By Fr Chris Ferreira for BIS Mumbai

Forty-one students of Don Bosco High School, Makarpura, comprising 27 Scouts and 14 Guides, participated in their Annual Scouts and Guides Camp held from November 5 to 7 at Don Bosco Narukot. The three-day camp offered a vibrant blend of adventure, outdoor learning, teamwork, discipline and camaraderie.

The camp was meticulously planned by ALT(S) Manoj Nair, District Chief Scout Commissioner, Vadodara, along with Fr Chris Ferreira SDB, the School Vice Principal. The Guides were accompanied by Ms Het, District Commissioner (G); Ms Jinal, District Organising Commissioner (G); and Mrs Krishtina Macwan, Assistant Guide Captain. Five Rovers and Rangers also assisted in conducting the various activities.

The troop departed from Vadodara at 7:30 a.m. on November 5 and arrived at Narukot by 9:30 a.m. They were warmly welcomed by Fr Elson Baretto SDB, Rector and Manager, and Fr Rozario Vaz SDB, Administrator. Following the formation of four patrols—Jaguar and Panther among the Scouts, and Tulip and Lavender among the Guides—the campers assembled for the opening flag ceremony. Fr Rozario introduced them to the institution's work in education, evangelisation, empowerment, farm development and animal husbandry across its expansive 40-acre campus. The students subsequently familiarised themselves with their daily responsibilities and routines. The afternoon was devoted to learning and practising the art of tent pitching, with each patrol setting up its own tent.

The second day began at 5:30 a.m. with Lord Baden-Powell's BP Six Exercises. During the morning flag ceremony, Fr Ferreira encouraged the campers with a message centred on Carpe Diem—seizing the day. Highlighting the rich biodiversity of the Jambughoda region, he urged the students to observe, explore and document the area's diverse flora and fauna during their scheduled hike. The campers subsequently trekked to Zhand Hanuman, a nearby hilltop pilgrimage destination, where they visited the temple, hot water springs and mill. The excursion concluded on a lively note with action songs led by Fr Ferreira and the Rovers. The afternoon saw the patrols undertake pioneering projects, constructing trestles and putting their practical scouting skills into action. The highlight of the evening was a grand campfire featuring entertaining skits, songs, dances and spirited patrol yells.

On the final morning, the campers expressed their gratitude to Fr Vaz for his generous hospitality, comfortable accommodation and meals, presenting him with a token of appreciation. Appreciating their conduct, Fr Vaz remarked, "The way y'all lived as campers was beyond my expectations. Your exemplary behaviour reflected the true spirit of scouting." The camp concluded with the Scouts and Guides lowering the flag and cleaning the campsite themselves, embodying the values of responsibility and service. The contingent departed at 11:30 a.m. and returned to Don Bosco High School, Makarpura, by 1 p.m.

The three-day experience left the young campers with cherished memories and reinforced the enduring scouting values of discipline, self-reliance, teamwork, respect for nature and service to others.