Hajja Salesjana November December 2016

34 I’m Going where He’s Going! - Bosco Summer School 2016 by Fr. Gerald Mangion sdb This year’s Bosco Summer School (BSS) welcomed around 215 participants, 50 leaders and pre-leaders and 19 Form3 teens in formation at the Salesian Oratory in Sliema, Malta. For six weeks, various sports activities, outings, water games, creativity sessions, performing art sessions, as well as themed formation sessions were organised for participants between the ages of 6 and 12 by the leaders and the core team, which consisted of 5 young people under the direction of Br. Paul Spiteri. The theme for this year’s BSS, ‘I’m Going where He’s Going’, was inspired by the Rector Major’s Strenna which focused on the adventure of the spirit, in, with and through Jesus Christ, accompanied by the community. The BSS is an adventure in which its participants and leaders embark on together to go through new challenges and experiences while at the same time, demonstrating their capability for taking risks and responsibilities. The Rector Major writes that these are the necessary qualities of a good ‘adventurer’. Those taking part in the BSS each year embark on a journey together to discover new things about themselves and each other, and grow in a holistic manner. Through this experience, participants and leaders alike, make new friends, discover new talents, develop artistically and creatively, take on new roles and responsibilities and go out of their way to help and support each other. The BSS’s journey ended on the 31st August 2016 with the Evening of Awards (EOA), under the distinguished patronage of H.E. Marie- Louise Coleiro Preca, the President of Malta. The Parliamentary Secretary for Youth Hon. Chris Agius also honoured us by his presence. This year’s Evening of Awards revolved around the adventure of a fictitious character by the name of ‘Timmy’ who visited the participants during the six weeks of BSS. Each item, presented by different groups of participants, showedTimmy’s experience tinged with various aspects of life, including decision making, challenges, obstacles, loneliness and his encounter with diverse people whom he considered as being role models. His adventure is thus one which reflects a young person’s personal life at the Oratory of Don Bosco. Without any doubt BSS shows how young people at the Oratory take to heart this experience and commit themselves throughout the six-weeks to bring joy and smiles on the faces of all the participants. Through their love and affection shown to all those taking part, the leaders gain the heart of the young children attending the BSS. Thus creating a wonderful family atmosphere where fun & education intermingle.

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