Salesian summer camps provide recreation for 3,400 youth

(MissionNewswire) Salesian centers in Aleppo, Damascus and Kafroun, Syria*, are offering summer camp for more than 3,400 youth, aged 9-17. The camps run for a month and a half with the theme “Don Bosco World.” The camps are a much-needed respite for youth during the midst of the difficult economic and social situation in the country, due to war and the devastating earthquake that occurred last year.

During the camps, youth will participate in recreation, sports, excursions, theater and educational lessons. The camps are led by young university students who have been involved in Salesian youth centers, as well as parents. These volunteers have spent months preparing the activities for this year’s camps.

“Children and young people have the opportunity to have fun, learn and even overcome their traumas. It is a great source of hope for all of them,” said Rania, one of the students responsible for summer activities in Aleppo.

Due to the high temperatures, the camps begin in the later afternoon and continue until the evening. The recreational activities take place every week, including trips to the pool and excursions in the mountains.

“These summer camps provide hope that goes straight to the heart and is reflected on their faces, which is needed because their family situations are unsustainable with very low salaries and inflation that does not allow you to buy much,” explained Joseph, one of the head of activities in Damascus.

The biggest expenses for these camps are those related to transport. Salesians have five buses in Aleppo, three buses in Damascus and eight minibuses in Kafroun that pick up most of the participants every day from the areas farthest from the city.

Mateo, a volunteer, said, “If we did not offer the transportation, they would not come. The distances are too great and the costs too high, but that is why we do everything so that they do not lack anything and are able to enjoy the oasis of peace in the summer.”

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Sources:

ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS)

ANS – Syria – A carefree summer for Syrian children, thanks to the Don Bosco World Salesian camp

Salesian Missions – Syria

*Any goods, services or funds provided by Salesian Missions to programs located in this country were administered in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including sanctions administered by the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Asset Control.