By JC Montenegro, PhD (Los Angeles, California)

A retreat in the mountains of California became a powerful moment of friendship, reflection, and unity among young Salesian leaders preparing for summer camp ministry, as shown in the group photo above, where head counselors from Camp Savio and Camp Salesian gathered, showcasing teamwork and camaraderie.

For the first time, the head counselors from Camp Salesian and Camp Savio came together to reflect, pray, and prepare for the summer programs that will begin in just a few weeks. What made this gathering special was not simply that two groups shared the same retreat center, but that two communities with different histories, cultures, and experiences intentionally chose encounter over separation.

The retreat took place from May 22 to May 24 in the mountains of California. Although each camp organized its own retreat experience, one day was intentionally dedicated to bringing both groups together. Throughout the day, the young leaders cooked for one another, shared meals, hiked through the mountains, and spoke openly about their fears, hopes, aspirations, and responsibilities as head counselors.

What began as a simple gathering quickly became something much deeper.

The head counselors, ranging in age from 16 to 22, are responsible for helping lead the summer camp programs. They accompany counselors, support campers, organize activities, and help create an environment where every child feels welcomed, loved, and safe. Their leadership represents one of the strongest aspects of the Salesian experience: youth serving youth.

Nine years ago, when JC Montenegro was appointed Executive Director of the Salesian Family Youth Center and Camp Salesian, some of the strongest leaders from Camp Savio helped strengthen and build the summer camp program in Boyle Heights. Over time, Camp Salesian developed its own generation of leaders. Although both camps have collaborated for years, this retreat marked the first intentional opportunity for head counselors from both communities to gather simply to reflect on their shared mission and love for young people.

The differences between the camps are visible. One community serves in Boyle Heights, while the other serves in Bellflower. Their realities, cultures, and experiences are different. Yet throughout the retreat, something deeper became evident.

The welcoming spirit was the same. The love for Don Bosco was the same. The desire to serve young people was the same.

Previous attempts to bring both camps together through sports sometimes allowed competition and rivalry to overshadow the experience. This time was different. The atmosphere was built on friendship, listening, openness, and prayer.

During the final evaluation, one of the head counselors shared a reflection that captured the heart of the retreat:

“There are many things that unite us. We need to focus on what unites us instead of what makes us different.”

– Head Counselor’s reflection capturing the heart of the retreat

Those words became a reminder of something much bigger than camp itself.

In a world where divisions often grow from assumptions, prejudices, and preconceived ideas, these young leaders demonstrated something powerful: when we become open to encountering others for who they truly are, relationships change. Community becomes possible.

Part of the retreat included participation in the local Saturday Vigil Eucharist, reminding everyone that the Salesian mission is rooted not only in service but also in communion. What began as a shared retreat experience became a visible reminder that the charism of Don Bosco continues to unite young people across communities, cultures, and experiences.

As both camps prepare to welcome hundreds of children and youth this summer, this gathering stands as a sign of hope. It reminds us that the future of the Salesian mission grows stronger when young people walk together, listen to one another, and discover that what unites them will always be greater than what separates them.