Transformative Success Stories
At the counselor level, young people experience profound growth in self-confidence and discover a community where drugs and alcohol are not needed. They find a place where they are challenged to become better human beings. For example, a former camper turned counselor, Maria, shared, “The camp helped me find my voice and realize I could lead others with kindness and empathy.”
Children feel welcomed and engaged at the camper level, breaking free from screens to learn how to communicate and handle normal life frustrations. Jake, a 10-year-old camper, said, “I made so many friends here and learned how to solve problems without getting angry.”
Unique Activities and Traditions
What sets Salesian Camps apart are their unique activities and traditions. Every day begins and ends with lively morning and afternoon rallies, where young people sing cheers and share thoughts on values like kindness and respect. Each day, they face a new challenge, such as being kind to everyone they meet. This not only energizes the campers but also instills essential life lessons.
Ensuring a Safe and Inclusive Environment
Safety and inclusivity are paramount at Salesian Camps. The camps harness their energy by having teenagers lead activities to keep campers engaged. With a low camper-to-counselor ratio, each camper has a dedicated teenager who cares for them, ensuring personalized attention and support.
Community Partnerships
Salesian Camps thrive on community support. Local groups, part of the Salesian community, provide food and other resources, fostering a sense of responsibility and service. These partnerships enhance the camp experience and create a strong community bond.
Positive Parent Feedback
Parents have noticed remarkable changes in their children due to their camp experiences. Many report that their children have become more outgoing and happier, looking forward to camp each year. Some parents even consider attending camp to motivate their children to behave well and excel in school. One parent remarked, “My child comes home every day excited and full of stories about new friends and adventures.”
The Salesian Spirit
The Salesian spirit, rooted in joy in the ordinary, love for Jesus, and accompaniment by Mary, profoundly influences the camp culture. This spirituality fosters a joyful, welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and supported.
Overcoming Challenges
With over 900 participants, challenges are inevitable. However, the camps view these challenges as opportunities for growth. They acknowledge issues, confront them, and then let go, ensuring that every problem is addressed constructively. This approach helps maintain a positive and resilient camp atmosphere.
Leadership Structure
The camp’s leadership structure includes three levels: Head Counselors, Head Counselor Assistants, and Regular Counselors. Head Counselors are experienced volunteers who begin preparations in December, planning formation topics, themes, t-shirt colors, trips, and more. Head Counselor Assistants start training in March alongside all youth who will be regular counselors. This extensive formation process ensures that everyone is ready to welcome over 600 campers for seven weeks at the Salesian Family Youth Center and five weeks at St. Dominic Savio Church.
Building a Unified Spirit
Even though the two camps are about 15 miles apart, all youth volunteers gathered last week to pray, eat, and have fun together. This gathering reinforced the Salesian spirit and unified the volunteers, who are following Don Bosco’s steps and dreams by serving and helping the children of the Los Angeles community.
Salesian Camps are more than just summer programs; they are transformative experiences that nurture faith, build social skills, and create lasting memories for campers and counselors.
Jc Montenegro, Ph.D
https://www.infoans.org/en/component/k2/item/21742-united-states-salesian-camps-serve-over-900-children-and-youth-in-los-angeles-this-summer#sigProId9bdfe6e06f
