Bosco is back. For the first time since 2019 youngsters from across the Diocese had the opportunity to enjoy a week of activities at the Bosco Camp this summer, thanks to Caritas Diocese of Brentwood and a team of volunteers.
The annual camp used to be an SVP project, running for 30 years or more, with the aim of giving a week of fun to children who would not otherwise have a holiday.
After Covid put a stop to the project for several years, Caritas Diocese of Brentwood took over the reins, raising funds through generous grants, some of which specified that 60% of the children attending should be given free places, while the costs were heavily subsidised for others. Attendees were recommended through schools, parishes and the BCCS. Fr Dominic Howarth, who is the Vicar for Youth Ministry and Pastoral Care in the Diocese, says : “A committee has been working for the last 18 months to organise the holiday week, which took place at Chigwell Girl Guides Camp. 98 children from across the Diocese enjoyed activities such as inflatables, archery and swimming, alongside football, volleyball, table tennis, Connect 4 and chess.”
Forty two volunteer helpers, including teachers and youth service members, many of whom had been involved with the camp before, or had even attended themselves in the past, made sure the youngsters had a good time. The loan of three school minibuses enabled visits to a local swimming pool and the London Docks for kayaking, thanks to the Lambourne Trust and the Sea Cadets respectively.
The volunteers ranged in age from 18 to 70 and some had 40 years of Bosco Camp experience. Maria McEvoy, deputy camp leader and safeguarding officer, is one of the many volunteers who had attended the camp as a child. “I experienced the camp twice myself when I was eight or nine years old and became a volunteer when I turned 18. As a child, the camp was the only time I got out of East London so I knew the impact it has. It was really rewarding to see kids get that same opportunity at the camp this year,” she says. “I enjoyed seeing how the kids grew through the week, starting off shy and nervous and by the end of the camp, not wanting to go home.”
Some of the children had special educational needs which necessitated additional contact with their parents. “One boy had autism and his parents gave us tips on how to support him, particularly using his liking for Pokemon. So we set up a place where he could go to play with Pokemon cards when he felt overwhelmed, to calm down until ready to engage in the activities again. One of the helpers taught him to play chess there – something he hadn’t done before. He really took to it and by the end of the week he was teaching others how to play. It was brilliant to see.”
Bishop Alan visited the camp towards the end of the week and had lunch with the helpers and talked to the children. He was enthused by everything he saw, says Fr Mark Swires, who shared chaplaincy duties with Fr Dominic for the week (above).
“We’re very grateful to Bishop Alan for his support for the Bosco Camp. It was fantastic that he managed to find time to come and visit the camp and spend time with the helpers and children.”
Bishop Alan spoke to lots of the children. He said: “It was wonderful to see the camp flourishing again on a new site and the kids enjoying themselves. I was also very pleased to see a little tent housing the Blessed Sacrament, always there for a bit of quiet devotion.”
Not surprisingly, feedback from campers, parents and volunteers has been positive, says Maria.
- “I have seen my daughter’s confidence improve and that is all thanks to the camp and camp staff. I am forever grateful.” – Parent
- “Thank you so much for inviting me to your camp. I loved it so much, I hope to get to go next year, special shout-out to Father Mark and Sister Caitlin. I’ve been talking about it non-stop since I got back and I made loads of new friends and the food was really nice and inspired me to eat new foods. Thank you again, St John Bosco, Pray for us.” – Camper
- “I think that my daughter got to try so many new activities that she wouldn’t have had an opportunity to do. This combined with the pastoral side of having prayers, mass and confession was a great combination.” – Parent
- The best part of camp was “seeing kids who were unsure about the week at the start settle in and really enjoy themselves in the end. Seeing all the kids being so supportive and encouraging to a boy with SEN who performed during the talent show.” – Volunteer
- “This was my first Bosco camp and I thought it was brilliantly organised and I was in awe of how the helpers, young and not so young, interacted with the children.” – Volunteer
Thank you so much for inviting me to your camp. I loved it so much, I hope to get to go next year, special shout-out to Father Mark and Sister Caitlin.