Salesian Oratory - Sliema

‘Work hard, play hard’ was the theme chosen for the Salesian Brigade’s (formerly known as the Salesian Boys’ and Girls’ Brigade) annual summer camp, which was held from the 9th to the 16th August 2009, at the Scouts campsite in Ghajn Tuffieha. In strong Salesian spirit, 22 campers and 16 helpers, including officers and leaders of the Brigade spent an unforgettable week together. The campsite consisted of seven Icelandic tents, a ridge tent and a dining shelter, apart from this, another five tents were pitched for helpers and their families.

Lead by Mr. Joe Camilleri and Mr. Leonard Falzon, the campers enjoyed a unique camping experience. A healthy and enthusiastic competition was created between the three participating teams. The campers enjoyed a fun filled program, which included various activities, such as; night walks and nature trails, outings to places of interest, swimming, fishing and snorkelling, a quiz, wide games and a treasure hunt, a fire drill and a demonstration by the Malta Red Cross as well as mass, thanks to the presence of the Chaplain, Fr.Eric Cachia SDB.

Health and safety is given utmost importance therefore every camper under the age of 18 was given a consent and a health decleration form to be filled in by parents or guardians. All campers were instructed in first aid and fire drills and a first aider was always present during actvities. Campers were also told to drink plenty of water and make regular use of sun block. They were also instructed on the how important it is to stay out of the sun between 10 am and 4 pm . Parents were promptly informed in case of illness.

During camp, days have to start very early especially for the master cook who has to get an early start on breakfast and lunch. The master cook is aided by an assistant and a group of helpers, who work hard together to prepare the large amount of food. In the mean time other leaders prepare the activities for the day and others take care of the shopping needed. The daily routine helped the smooth running of the camp. Campers would rise and shine early in the morning to take part in keep fit. They would then fall in for the Maltese flag and the Brigade colours to be raised accompanied by the bugler’s call. This would then be followed by breakfast and clean up. Every team took it by turn to be on duty, following a daily roster. The efficient routine, continued in the afternoon with lunch, after lunch duties and afternoon rest. In the evening, time was allocated for showers, flag down and prayers. These would then be followed by a BBQ and evening duties. Fun and jokes went on continuously, amongst these are the famous ghost hunt as well as toothpaste jokes at night time.

Duties also include the cleaning of showers and toilets. Every team was awarded points for duties, competitive games and their tent inspection, which incorporated an inspection of the tent area as well as bags and haversacks. At the end of camp these points are added so that the winning team can be announced and awarded.

Every team leader had a convenor that helped to check that everything was going well. An officer was chosen to address specific issues regarding girls and another officer was in charge of issues regarding boys, so that these could be treated separately. During the course of the week meetings were held for officers and leaders, in this way we could analyse the progess of the camp as well as discuss the pastoral plan that has been prepared by the Salesian Oratory in Sliema. Officers and leaders also discussed the changes that need to be made and the celebrations that will be held next year for the Salesian Brigade’s centenary.

The campfire was held on Friday evening and started off with the official lighting of the camp bonfire, lit by the Commanding Officer Mr Joe Gorgio. The evening was packed with sketches and traditional campfire songs. A large number of parents and members of the Salesian Oratory attended a very pleasant evening which included entertainment, food and drink.

The most important aspect of camping is that all members; children or teenagers enjoy themselves and remember the entire week for years to come. We are glad to say that this year’s camp was truly unforgettable. We are also proud of the fact that apart from enjoying themselves, our members were able to improve their discipline skills so that in the future they will be able to become responsible citizens and good Christians by following in St. John Bosco’s footsteps.

Ghajn Tuffieha, poem written by Joe Camilleri, Leutenant SB

Rise and shine, jghajjat kuljum is-Sir
U dritt fall-in ma’ sbieh il-jum.
Mal-bugle titla’ il-bandiera
U l-kolazzjon nieklu kuljum.

Kulhadd inaddaf il-platt tieghu
U ghall-inspection, tindifa sew.
Il-punti niehdu b’dixxiplina
U girj’ghall-bahar t-tfal grew.

Ghal-ikel f’tinda poggejna fis
Ghagin mil-bnin bla dubju xejn
Barbq dejjem fuq hatab nir
U cajta tajba ghal wahda, tnejn

Lights out biex norqdu, sar hafna hin
Kullhadd ghajjien, kullhadd lubien.
Kif jisbah l-ghada nifs iehor gdid
Gurnata mzewqa kollha lwien

Dan kamp ta’ vera f’Ghajn Tuffieha
Il-Brigades ghandu tfal bezlin.
Don Bosco maghna, kull hin mument
Ghac-centinarju lkoll resqin