“An honest reflection from a teacher “
– Nofrisal Yalindua
Mountain Top Camp (MTC) is an annual school event designed specifically for our sixth-grade students. This year, the camp was held at a resort nestled at the foot of a mountain in the Mojokerto region. The cool, refreshing mountain air seemed to welcome the three-day, two-night journey.
For some students, this learning experience was incredibly exciting, offering a refreshing break from their usual routines. For others, however, it presented a real challenge. Homesickness, structured meal times, sharing rooms with peers, and sleeping in an unfamiliar bed on the very first night were uncomfortable experiences for quite a few students. They had to push themselves a little further as they stepped out of their comfort zones.
Yet, despite these initial hurdles, the students soon embraced each session with genuine enthusiasm. Their curiosity grew as the speaker introduced the camp’s main theme: Living as a New Creation in Christ. Many experienced a deeply personal encounter with Christ, leading to genuine repentance and visible fruit in their daily lives. Of course, the success of this retreat was inseparable from the dedication of the teachers, who were chosen and equipped by God to support and serve as the role models. From a broader perspective, the entire MTC journey is ultimately part of God’s beautiful redemptive work, which restores and brings salvation to these young souls.
As a teacher, witnessing this kind of learning experience is a rare opportunity for growth, one that not every school can offer. It embodies a clear and powerful vision: to transform students’ lives holistically, while also gently reminding me to remain teachable and open to transformation.
If we were to ask the students why they attended MTC, most would probably say that it was simply because the school required them to. Yet, there are surely those who have come to see that this very camp guided them toward a personal encounter with God. Beyond that, MTC offers a rich environment for students to grow socially and develop practical life skills. To an outside observer, they might seem to be simply following a schedule of activities. In reality, they are learning to adapt, lead, cooperate, and discover how their presence can bless those around them.
Ultimately, we must recognize that character transformation cannot simply be taught; it must be lived out and actively practiced. May the Lord be glorified through this MTC.