Etobicoke: WinterDaze Celebrates Don Bosco

By St. Benedict Parish's Youth Ministry Team, Etobicoke, ON

(Etobicoke, ON – February 7) – Each summer, St. Benedict Parish’s youth ministry department gathers a passionate team from among its young adults to animate its SummerDaze Camp. This energetic group of staff and volunteers grows as a family during the orientation and formation weeks prior to the beginning of camp. They remain at the end of the season to evaluate, share, and process their mission experience. 

Part of this concluding formative moment also includes creating birthday and Christmas cards for each of the campers. The latter comes with an invitation to participate in a one-day WinterDaze Camp that coincides with the Feast Day of St. John Bosco. It is a moment of great joy for the campers, who can reunite with friends they made during the summer, and for the staff. Moreover, it is another opportunity to serve the young in the Salesian way.

Unfortunately, Covid-19 restrictions prevented in-person gatherings this year, and the festivities had to be moved online. However, the enthusiasm with which the staff took up the challenge to provide an entertaining and formative camp experience was both humbling and impressive. In true Salesian style, a joyful atmosphere ran though the day’s moments of fun and prayer. It was also concluded by an online Mass, in which the campers were encouraged to participate in along with their families.

As a bonus to the day’s celebrations, many of the staff decided to brave the minus 20-degree Canadian winter weather and enjoyed a night skate on one of Toronto’s outdoor rinks. In a reflective moment, while looking at a screenshot of all the staff, Mariel Cabrera, the coordinator of youth ministry at St. Benedict Parish, remarked, “There is so much more in this photo of our beloved camp staff, who animated a full day for our campers. This, here is, sacrifice, dedication to the mission, love for young people, camaraderie, family spirit, heart of service, authentic witness, and a joyful encounter.”

We wish everyone enjoyed a Happy Feast Day!