Orange: Camp Don Bosco in the Valley

By Fr. Miguel Angel Suarez, SDB

Camp Don Bosco celebrated a great season at Our Lady of the Valley (the Valley) Parish. Our main goal was to get closer to God in a joyful way. We set the tone of the camp season by applying the four aspects of our Salesian Oratory: home, school, church, and playground. With this in mind, our summer camp was a home that welcomed all. Every morning, our kids were received at the door with smiles by counselors and volunteers.

It was also a school in which campers learned to work in teams as they enjoyed the different activities, especially during Olympics Week. Moreover, Camp Don Bosco was a church in which prayer was an essential component. We began each day with prayer and spiritual thought that made campers aware of God’s presence in our daily activities. Br. Rafael coordinated the faith moments for each group, and we ended every week with Mass.

Finally, the camp was a playground where campers made friends and had fun in a safe environment. Our counselors and volunteers did a great job helping campers to enjoy their time with us. Many of our counselors and volunteers were campers themselves here at the Valley when they were young. Now they are leaders; they are young people helping the youth get closer to God in a fun and safe environment. Our summer camp was also able to provide breakfast and lunch thanks to the City of Orange. Snacks were provided by parishioners and friends of the Valley. Also, donations were made for families who needed financial assistance.

We also followed the Covid-19 rules for summer camps in the State of New Jersey. We had sanitary stations, and campers washed their hands before every meal. We required the use of masks for staff and campers. We are grateful to God that there were no reports or cases of Covid-19 during the five weeks of camp.

Although our summer camp season is gone, the memories will remain in the hearts of campers, volunteers, and counselors. Our summer program reflects who we are here at the Valley—a family of faith where all are welcome to pray and learn in the style of St. John Bosco, being always joyful with our feet on earth and our eyes in heaven.