By Fr. Jesu Robinson for BIS Mumbai

“Run, jump, play, but do not sin.” – Don Bosco

In the heart of the tribal belt of Jawhar Taluka, the spirit of Don Bosco came alive as Bosco Samajik Vikas Sanstha (BSVS), Walvanda hosted a spirited and soul-enriching Summer Camp 2025 from 12th to 17th May. The week-long camp brought together 83 enthusiastic children from Walvanda and Sadakpada in a vibrant celebration of joy, learning, and togetherness. With boundless energy and radiant smiles, the children transformed the campus into a buzzing hub of creativity and laughter.

The success of the camp was the result of meticulous planning by the BSVS team, led by Mr. Krushna Shende, SEEP Coordinator, and under the dynamic guidance of Fr. Jesu Robinson, Rector of BSVS. From the vibrant inaugural ceremony to the stirring closing performances, every moment reflected the holistic and heart-centered pedagogy of St. John Bosco.

The camp was inaugurated in festive spirit, graced by Br. Savio D’Mello (new administrator), Br. Melvin Carvalho (outgoing administrator), and other key supporters including Mr. Pradeep Ghute, Mr. Chandrakant Gangurde, Mr. Ravi Bhasara, and the dedicated BSVS staff. Special mention goes to Ms. Rachael Rozario, who volunteered to conduct the much-loved drawing session for the children. The participants were divided into two groups—Small Group and Big Group—to ensure age-appropriate engagement and learning.

A memorable highlight of the week was the visit of Fr. Gregory Almeida, Economer of the Mumbai Province, on the second day. The children greeted him with cheerful welcome songs and traditional tribal dances. In his warm and encouraging address, Fr. Almeida inspired the young minds with the words, “Do small things with dedication to achieve big goals,” urging each child to dream confidently and work steadily toward their future. His presence brought immense joy and added a special energy to the camp.

Each day was a vibrant mix of activities that nourished the mind, body, and soul. From life skills sessions that nurtured social awareness, to motivational storytelling that built inner confidence, every aspect of the camp aimed at whole-person development. The drawing and painting workshops, guided by Ms. Rachael Rozario, gave children an outlet to explore their imaginations and express their love for nature and community through art. Mehndi art, yoga sessions, and indoor and outdoor games added traditional flavour, emotional calm, and a healthy spirit of playfulness and teamwork.

Midweek brought an unforgettable experience—Van Bhojan, the forest picnic. Under the supervision of staff, children ventured into nature, prepared their own meal over an open fire, and shared stories under the shade of trees. The day also featured fun-filled field games, coordinated by Mr. Vikram Bagul and Mr. Pradeep Ghute.

Adding excitement were two engaging competitions—a singing contest, where children proudly sang local tunes, and a skit competition that empowered them to creatively present social messages. The week culminated in a dazzling cultural evening with 12 captivating performances that filled the stage with rhythm, colour, and heartfelt expression.

As the camp came to a close, joy and pride filled the air. Prizes and tokens of appreciation were awarded, recognizing every child’s unique journey and contributions. The smiles said it all—this was not just a week of fun, but a transformative experience.

Looking ahead, BSVS plans to begin summer computer classes for older children, continuing its mission to equip tribal youth with vital new skills. As little Tejswini Dandekar joyfully expressed, “I love to come every day. I feel nice, I learn a lot, and it’s fun,” the camp proved to be more than a break from the summer—it was a launchpad for confidence, learning, and hope.

The Summer Camp 2025 was not merely an event—it was a living testament to Don Bosco’s dream. A space where joy meets formation, and every child is empowered to dream big, act boldly, and shine brighter.