Summer Camp at St. John Bosco Parish in Edmonton, Canada

By Ms. Joyce Labelle, Parishioner, St. John Bosco Parish

(Edmonton, AB – August 28) – Our parish hosted two weeks of summer camp 2024—one week in July and another week in August—for children and youth six to twelve years old.

This year’s theme “Praying like the Saints” led young people to Christ by having them follow the examples and teachings of St. John Bosco, St. Dominic Savio, St. Jacinta and St. Francisco of Fatima, Bl. Carlo Acutis, and St. Therese of Lisieux. The story of a saint was presented every day by one of these special priests: Fr. Raja John, SDB (St. John Bosco Parish), Fr. Mario Villaraza, SDB (Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish), Fr. George Atok, SDB (St. Dominic Savio Parish), and Fr. Marc Cramer (St. Charles Parish), who explained how these saints lived their lives in following and loving our Lord.

There were six leaders and teachers, 14 volunteers (both youth and adults), and nine leaders in training (LIT) program for youth, who implemented the activities to the 110 children who attended camp. The participants were divided into two age groups and enjoyed activities, crafts, games, and catechism lessons created for them. The meals and snacks were provided by our kitchen angels and enjoyed by everyone!

Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, these priests, teachers, and volunteers created a sense of community through prayer, friendship and caring for the children and youth. Don Bosco said that “loving” young people is not enough—they must know that they are loved.