(ANS – Valencia) – In July and August more than a thousand children and young people, 10 to 16 years old, are taking part in camps and other summer schools organised by Salesian youth associations, scout groups, youth hostels and day centres in the St Joseph Province of Spain-Valencia (SVA). This commitment shows that for Salesians the summer is not a time for indulgent laziness.

Each camp follows its own special theme. In some centres the emphasis is on leadership skills and discovering one’s own potential. Others spring from the natural elements, different historical eras, the Olympics …

As well as involving the obvious recipients, the various initiatives, some still in progress, are concerned with preparing and involving a large number of leaders, guides and support workers, giving everyone an opportunity for training, growth and service of others.

The Provincial Delegate for Youth Ministry, Fr Fernando Miranda, points out the most significant common element in the camps: ‘They mark the end of a journey in every centre, association, scout group, youth hostel or day centre. The main objective of these experiences, and of everything we do, is to educate as Don Bosco educated in his Oratory: living in a family atmosphere of joy and acceptance, finding God together, sharing friendship, getting a bit closer to nature and making it our home for a few days.’

Published 9/8/2012