The WA Young Salesians Summer Camp in Dwellingup brought together campers and organisers for a week of fun outdoor activities and reflection. Photo: Supplied
By Caroline Smith
More than 100 young people descended on Nanga Bush Camp in Dwellingup recently for a week of sport, outdoor activities, reflection and Mass, as part of the WA Young Salesians’ Summer Camp.
The event – held from Monday, 9 January to Friday, 13 January – drew record numbers, with 98 campers and 22 leaders in attendance, a marked improvement on previous years, according to Camp Coordinator Graham Maher.
“This was our 27th year as a camp, and it was the largest single camp in terms of numbers in that time,” he said.
“We went as low as 15 campers four or five years ago, so bouncing back has been a great milestone for us. All the leaders are very enthused about seeing the numbers increase.”
Archbishop Timothy Costelloe addresses campers and leaders at the WA Young Salesians Summer Camp, held recently near Dwellingup. Photo: Supplied
An important focal point during the week was the celebration of Mass on Monday and Thursday, with Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB officiating for the second occasion.
“There was no specific theme for the camp this year, but our Masses had themes: on Monday, it was ‘Being a neighbour to one another’, where the Mass included the Good Samaritan reading,” Mr Maher said.
“On Thursday, Mass focused on the idea, ‘I will take care of you’, indicating that God will always be there for you, no matter what else is going on in your life.
“Having the Archbishop there to celebrate Mass provides a kind of validity to what we’re doing over the week.”
Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB celebrated Mass at the WA Young Salesians Summer Camp, which recorded its largest numbers for an individual camp, with more than 100 young people in attendance. Photo: Supplied
The WA Young Salesians – and their summer camps – hold a particular importance for Archbishop Costelloe, as they are connected to the Salesian order of which he is a member.
The Salesian Order was founded in the mid-19th century by Don Bosco, an Italian priest whose teachings and works focused on helping young people and bringing God into their lives.
Mr Maher said his own experience as an attendee of the camps showed him the profound effect it could have on young people over the week.
More than 100 young people descended on Nanga Bush Camp in Dwellingup recently for a week of sport, outdoor activities, reflection and Mass, as part of the WA Young Salesians’ Summer Camp. Photo: Supplied
“I attended for the first time when I was 17 years old – one of the kids from my parish wanted to go but their parents didn’t want them to attend alone, so I decided to go too,” he said.
“But I was too old to attend as a camper, so I joined as a leader instead. Being there, I just loved being surrounded by so many people. I became coordinator three years ago.
“It’s amazing to see the kids grow over the course of the five days, especially since many of them don’t know each other when they first arrive.”