Don Bosco Philippines South Province

by Andrei John Nicolai Gerolao

Dumaguete City — Thirty-six student leaders from St. Louis School of Don Bosco took part in the recently concluded LEAD Camp 2026, a four-day leadership formation program held from April 27 to May 1 in Murcia, Negros Occidental. The camp focused on servant leadership, teamwork, spiritual growth, and community immersion, giving participants a meaningful experience beyond the classroom.

The camp formally opened with a session on Servant Leadership led by Fr. John Robert Andales, SDB, Pastoral Animator of Don Bosco Technical Institute in Victorias City. He encouraged participants to take initiative and reminded them that leadership is a skill that can be developed by anyone. Campers later joined team-building activities such as the Water Relay challenge, where groups worked together under different limitations to strengthen cooperation and strategic thinking.

Participants also engaged in moments of reflection and prayer, including a Walking Rosary around the retreat house. Evening activities featured tribe presentations of chants, mottos, and flags, followed by a talk on the theme “Called to Serve” by educator and camp facilitator John David Catipay.

One of the highlights of the camp was the community immersion on the second day. Campers were assigned to foster families in Barangays Katugasan 1 and 2, where they experienced daily life by helping with household chores and interacting closely with community members. Facilitators later guided participants in processing and reflecting on their experiences.

The third day centered on fellowship and teamwork through an Amazing Race that stretched from St. John Bosco Parish & Shrine to Mambukal Resort & Wildlife Sanctuary. The activity challenged tribes to complete physical and mental tasks while relying on teamwork and communication. The day concluded with a bonfire and fellowship night that included talent presentations, awarding ceremonies, and group sharing.

LEAD Camp 2026 concluded with the election of officers for the Student Government and the Salesian Youth Movement Core Council for School Year 2026–2027.

Reflecting on her experience, camper and newly elected SG officer Aalliyah Kate Encabo described the camp as “unforgettable and remarkable,” saying it taught participants that leadership comes with challenges but can also become meaningful and enjoyable through teamwork.

Camp Master and SG Adviser Reynaldo Durango Jr. compared the formation process to the growth of the Chinese bamboo, which develops deep roots before rising upward. He emphasized that the camp grounded student leaders in Salesian spirituality and servant leadership, summarizing the experience in three words: “Unity, Participation, and Gratitude.”

As LEAD Camp 2026 came to a close, participants left not only with new friendships and memories but also with renewed commitment to serve and lead within the Salesian community.