Salesian Oratory - Sliema

by Joe Camilleri 2nd Lieutenant SBGB

15th to the 16th April was dedicated to the SBGB Easter Camp held at ‘Swatar’ L/O Santa Katerina at Dingli. With the theme: Jimpurtani minn hadd iehor / I care because everybody is special, 18 campers under the guidance of 3 officers pitched tents and cleaned up the area for a fantastic camp. Activities included cooking and cleaning, fall-in, prayers and reflection, night walks at Girgenti, trekking in rough terrain from Ghajn Tuffieha to Fomm ir-Rih, swimming, games, nature study, survival, campfire, campcraft and lots of free time and fun.

Weather was fine and every activity went smooth. Fr.Paul and Bro Clive visited camp. Thanks to all who worked hard for such a successful event. Keep it up boys and girls!

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Article by Estelle Sant, Sergeant SBGB

On Tuesday 14th April, around twenty-two SBGB members of all ages, met at eight o’clock in the morning, in front of the Oratory in Sliema, to set off on this year’s spring camp. The van was loaded and we set off to ‘Swatar’, a small area on the outskirts of the beautiful village of Dingli. The younger members of the Salesian Boys and Girls Brigade were brimming with excitement and planned every minute of their adventure, along with Mr. Joe Camilleri, the officer in charge, who set out a vast three- day programme.

During the camp we were occupied with various activities, from pitching tents, to night prayers around the fire and several long walks. The adventurous walks are utilised to teach our young members various survival skills and are also a means for them to visit places, which they do not get to go to very often. Needless to say, due to the large amount of physical exercise, our members often end up feeling famished by the time they arrive back to the campsite and as a result of this, the kitchen is always on the go, providing a variety of food for both children and adults.

One of the most cherished moments during camp is when we all gather around the fire for our evening prayers. A very important aspect of the SBGB is to provide a sense of unity and familiarity among its members, which is essential to a group such as ours. The main aim of organising these activities is to teach our members different life skills through informal learning, keeping Don Bosco at the centre of all that we do.

For the past one hundred years, the SBGB has been an integral part of the Salesian community and all our members are dedicated to keep the brigade alive during the years to come.