The Salesian Brigade annual summer camp was held at the International Scout Campsite in Ghajn Tuffieha from 11 to 16 August. Campers ranging seven of age to 14, together with their teen leaders looked forward to this exciting atmosphere that can only be found during their summer holidays.
Away from the routines of traditional school days and full of friends and new activities, summer camp is a special place where members can engage in their favourite games and duties each day.
Summer camp offers opportunities for learning and laughter, as well as plenty of time to practice campcraft skills, compete in a group and enjoy the outdoors.
Under Jesmond Cassar and Joe Camilleri's leadership, the camp programme made sure that an advanced and a rear party pitched all tents and dismantled all equipment before and after young campers started their camp. 38 campers were grouped in four teams and were assigned camp duties to maintain some form of discipline and order. Camp activities included an ongoing project to build a go-cart out of recycled material, night hikes and wide games, swimming, a water baseball competition, a paint fight, pioneering, a cooking competition, a trivia competition, an assault course competition, a mass during the Santa Marija feast, a parent's evening and a visit to Centru Ghajn in Rabat. Special emphasis was given to exercise were campers were given the opportunity to rise early and walk, swim and jog for 1 hour.
Kitchen staff made sure that campers eat well and healthy whilst other camp leaders and volunteers made sure that supplies and donations were adequate for the success of the camp.
The camp highlight was the campfire were friends of the Brigade were invited to hear mass, grab some food and assist to some traditional singsongs, skits and a go-cart competition. This year's best camp group was headed by Destiny Cauchi whilst the best female camper was jointly awarded to Tanaya Galea and Destiny Cauchi. The best male camper was awarded to Mathias Zammit and the Fr. Joe Borg SDB award was awarded to Benji Grech.
The Salesian Brigade will commence its programme in October were it will be initiating its 110th anniversary celebrations.
Joe Camilleri is a Lieutenant with the Salesian Brigade