Salesian Oratory - Sliema

The Salesian Brigade’s latest activity was the annual Easter camp . On Easter Sunday at about 15:00 the advanced Party which consisted of officers and campers meet at the Salesian Brigades headquarters and started loading up the tents ,tools and other equipment. As they arrived at Swatar , they started working ; cleaning the campsite , setting up tents and other preparations to receive the campers the day after . Now that the work was done they only had to wait until the other campers arrived on Monday morning. At about 8:00am campers started gathering at the Salesian Brigades Headquarters . All packed up with heavy bags they started loading their belongings and set off for the campsite .
On arrival 5 Campers cleaned up an area near the campsite from all the rubbish that people leave behind after picnics , as it is our duty as responsible citizens to always keep our beautiful island tidy.
After lunch everyone settled everything and the Easter camp could officially begin by a pioneering session from Mr.Jesmond Cassar where the campers built a small scale watch tower using only ropes and wooden poles. A volleyball net was set-up were the campers could play during their 2 hour free-time period. Flag down was next and after, Lieutenant Joe Camilleri gave instructions about the walk to the silent city , Mdina.The walk lasted about 1 ½ hour and the campers could admire the architecture and art one can find whilst walking through the narrow winding streets of Mdina. after the walk the campers returned to the campsite and a BBQ was prepared, everyone ate and the day was ended by discussions and singing close to the campfire.

The next day everyone woke up at about 7.00 and had breakfast. Lieutenant Joe Camilleri gave us various instructions about our walk and the two groups set off, equipped with maps and directions, each following their own route. The walks were a bit challenging for the new brigaders and one group had some difficulties but at the end it was all sorted out. Later we had time for some volley ball and a few of the members searched for fire wood. The officers set up an Aerial Runway for the members to enjoy, and as soon as it was getting dark and every member had their turn it was time for dinner and the campfire was set up. After prayers and discussions by the fire everyone settled in their camp and slept.

The last day was a busy day because we had to put the tents down and pack everything and head back to headquarters. The experience did not stop there because we enjoyed those three days as a family and as a family we had to work together to put everything back in store. Thanks to the Salesian Brigade various teens and adolescents can learn various values informally, that will aid in their future.

Luca Baldacchino