Salesian Oratory - Sliema

SB Sleepover at Fort Campbell, Selmun

The Salesian Brigade organised its monthly outdoor activity on the 28th and 29th November 2009 at Fort Campbell in Selmun, Mellieha. Preparations for this activity included chasing a permit from the Mellieha Local Council and the police, preparing equipment and buying food.

Joe Camilleri and Jesmond Cassar led a small team of leaders and group of 21 SB members departed to Fort Campbell, a disused and vandalised barrack accommodation built in 1937 by Governor Bonham-Carter.

On arrival at Selmun, the barracks was cleaned and made comfortable for sleeping. Wooden planks blocked the windows, a door was fixed and a cooking room was set up. A chemical toilet was also designated to another area. The flag post was pegged to an open space and the group assembled for flag break and prayers.

The area was turned in a ‘5-star luxury’ barracks situated in the midst of beautiful countryside in Mellieha, complete with breathtaking views of Mistra Bay. Pasta was prepared and loads of free time allowed.

Activities started immediately after cleaning, with abseiling instructions, CPR/AED training and compass/map instructions. A tour of the fortification followed, were pillboxes, gun emplacements, command posts and battery observation posts were observed. Flag break followed training.

Mass was heard at the Church of Our Lady of Ransom at Selmun and BarBQ prepared. A campfire was setup and a night hike organised, complete with the occasional ‘ghost appearances’ and cold-blooded horror scenes and enactments!

Lights out meant a good night sleep, quite cosy in fact. The following day started with a good breakfast, cleaning, inspection and flag break. Our prayers initiated a 3-hour walk by applying our training on map reading, use of the compass by lining-up, taking a bearing and observing the country code. The walk was quite rugged in fact were we had to walk past the magnificent Selmun Palace built in 1619 quite famous for its ghost appearing in the small bell tower. Mgiebah bay offered some spectacular views, with its calm azure waters, flora and fauna and multitude of interesting features such as Roman period quarries and rock-cut shelters. Clay slopes offered some entertainment with our young members actually sliding down at a muddy price!

Back at our barracks our chef prepared a hearty serving of pasta and a nice piece of cake. Food was never a problem in fact. Cleaning and packing up started soon after, ending up with our flag down and departure to Sliema HQ.

This was an event to cherish our enthusiasm, our commitment and celebrate the SB Centenary. Well done young Salesians and special thanks to all those who helped in this successful event. Keep it up.

Joe Camilleri
Lieutenant SB