This year the program developed by the Salesian community, coordinator of the initiative, together with the associations "Tutto in una festa" and "Play It", developed "events" that enhanced the immense resources and possibilities present within the small Vatican state even more. The theme of Ecology led the young participants to explore the Vatican Gardens several times and almost every week an age group planted an holm oak as a symbol of their commitment to respect Nature; numerous visits of a cultural nature were made inside parts of the immensely rich Vatican Museums.
"The sympathy that surrounded these little explorers from the staff and the police was tangible at every step: after months of stalemate due to the restrictions imposed by the pandemic, the initiative - conducted, however, in full compliance with the protocols of security - gave a good sign of hope and desire to restart,” commented Fr Franco Fontana, chaplain of the Pontifical Gendarmerie and Director of the Salesian community in the Vatican.
Finally, unforgettable were the moments of celebration lived together, from daily prayers to confessions and Masses for age groups, moments well prepared with the children participating fully.
The culmination of this journey was experienced in front of the altar of the Chair in St. Peter's Basilica.
"The brief prayer of thanks of the animators and children for the beautiful experience lived, favored by the close gathering that naturally imposes itself in a place that breathes universality, we made not only in our name, but also for all the boys and girls of the world who, like us, have lived the same experience. Don Bosco, from his niche a short distance away from us, smiled with satisfaction…,” concluded Fr Fontana.
https://www.infoans.org/en/component/k2/item/13382-vatican-youth-summer-camp-2021-ends-a-complete-success#sigProId0953be1c83