1943 AUL Salesian students prepare for WYD
austraLasia #1943

Salesian Students prepare for World Youth Day

MELBOURNE: 10th September 2007 --  Seventy Salesian school and camp leaders aged 16 – 20 spent four days undertaking leadership training in preparation for World Youth Sydney 2008.  The Salesian Schools Leadership Camp was conducted at Don Bosco Camp Dromana, about 60 km south of Melbourne and was attended by representatives from seven Salesian schools in New South Wales, South Australia and Victoria.
   
The leadership training used a very practical, activity based peer-to-peer model, with leaders from Don Bosco Camp leading many of the activities.  Additional input was provided by Salesians including Fr Will Matthews, Fr Elio Capra, Fr Ian Murdoch and Sr Rochelle Lamb.
   
In typically Salesian fashion, the event was characterised by a spirit of joy, community, prayer and learning, with a variety of activities including games, formal input, practical demonstrations and opportunities for consolidating new skills.  A number of themes were explored including the Salesian Leadership, Don Bosco, the Leader as Shepherd, conducting activities, communication skills, teamwork and Servant Leadership.
   
A highlight of the camp was a sunrise Eucharist at the summit of Mt Martha.  Campers arose hours before dawn to set out for the 2 ½ pilgrimage along the beach, through the local bush and up the mountain.  The pilgrim-campers were sustained along the cold pre-dawn journey by stops at several stations for hot chocolate, bread and stories promoting reflection.  Upon reaching the summit of the mountain the group was further nourished for the pilgrimage of life by their celebration of the Eucharist as the rising sun broke over the mountain.
   
The Director of Don Bosco Camp, Ashley Trethowan, a past pupil of Salesian College Sunbury, concluded the camp with a story encouraging students to utilise their newly learning skills for the benefit of others. The enthusiasm of the students was typically Salesian and they departed on the final afternoon only after exchanging email addresses, prepared to add a whole host of new names to their myspace friends list.
    The leadership camp is one of a series of activities being conducted by individual schools and the Australia-Pacific Salesian Province in preparation for World Youth Day 2008.  Two Salesian events are being planned, one in Melbourne on the Friday before WYD commences and one in Sydney during WYD.  It is expected that local and international WYD pilgrims will be able to register for these events in the coming months.   

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