From 9 to 17 years old, almost 3,000 children and about 400 older youth are involved this year in the summer camps organised by the Salesians from the Jesus the Adolescent Province of the Middle East (MOR) in Syria. The houses in Aleppo, Damascus and Kafroun host the participants for a month and a half, divided by age group and with a busy programme in which leisure, recreation, sports, excursions, theatre, moments of catechesis and knowledge of Don Bosco's work create a great atmosphere of conviviality and joy.
None of the participants can forget the critical situation that the country has suffered for years due to the war, and which was aggravated by the effects of last year's earthquakes; but within the Salesian camps, children and young people "receive the opportunity to have fun, learn and even overcome their traumas. It is a great source of hope for all of them, "says Rania, one of the young people responsible for summer activities in Aleppo.
Dozens of young university students active in the youth centre and many parents who are involved in the pastoral activities of the Salesian houses and who are the leaders in the camps have spent months preparing and setting up the spaces and activities for this year's camps, which have "Don Bosco World" as their theme. While last year the theme was "Don Bosco Space", with a journey through his life up to the Dream at Nine Years of Age, this year the theme will continue the life of the Founder of the Salesian Congregation and will focus on the period from when he entered the seminary until his priestly ordination.
Due to the high temperatures, the days together start in the afternoon, at three o'clock, and continue until nine in the evening. The recreational activities take place every week (including moments in the pool and excursions in the mountains) and integrate together the fundamental dimensions of Salesian work such as home, courtyard, school and parish, without forgetting theatre, singing and spirituality.
"These summer camps are hope that goes straight to the heart and that is reflected on their faces, because the family situation is unsustainable, with very low salaries and inflation that does not allow you to buy much," explains Joseph, one of the heads of activities in Damascus.
The biggest expenses for these camps are those related to transport: five buses in Aleppo, three in Damascus and eight minibuses in Kafroun pick up most of the participants every day from the areas farthest from the city. "If we did not do so, they would not come, because the distances are too great and the costs too high; but that is why we do everything so that they do not lack anything and enjoy the oasis of peace of Don Bosco in the summer," concludes Mateo, a Salesian volunteer.
Source: Salesian Missions
