By Leo Paraha

Port Moresby, PNG 24 December 2023 -- A fun-filled two-week Christmas Summer Camp enabled children and young people from Mary Help of Christians Parish, Sabama, to prepare spiritually for Christmas. The camp opened every morning at 8.30 am and concluded at 12.30 pm. It ran from the 11th to the 22nd of December at Don Bosco Technical School, Gabutu, and was attended by over 60 participants from Sabama, Gabutu, Badili, and Serokone.

The following were the objectives of the camp:

1. Understand the Spirit of Christmas and spiritually prepare for the Birth of Christ.

2. Engage in a variety of educational and artistic activities that allow children to use their imaginations and creativity and express ideas through a variety of mediums.

3. Enjoy social interaction through group activities in a spirit of healthy competition.

The Camp was spearheaded by Fr. Ambrose Pereira SDB, the Parish Priest of MHC Parish Sabama, supported by Fr Pedro Sachutila, Rector, Br Philip Hwang, Sr. Khangan Toppo, MSMHC, Fidelmah Urakupa, DBTI volunteer, and the DBTS Pastoral Team.

"The holidays are not a time to laze around at home, but it is a change of occupation and a time to keep yourself busy," were the words of Fr. Pedro Sachitula, SDB, the Rector of Don Bosco Technical School, Gabutu, as he spoke to the parents, friends, and guests present at the Closing Presentation of the Christmas Summer Camp. He congratulated the participants for completing the camp and added that Don Bosco would tell his boys, “An Idle mind is the devil's workshop." Fr. Pedro then challenged the participants to receive the ‘Gift’ of Christ this Christmas, share the most needed ‘Peace’ that we experience in our hearts amongst all the violence that is happening around us, and lastly, be people of ‘Forgiveness’, as we learn to forgive all who hurt us.

At the closing ceremony were Mr. Martin Dai, Principal of DBTS, Mr Abraham Kolako, Missionary sisters of the Immaculate together with parents and friends. At the presentation, the different groups: Stars, Love, Shepherd, and Crib staged dances and enjoyed fun games together with their parents and friends.

Every day had a variety of activities, and the participants were eager to join in the day’s surprises. The early arrivals would read an inspirational book. After morning prayer, Br Philip would commence Mathematics for a class of nearly 40 students, while the little ones would do the same under the direction of Kevin Mwaron or Georgiana. The study period ran for an hour and a half. This was followed by creative arts under Fidelmah and Adi Lydia. A short Christmas play in prose and song was led by Vincent Numbos. Young, energetic, creative, and talented participants soon emerged. Stars and decorations were made, while songs were rehearsed to stage the Christmas play. The day concluded with the sharing of the day’s gospel by Sr Kanchan Toppo. At the end of the morning, each was given a good snack and a cold drink.

Thanking the participants and parents, Fr. Ambrose appreciated the help, dedication, networking, and support of friends and volunteers who prepared the program and gave the children an enjoyable learning experience. We look forward to the participants sharing the Spirit of Christmas with family and friends.

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