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Friendships, laughter, camaraderie at forefront of annual Salesian youth camp
By Graham Maher
Some 70 young people and youth leaders gathered for the 2021 Annual Salesian Youth Camp, held at Nanga Bush Camp, Dwellingup. Photo: Supplied/Graham Maher.
In a year like no other, you couldn’t help but give thanks to God for the many blessings bestowed upon us throughout the turmoil that was 2020.
It was great to know however, that the show still went on for our WA Young Salesian Summer Camp.
Although this camp was very different to others, the strengthening of friendships, laughter and camaraderie remained at the forefront.
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, there was much uncertainty as to whether our camp would go ahead, however, with a bit of creative problem solving, we were able to continue its operation with a difference.
To begin, our camp was split into two groups across two separate campsites to allow for lower numbers in each cottage.
Some 70 young people and youth leaders gathered for the 2021 Annual Salesian Youth Camp, held at Nanga Bush Camp, Dwellingup. Photo: Supplied/Graham Maher.
This ensured that our COVID Safe Plan could be implemented efficiently and that good hygiene practices were employed throughout the camp from the regular cleaning of surfaces, to regular spraying of high traffic areas.
Our timetable took on a similar format, however, the lower numbers in each campsite gave us the opportunity to try new things, explore new opportunities and experiment with new activities that proved to be a hit amongst the 70 odd campers that attended the camp.
Spiritually, our Salesian ‘goodnights’ continued as a reminder of the many blessings we receive each day and provided the opportunity to reflect on the days.
Salesian Youth Camp organiser Graham Maher, right, with one of the youth who attended the annual camp, held at Nanga Bush Camp, Dwellingup.
Photo: Supplied/Graham Maher.
In addition to this, Mass was celebrated twice throughout the week by Fr Hyginus Ebede from North Beach Parish and Fr Matteo Verdi from Armadale respectively.
Our leaders and volunteers work tirelessly throughout the year to make our camps as successful as possible and it was truly wonderful to have our camp leaders jump on board at a moments notice to ensure that our 2021 Summer Camp could still go on.
Despite the uncertainty until the very end, the organisation came together and much positive feedback was received in the days after camp.
For more information, go to www.wayoungsalesians.com