The Salesian Brigade under canvas

The annual summer camp held at Għajn Tuffieħa by the Salesian Brigade hosted 40 members and 25 officials from 13 to 18 August. Campers had a whale of a time under canvas and were kept busy with all sorts of fun activities.

Camp routines included flag assemblies, lunchtimes, group duties, formation sessions, personal hygiene, swimming, campfire skit rehearsals, singsongs, crafts, pioneering, games and competitions. Other activities included an early morning swim, night swims, a night hike, a quiz, an outing to a paintball facility, Masses, a parent’s evening and a WasteServ talk.

All campers were formed into five groups and together with their leader, they competed fiercely so that their group will win the shield. Each group had cleaning duties which ensured that the kitchen and campsite were always clean and tidy.

During the campfire, parents and friends of the Salesian Oratory attended in full force and were entertained to skits, dance and singsongs. ‘The Flash’ won the annual camp shield while K. Sacco and F. Falzon were names the best female and male camper. A Mass and a fund-raising bar-b-q was also organised during the campfire. Fr Gerald Mangion SDB officially handed over his ‘pastoral duties’ to Fr Charles Said SDB as the new Chaplain of the Brigade.

The Brigade camp was lead by J. Cassar and a team of formidable volunteers who made sure that all children were happy and always safe and healthy. The Salesian Brigade strives to keep this annual activity alive and kicking, together with other activities that are organised throughout the year. The Brigade will commence again in October with a parent’s meeting and weekly Friday meetings.

If any youngsters are interested in joining the Salesian Brigade, please write to salesian

brigade@gmail.com, visit the Facebook group page ‘Salesian Brigade’ or pop in at the Salesian Oratory, in Karm Galea Street, Sliema to speak to the Chaplain or a Brigade official.