By Jeswin Mastan SDB for BIS Mumbai

The New Boarders Selection Camp for the academic year 2026–2027 was successfully conducted at St. Dominic Savio Boys' Home from May 2 to May 7, 2026. The camp aimed at selecting and accompanying young boys who aspire to become part of the boarding community and to experience the Salesian way of life rooted in discipline, faith, education, and holistic growth.

St. Dominic Savio Boys' Home has continually opened its doors to boys who are orphans, semi-orphans, financially underprivileged, and those coming from broken or difficult family situations. The institution strives to provide these young people with a safe environment, quality education, emotional support, and opportunities for holistic growth in the spirit of St. John Bosco.

A total of 16 participants from the outskirts of Mumbai, namely Silvassa, Dahanu, Vasai, Virar, and Dharavi, took part in the camp. Prior to the selection, a careful process of interaction with the parents and assessment of the boys’ family background and academic level was undertaken by the Rector, Fr Francisco Pereira. After a thorough screening process, these sixteen boys were selected from among many applicants to participate in the camp.

The five-day camp was animated enthusiastically by the volunteers and the Salesian confreres. Throughout the camp, the participants were carefully observed and accompanied in various aspects of community life, studies, prayer, recreation, and interpersonal relationships.

An important feature of the camp was the psychological assessment and interaction sessions conducted by the professional team from Prafulta Psychological Services under the guidance of Fr Godfrey. These sessions helped assess the boys’ level of understanding, emotional maturity, and adaptability to boarding life. Many boys who initially arrived nervous and hesitant gradually gained confidence, became more expressive, and showed a strong desire to remain in the boarding community.

The daily timetable of the camp was carefully designed to nurture the four dimensions of growth — spiritual, intellectual, physical, and social. Each day began with the Holy Mass, followed by study moments, games and sports, recreational activities, and various talent-based programs. Activities such as the Savio Voice Competition, Minute to Fame, and Spare Time Activities provided opportunities for the boys to discover and express their talents and creativity. These activities also encouraged teamwork, confidence-building, and healthy interaction among the participants.

One of the major highlights of the camp was the celebration of the Feast of St Dominic Savio on May 6. During the Eucharistic celebration, Fr Pereira, in his homily, exhorted the boys to nurture within themselves the desire to become saints, following the example of St Dominic Savio. Referring to the inspiring encounter between St Dominic Savio and Don Bosco, he recalled the saint’s famous words: “I am the cloth, you are the tailor; make of me a beautiful garment for the Lord.” Through this message, the boys were encouraged to allow themselves to be guided, formed, and shaped into good and responsible young persons.

The Camp Fire on the concluding day became one of the most memorable moments of the camp. It offered the boys a joyful and free atmosphere where they could express themselves through songs, dances, games, and cultural performances, thereby strengthening the spirit of friendship and belonging.

On the final day, the parents expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the Salesian community for the care, attention, and accompaniment given to their sons during the camp. In his concluding message, Fr Pereira emphasized the importance of parental attention, communication, and understanding in the growth and flourishing of young people. He also highlighted the transformative power of the Salesian system, humorously remarking that “five days without mobile phones is the miracle that the Salesian camp and the Salesian system can achieve.”

The camp concluded on a joyful and hopeful note, leaving both the boys and their parents inspired and encouraged.