Founded on the spirit of “Christian love for the world,” Chung Yuan Christian University (CYCU) has long advanced the values of care, service, and the common good through education and international exchange. In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Association of Christian Universities and Colleges in Asia (ACUCA), CYCU’s Office of the Chaplain hosted the ACUCA Student Camp 2026 from August 17 to 21, bringing together young people from across Asia to explore intercultural inclusion, social engagement, and holistic sustainability.
The five-day, four-night program featured keynote sessions, group workshops, a Cultural Night, visits to Daxi Presbyterian Church and Daxi Old Street, and a hands-on pineapple cake-making experience. The camp received enthusiastic feedback from participating students and faculty members. At the opening ceremony, Professor Li-Jen Ou, Acting President of ACUCA and Director of CYCU’s Office of the Chaplain, delivered welcoming remarks, while Dr. Cole Carnesecca, Secretary General of ACUCA, presided over the event. A total of 58 students and one accompanying faculty member from nine countries and regions—including Taiwan, Thailand, Indonesia, Hong Kong, South Korea, Japan, India, Myanmar, and the Philippines—participated in the camp.
Centered on the theme “Communities for the Good,” the student camp featured keynote speakers Dr. Cole Carnesecca and Dr. James Park of China Evangelical Seminary. Participants were also divided into eight multinational workshop groups to discuss six major global issues: demographic change, the digital society, economic vulnerability, the living environment, practical theology, and international security. CYCU faculty members served as group facilitators, guiding students in meaningful dialogue and cross-cultural exchange.
Throughout the program, CYCU student fellowship groups and the Chungli International Christian Church (CICC) led worship sessions, while chaplains from CYCU’s Office of the Chaplain offered prayers and blessings for the participants. Before each meal, students from different countries took turns leading prayers of thanksgiving in their own languages, creating a meaningful expression of cultural diversity and Christian fellowship.
During the Cultural Night on August 20, participants showcased the distinctive traditions of their home countries through traditional attire, dance, and music. Taiwanese students concluded the evening with an engaging performance that invited everyone to join in the celebration. Many participants described the camp as one of the most memorable and enriching intercultural experiences of their university years. One student shared, “Building friendships with young people from across Asia, exchanging diverse perspectives, and growing together through mutual support was one of the best decisions I have ever made.”
With the successful conclusion of the 2026 ACUCA Student Camp, CYCU will continue to strengthen partnerships with its sister institutions across Asia, expand opportunities for international youth exchange and intercultural learning, and provide students with broader platforms to engage with the world.
