Chicago: Camp Don Bosco Celebrates Its 2026 Season

By Fr. Paul Chu, SDB, CYM, St. John Bosco-St. James Parish

(Chicago, Ill. – August 26) – Camp Don Bosco at St. John Bosco-St. James Parish in Chicago was a roaring success this summer! For five weeks, from Monday, June 15, to Friday, July 17, we had over 200 campers aged 4 to 14 and more than 50 counselors, many of whom are youth and young adult volunteers.

The camp took place at the spacious grounds of St. James, which consist of the three-story Valdocco Youth Center, school gym, cafeteria, two parking lots, multiple grassy fields, playground, Valdocco chapel, and St. James Church. We partook in fun and formative activities, such as sports, games, field trips, swimming, LEGO robotics, arts and crafts, 3D printing, and talent shows. As a Catholic and Salesian camp, we had faith time, Don Bosco’s Gospel trivia, Gospel skits, Eucharistic Adoration with the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and Good Night talks. This all culminated at our Friday Mass, where campers and young counselors served as altar servers, lectors, musicians, and animating choir.

For our weekly field trips on Wednesdays, the camp went to the Field Museum, Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, Lincoln Park Zoo, North Ave. Beach, and AMC Cinema. On Fridays, we went to the local Riis Park and swimming pool.

Each week was animated with a fun theme (such as Spirit Week, Counselor vs. Camper Week, Around the World Week, Water Week, and Olympic Week) and a good word of the week (Generosity, Courage, Trust, Patience, and Compassion). We even had a “kitchen crew,” which consisted of counselors who cooked and prepared food and drinks for all camp staff members, whether they were employed or volunteers, as a token of appreciation for their daily service and sacrifice.

Along with the lay staff, the Salesian community of priests and brothers accompanied our campers and counselors daily in prayers. Additionally, by their joyful presence, they also animated the camp’s weekly faith time, Gospel skits, cookout, Good Night talks, confessions, and Mass.

The camp ended on a note of gratitude with our traditional Camp BBQ and Awards Show. During the performance, campers and their families were invited to share and partake in the various American and Latino dishes and cheered on the many campers who received prizes and medals for their excellent performance during Olympic Week and good conduct throughout the camp season.

It was truly an unforgettable experience of Don Bosco’s Oratory, where all campers and counselors were welcomed and felt at home. They had lots of fun with old and new friends in the playground, while they learned new things as they strived to be the best of themselves as a school. Additionally, they experienced God’s loving presence and guidance as a parish. Overall, everyone had fun and deepened their faith in a Salesian family environment. God is good, all the time!