By An Ho

(Stockton, California) – The Don Bosco Youth Group at Mary Help of Christians Center recently hosted its annual summer camp, Camp Bosco: Changemakers Lab.

What began as a simple idea in 2024 has quickly become the highlight of the group’s summer activities. Each year, members of the youth group eagerly look forward to camp, and this year’s five-day experience was filled with games, engaging activities, delicious meals, Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, and a beautiful Marian procession.

Thanks to the support of the community, the camp celebrated record-breaking attendance this year, welcoming 42 campers and 32 camp counselors—making it the most successful Camp Bosco to date. The organizers also expressed their gratitude to the many parent and adult volunteers who worked behind the scenes to ensure the camp ran smoothly.

Despite the summer heat, campers grew closer to Jesus and to one another through meaningful activities, games, and hands-on experiments. One of the week’s highlights was the group games, especially an energetic round of Sharks and Minnows featuring a giant beach ball. Campers also enjoyed the many delicious meals and snacks thoughtfully prepared by the parent and adult volunteers.

As Fr. Vien shared during a meeting with the youth group leaders, the purpose of Camp Bosco is to provide young people with an opportunity to step away from the routines of daily life and grow as children of Christ. That mission came to life throughout the week, bringing smiles to campers and leaders alike.

By the end of the week, it was clear that what made Camp Bosco truly special was not only the activities, games, or food, but the strong spiritual family formed by everyone who shared in the experience.