Montreal: Happy Days and Valdocco Retreat Invigorate Youth Leaders

By Richard Authier, SDB

(Montreal, Que. – July 15) – Happy Days Summer Camp (Happy Days) began its season on Monday, June 29, and will continue until Friday, August 7. The camp has about 400 registrations, with about 300 children coming each day. The camp is also very proud of having a strong group of teens almost every day.

Happy Days is very happy to have recently offered a two-day Valdocco Retreat to around 50 of its staff of animators and coordinators. There was a very strong desire within these youth leaders to deepen both their faith and their Salesian spirituality.

There were four witness talks, during which the speakers shared various challenges they have faced. Their impact helped the whole group to grow in many ways.

Additionally, the Valdocco Retreat included the opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the Mass, which were offered according to our Salesian tradition. Both sacraments were well received.

Two other elements also indicated that the staff wanted to really grow spiritually. One was a one-hour “question and answer” session, which helped the youth to explore a greater personal understanding of their faith. Another “surprise” was that a group of about 20 participants decided on their own to pray the rosary in the chapel.

These experiences seem to indicate what many folks have heard recently: "That there is a new and strong search for Jesus and the Catholic Faith among the youth of today. The interest and zeal of these youth leaders will be passed on to the children at summer camp, when we offer ‘Faithspace’ (summer catechism), for all the children from ages 6 to 14. Jesus, Mary, & Don Bosco are clearly at work. I hope all of your summer activities are rolling on with energy, joy, and Salesian spirit.