Montréal: Camp Happy Days 2021

By Fr. Richard Authier, SDB

(Montréal, QC – August 15) – A little bit of summer news from North of the Border! On Friday, August 13, the Don Bosco Youth Leadership Centre (DBYLC) in Montréal brought to a joy-filled conclusion our 2021 Summer Camp called “Happy Days and Smiley Bunch.”

The Camp began on Monday, June 28 with a complete week of staff formation, which included a full-day Camp Leadership Retreat. There, 50 older teens and young adults prepared themselves to welcome an average of about 300 children per week between Monday, July 5 and Friday, August 13. What was amazing this year was the very high number of younger and new animators. Although they had to learn quickly, they were full of desire and energy. The experienced senior staff and Centre coordinators did a great job of mentoring and guiding the new arrivals. It was a very Don Bosco kind of thing!

As the coordinator of youth ministry (CYM), I was most struck by the success of the Camp Faith Education Program called “Faithspace” and our Friday Camp Masses this summer. From the little ones of five to six years old to the teens, I could sense how much they enjoyed the simple message I tried to share with them: “Jesus’ Life in Six Weeks.” They became increasingly fascinated throughout the camp. Moreover, our Masses were very “youth-friendly,” and the campers loved to sing their hearts out.

We were pleasantly surprised to be able to offer the Camp a minimal amount of health protocols. Thank you to Mother Mary for protecting our campers. I also want to thank Theo Vecera, our program director; Marysia Kasprzak, our assistant program director, and all the Camp staff and volunteers. Our last Friday night “End of Camp Talent Show” reminded us all how much influence we have over the children and their families. Long live Don Bosco and Mary Help of Christians.