2785 AUL Sydney Youth Matters
austraLasia #2785
 

Youth Matters in Sydney

SYDNEY: 16 January 2011 -- The Salesian '
Youth Matters' youth ministry team from St. John Bosco parish at Engadine held their first leadership camp at the Dunlea Centre [Boys' Town] at Engadine from January 5-7. About 20 young people ranging from 16 years old to their early 20s were invited to attend. Over the three days, the participants attended seminars about Salesian spirituality, the Preventive System, Leadership and the practicalities of running a camp. These seminars were delivered by Frs Mick Court and Marc Barry (parish priest and assistant priest respectively) as well as Dave Cardamone and Mick O'Connor, two Salesian youth leaders from Don Bosco camp at Dromana, along with Peter Strudwick and Corrinne Lindsel.
    As well as the serious stuff, the potential leaders were involved in a whole heap of interesting and fun activities ranging from the traditional Spotlight to a trivia night, a survivor competition where they had to build their own rafts and go 'fishing' - the pool at the Dunlea Centre was a perfect place for this, although one had to be careful to step clear of the calling cards left by the resident ducks.
    The participants slept at the Dunlea Centre and various families and individuals came and cooked up several delicious meals for them.
    Fr. Mick lead a very special 'roving' Eucharist that started off at the Dunlea Centre and wove its way down to one of the local parks in the beautiful bushland surrounding Engadine.
    It was hard work for the team of leaders but an awesome undertaking and a real blessing for them. The parish at Engadine is especially proud of this group of young apostles who certainly went out of their comfort zone to start what will hopefully be the first of many.
    Many of those involved in the camp will be back from January 19-21 to run a 'real' camp for youngsters from grades 4 - 6 from the local area. They will camp on Hanley oval at the primary school and will also use many of the Dunlea Centre facilities.