(ANS – Bellflower) – As another summer draws to a close, the impact of Camp Savio is clear: it’s more than just a summer program—it’s a transformative experience for young people and children alike. With 230+ volunteers serving 513 children, over 600 meals prepared daily by parish ministries, and 10 buses transporting campers on field trips—including a record-setting 638 participants at the California Science Center—Camp Savio has proven to be a model of teamwork, dedication, and community spirit.
The foundation of Camp Savio’s success lies in its rigorous training process. Starting in December, Head Counselors—selected for their leadership potential—undergo months of preparation in areas like communication, conflict resolution, and group management. By March, they begin leading weekly training sessions for regular counselors, focusing on Salesian values, child development, and what it means to give 110%. The training culminates in an immersive Counselor Training Week, blending practical preparation with spiritual formation, including moments of reflection in the adoration chapel, ensuring counselors are ready to guide and inspire.
When the campers arrive, the hard work pays off. Counselors—young people themselves—step into challenging roles, managing tantrums, addressing parents’ concerns, and creating an environment where children feel loved and supported. Daily meetings align expectations, foster collaboration, and emphasize Catholic values like kindness, empathy, and love.
Camp Savio’s structured schedule is designed to pull children away from screens and immerse them in activities like arts and crafts, outdoor games, pool time, and more. Evenings end with a reflective “good night” session, where campers and counselors recap the day, share lessons learned, and pray together. This rhythm builds not only memories but also character, reinforcing the values that Camp Savio stands for.
Camp Savio teaches that love transforms, as young counselors step out of their comfort zones to lead with patience and care, creating a calm and joyful environment even with 600 participants. The camp provides a welcoming community, where children and youth feel valued, heard, and supported, mirroring the way Jesus accompanied His disciples. Finally, it showcases how the Salesian charism remains alive and relevant, empowering young people to grow in faith, leadership, and service, just as Don Bosco envisioned.
Camp Savio is more than a summer program—it’s a launchpad for future leaders, a sanctuary for faith, and a living testament to the power of trust, training, and love. This is the Salesian mission in action.
