(ANS – Mananga Aba Beach) – Accompanied by several Salesian priests, eleven Bosconian youth from St John Bosco parish, Jakarta, flew to Sumba, in Nusa Tenggara Timur province, Indonesia, in June 2014. Working together with some youths from Bosconian in Sumba and St. Mikael parish, Surabaya, they aimed to organize a spiritual camp for the youth in Sumba, particularly within the area of the Weepengali parish, southwest of Sumba.

This camp was a very special experience for both the organizers and the one hundred participants: the sense of excitement, curiosity, and even confusion were all there together, because there had never been a Salesian spiritual camp in this area before.

This three-day, two-night camp was held at Mananga Aba Beach, a place that is clean and has a fantastic view. The organizers set up tents for the night on the beach and offered many activities  which all came under the umbrella of one big theme “Youth Serving Youth”. There were some outdoor games which helped to develop a sense of togetherness among the young people. The hundred participants were divided into ten groups which took part in talent shows around the bonfire at night. There were also prayers and sessions hosted by the priests. The entire event began and ended with the holy Eucharist.

Previously, the youth in Sumba had only befriended those from their own missionary station. Now, they are friends with youth from other stations and even from other cities, such as Jakarta and Surabaya. They are inspired to move local youth to action and they are “on fire” to serve other youth by organizing some worthwhile events.

The youth from Jakarta also learned much  from this camp. They have done this several times before but this is the first time they have done so on another island far from their hometown and with limited equipment. “Tiring yet thrilling. With the help of the Holy Spirit, all the activities in the camp ran smoothly and successfully. May it be fruitful for the youth in Sumba,” said Feliciana, a girl from Jakarta.

Published 14/07/2014