he agreed to fly to Manila and attend this year’s TCY camp. As a young boy, he would watch his mother and grandmother spend their days engaged in volunteer work for Tzu Chi’s many outreach programs.
“My understanding of Tzu Chi is that it’s a charity group that's giving to people,” says Regan, a 15-year-old Grade 10 student from Davao Chong Hua High School. “I was excited [to join] because I wanted to try helping people.”
Regan, who looks forward to volunteering in Tzu Chi’s medical missions, has this to say to fellow teens who feel they have nothing significant to contribute to society.
“I would tell them that giving doesn't have an age limit,” he says. “So, it's better to start as young as you can.”
Special awards were given at the closing of the camp. Coby Ong, Larissa Liu, and Egbert Li were awarded first, second, and third place, respectively, for Artist with a Heart. Awards were presented to groups that were Most Lively (6), Most Organized and Responsible (4), Best in Team Work (3), and Most Inspiring Progress (7). Group 5 bagged the most overall points, followed by second placer Group 1, and third-ranking Group 2.
Last year, Jedd Emerson Lee was camp disciplinarian; this year, he’s camp head. In his welcome message on Day One, he told participants, “We hope you lead with impact, discover your potential, and become someone who can inspire others.”
Tzu Chi volunteer Jamil Carvajal listens as camper Kaeryn Arriane Chua shares her experience volunteering with Tzu Chi Youth.
Using sign language to interpret songs is part of Tzu Chi culture. Here, participants learn the moves to the camp song “The Light.”
In a session on Tzu Chi Etiquette, Tzu Chi volunteer Angie Cai teaches campers how to fold bed linen.
Young campers practice their chopstick skills.
A tour of BTCC’s grounds include a visit to the Jing Si Books & Café, where customers can get vegetarian treats, upcycled products by DA.AI Technology, and books authored by Tzu Chi founder Dharma Master Cheng Yen.
Campers stop by a replica of the wooden cabin where Dharma Master Cheng Yen lived when she first established the Tzu Chi Foundation.
At the Jing Si Hall, a TCY member explains the relevance of the auditorium’s architectural details to campers.
TCY volunteers were hands-on in various aspects of the three-day camp, including dishwashing duties.
Tzu Chi’s tireless kitchen crew made sure that campers would enjoy their plant-based meals for the next three days.
Kitchen volunteers prepare ingredients for an all-vegetarian menu.
A regular (and favorite) resource person at TCY camps, Pong Tee challenged campers’ perceptions in his talk “Building Calm in a Stressful World.”
Another camp favorite, “Starry, Starry Night,” saw participants open up and answer guide questions about themselves and their impressions about the camp.
Tzu Chi Deputy CEO Woon Ng checks on campers after her talk, “Sowing the Seeds of Change: A Call to the Next Generation.”
In her talk “Awaken the Earth: Protecting the Planet and Life,” Tzu Chi volunteer and staunch environmental advocate Lineth Brondial stressed the need to change our ways to prevent the environment from further degradation.
Tzu Chi volunteer Albert Briongos gave an impassioned presentation on a topic close to his heart: filial piety, or respect for one’s parents.
Tzu Chi Tech-Voc scholar Esmeralda Daganasol sobbed throughout her talk as she recalled the painful memory of applying her caregiving skills on her first patient—her mother.
Tzu Chi volunteer Pue Chin Lee Chua looks over a camper writing a letter to her parents after an emotional presentation of filial piety.
Tzu Chi Volunteer Development and Mission Support Head Cherrie Rose Ang quizzes campers about their environmental knowledge in her talk on “Finding the Leader in You” and Sustainable Development Goals.
A camper mixes eco-enzyme, a chemical-free multipurpose cleaner made with fruit and vegetable peels that provide nutrients and beneficial microorganisms to the formula.
Campers learn how to compost by layering “browns” (cardboard, dried leaves) and “greens” (kitchen scraps, garden waste) to enrich the soil.
At the composting area, Tzu Chi volunteer Elvira Chua educates campers about the difference between “green” and “brown” materials.
Tzu Chi volunteer Sally Yuñez (first from left) gives her thumbs up as judge of a cooking session where campers assemble fresh spring roll with vegetarian ingredients.
Campers’ plant-based fresh spring roll include slices of tofu and a vegetarian version of shrimp.
TCY camp volunteer Reginald Ko and Tzu Chi volunteer Betty Dizon hosted a Do-It-Yourself session on making fresh spring roll.
Campers begin their day with energizing exercises.
To better understand upcycling, campers were guided on how to make flowers using discarded materials.
Tzu Chi Education Committee Head Rosa So (seated, center) poses with campers after her sharing on how she became a Tzu Chi volunteer.
Now part of the Tzu Chi International Medical Association, Dr. Johanna Go (seated, third from left), spoke about the joy of volunteering in the segment “Human Library.”
A member of Tzu Chi for nearly 30 years, Tzu Chi Deputy CEO Peggy Sy Jiang recounts her journey as a volunteer in a series of photographs.
Campers hang their handwritten vows on the branches of a flower tree.
Tzu Chi Zamboanga volunteer Dhing Abdulaup reaches for vows written and hung by campers.
Many of the vows had campers committing to improving themselves.
Tzu Chi Philippines CEO Henry Yuñez leads the presentation of souvenirs and prizes during the closing of the camp.
TCY Camp Head Jedd Lee awards Coby Ong as “Artist with a Heart.”
Group 6 wins the Firework Frenzy Award for Most Lively.
Group 4 wins the Lantern Light Award for Most Organized and Responsible.
Group 3 wins the Redstone Unity Award for Best in Team Work.
Group 7 wins the Seed to Sprout Award for Most Inspiring Progress.
In overall points, Group 2 finished in third place.
Group 1 placed second in overall points.
Group 5 garnered the most points in the three-day camp.
After three days, a happy reunion with family.
After three days, a happy reunion with family.
After three days, a happy reunion with family.
After three days, a happy reunion with family.
After three days, a happy reunion with family.
After three days, a happy reunion with family.
TCY Camp Head Jedd Lee leads the “Pulling the Ox Cart,” a Tzu Chi song and dance symbolizing how working together can result in great accomplishments.
Campers, TCY volunteers, and Tzu Chi volunteers smile and cheer for a posterity shot.