The WA Young Salesians held their annual summer camp in Dwellingup last week, with 44 teenagers taking part in the 25th year of the event.
From January 6 to 10, the participants, who were aged between 12 and 15, took part in a variety of games and activities at the Nanga Bush Camp site.
Organiser Graham Maher told The Record the camp was a great success, due partly to an increased effort to promote the event at parishes.
“We’ve been trying to increase our numbers over the last few years; we used to run two camps with over 100 in each camp and over the years the numbers have really gone down,” he said.
“Last year, we only had about 23 campers, so numbers were almost doubled this year.”
Mr Maher said the five days were filled with a variety of team-building games and outdoor activities aimed at increasing self-esteem, confidence and belonging.
He said the aim of the camp was to invite Catholic youth who may not be involved in their local parish to mix with other young Catholics.
“It gives them a chance to come together and to have fun, just to enjoy themselves,” he said. “It’s also about making new friendships and developing them.”
Mr Maher, who was attending his 14th camp, said it was a rewarding experience for him as an organiser of the event.
“By the [third day] you start to really see a difference take place, kids are more confident, they’re interacting more with each other, they’re branching out from their groups,” he said.
“The first day we had a liturgy and we asked for anyone to contribute any prayers of the faithful, and there were only about three who had the confidence to speak up. But by our second liturgy on the Thursday people were contributing quite freely.”
After speaking to some of the participants, Mr Maher said the camp had exceeded their expectations.
“I haven’t had one negative comment back,” he said.
“In fact, some of the older campers who were a bit reluctant to come along had such an absolute ball that they want to continue coming now, and that seems to be the vibe I was getting from everyone.”
At the conclusion of the camp, a reunion was held for previous participants.
WA Young Salesians is run by several volunteers who organise activities for youth throughout the year.
The organisation follows in the steps of the 19th century priest St Don Bosco, who worked with children for many years and founded the Salesian religious order.