By BIS Correspondent for BIS Mumbai

The Don Bosco campus at Kawant recently hosted a six-day residential selection camp for students aspiring to enter Standard 6 in both English and Gujarati medium streams. Held from April 22 to 27, 2026, the camp welcomed 130 enthusiastic young participants, offering them a meaningful introduction to the rhythms and responsibilities of boarding school life.

The camp commenced with an inaugural address by Rector Fr Mayank Parmar SDB, who warmly welcomed the children and outlined the expectations and values that would guide them throughout their stay. The programme was spearheaded by Fr Agnel Dias, Prefect of Studies, supported by a dedicated team comprising Cl. Ankit Ganava, Cl. Mark Fernandes, Cl. Rax Menezes, and the boarding masters.

A well-structured daily timetable ensured that the participants experienced a balanced routine, closely resembling actual boarding life. Mornings were devoted to academic sessions, with school teachers conducting regular classes aimed at assessing and strengthening the students’ foundational knowledge. Afternoons and evenings were filled with a variety of enriching activities under the guidance of the brothers and staff.

These activities ranged from singing lessons and indoor games to outdoor sports and community tasks such as maintaining cleanliness of the परिसर. Time was also thoughtfully allocated for supervised study, creative recreation, and the screening of value-based films, all of which contributed to the holistic development of the children.

As the camp progressed, Fr Parmar and Fr Dias engaged personally with each participant. These individual interactions proved invaluable, as they sought to understand each child’s aptitude, interests, hobbies, and aspirations for the future. Such one-to-one sessions enabled the organisers to gain deeper insight into the students’ potential and readiness for boarding life.

The final day of the camp included a written assessment, the results of which were shared with the students. This evaluation formed an important component of the selection process, complementing the observations made throughout the camp.

A concluding meeting with parents marked the closing of the programme. The session began with a prayer and was conducted by Mr Hasmukh Christian in the presence of Fr Agnel Dias. Addressing the gathering, Fr Dias expressed appreciation for the parents’ trust and participation. He also explained that, while the institution would wish to accommodate all applicants, admissions would necessarily be limited and based on specific selection criteria.

Mr Hasmukh Christian further briefed the parents on the rules, regulations, and procedures to be followed once the final list of selected students is published. The meeting provided clarity and reassurance, ensuring that families were well-informed about the next steps.

The camp concluded on a solemn and patriotic note with the singing of the national anthem. Overall, the selection camp at Don Bosco Kawant proved to be a well-organised and enriching experience, equipping young aspirants with a glimpse into disciplined residential life while helping the institution identify students best suited for its educational environment.