By Cl. Swapnil Shelke for BISMumbai

Don Bosco Youth Centre, Koregaon Park, Pune, organised a leadership camp at St Mary’s Villa, Khandala, from 19 to 21 April 2023. The theme of this camp was ‘Mary arose and went with haste’.

 The Salesian Catechetical Centre and Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM) Pune collaborated in organizing this camp for the children of the Diocese of Poona. This junior camp had 35 participants, 22 boys, and 12 girls, from Classes 5 to 8. The primary purpose of this camp was to kindle leadership qualities in the participants.  

 Fr Osborn Furtado organized a few sessions for the participants that helped the children discover their talents, encouraging them to take leadership roles and understand and grow in our Christian faith. The campers were also involved in many activities like pitching tents, trekking, participating in campfires, games, and so on. These activities helped the campers to think innovatively. On all three days of the camp, the holy Eucharist was celebrated to help each camper to know that a good leader should always walk in the footsteps of Christ. 

 On the last day of the camp, the participants visited Don Bosco, Lonavla, and Maria Ashiana, a rehabilitation facility run by the Salesians for victims of substance abuse. Fr Velasli Bandya, the Province Vocation Animator, welcomed the campers and explained the meaning of “vocation” and how one should discover their calling in life.

 One of the participants, Anita Jadhav, shared her experience saying, “This camp was very different from other camps which I had attended. I also got the opportunity to come in front and share my talents. I enjoyed this camp”.  

Jonathan Lopes said, “I enjoyed this camp, especially the grand and mini campfire. I was also impressed by Fr Osborn and the brothers, who helped me grow in leadership qualities.”

 This camp was indeed a resounding success filled with fun activities that were well-planned and were appropriate for the children.