By Cl. Ralston Rozario for BISMumbai

‘Summer Dreams’ was held at Don Bosco Youth Centre (DBYC), Koregaon Park, Pune,  from 16 April to 11 May 2024. Around 28 children participated in this summer camp.

The Summer Camp is an occasion for children to come together and have fun while learning new things in a safe environment away from home, thus helping them to be self-reliant and self-confident. They also make new friends which develops their social skills. With this in mind, DBYC launched ‘Summer Dreams’.

On 16 April, the first day of the camp, Fr Ian Doulton, the Rector, was the Chief Guest and he inaugurated and declared the camp open. The camp had two sessions daily. Various creativity-based activities were conducted during the morning session from 9 a.m. to 12 noon, while outdoor games and coaching were held in the evening session from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m..

As per the schedule, the various activities, competitions and games planned for each day were organised. Every child was taken care of and they all participated in the activities and games with full enthusiasm and vigour, enjoying themselves to their hearts' content. These activities and games helped them to develop the spirit of sportsmanship and teamwork. The children also showcased their talents in the various competitions that were conducted. To mention a few, there were competitions like poster and card making, bottle painting, and bracelet crafting. Instructors were also invited to teach Vedic Maths, Origami and Skating. In addition to this, the children were also engaged in baking cakes and making chocolates and ice cream. Animated games, dance sessions and movies were also a part of the summer activities.

On 11 May, the final day of the camp, a valedictory function was held.  Fr Cyril DeSouza was the Chief Guest and he addressed the gathering. This was followed by prize distribution. Every child received a prize. A dance session marked the conclusion of the camp. 

Summer Dreams was a success thanks to the team behind the event: Fr Dinesh Vasava, Cl. Ralston Rozario, Cl. Tritwar Katara, and Ms Alisha Khemali.