Other educational institutions close for the summer but the Salesian centres organize activities for children and teenagers. For many of these young people this is the only chance they have of a holiday. These initiatives would not be possible without the hundreds of leaders involved. For them these activities also represent an opportunity for training as volunteers.
The summer training camps for the various faith groups are mainly intended for the young people in our youth centres. Traditionally they are held in places around the country with a special natural environment. In some cases we opt for outdoor camping and sometimes the young people are accommodated in country houses. Leisure and games are combined with times of prayer and reflection, always in a friendly atmosphere.
Then there is the alternative for urban areas where we provide a local service in places where there are the Salesian Houses. They run activities that are aimed at the general public, particularly children and young families who cannot have a holiday away from their home.
A characteristic feature of the Salesian charism is the attention to the most needy. The summer activities offered re further complemented by recreational and educational activities aimed at young people benefitting from the Salesian Social Platforms, such as, for example, "camps for young people at risk of exclusion."
Education is also an important summer activity: young people are taught specialized and upgraded courses on topics of Salesian pedagogy; for members of the Salesian Family there are also courses of theological and pastoral renewal. And there is no shortage of opportunities for those who want to participate in spiritual exercises.
Finally, it should be noted that in Turin this year, from 15 to 19 August, there will be a special appointment of Confronto, or comparison, a meeting for young people of the Salesian Youth Movement (MGS) in Europe.
All these activities will continue beign carried out, among other things, through social networks with the #VeranoSalesiano hashtag.
