by Cleric Joyston Machado
LONAVLA, OCT 27, 2017: Scouts and Guides from 23 schools participating in GROMO 2017, a Don Bosco scouts and guides camp, put their creativity 
to test and displayed the varied cultures of different regions of India at Don Bosco, Lonavla on October 26.
Displaying their talent and passion for knots and lashings, the scouts and guides used sticks and ropes to beautify the arena with projects like a monkey bridge, a pyramid tower, an arch tower and an hour-glass tower.
In line with the belief that 'Everything we learn in life is either a blessing or a lesson', the scouts and guides learnt to prepare keychains, bracelets and flower baskets - in groups- and in true familial spirit were assisted by the Salesian brothers and FMA postulants.
The exhibition on culture and lifestyle of each region by various schools added colour and richness exemplifying GROMO 2017. Anuraddha Dhyani, one of the judges, said, "It was really wonderful to see the scouts and guides bring life through their culture and exhibit."
The young brigade gave witness to their cultural heritage, even beyond the precincts of Don Bosco Lonavla, as they walked a Peace march - Patent O Rama, sending out the message that harmony is the key to working and living together in society. The day ended with traditional dances showcasing the diversity of the country.
"I liked everything that I did today. I learnt to work as a team with my friends and enjoyed the walk around the town of Lonavla," Bhoomika Shinde, a guide said.
For the five-day camp, the scouts have been divided into three sub-camps each. Each camp has a patron and works towards accomplishing the goals set out. The first camp, under the patronage of Father Bianchi, include Don Bosco Naigaon, Don Bosco Kawant, Bosco Boys Home Borivli, Auxilium Convent Savedi, Don Bosco Suket and Don Bosco Lonavla.
The second scout camp, with Father Alessiare as the patron, includes troops from Don Bosco Savedi, Don Bosco Narukot, Don Bosco Alirajpur, Don Bosco Matunga, Don Bosco Shelter, Dominic Savio Andheri and Don Bosco Baroda.
The third camp, named Father Casarotti after their patron, includes Don Bosco Nerul, Don Bosco Dakor, Don Bosco Savedi (English medium), Don Bosco Borivli, Don Bosco Yerwada, Don Bosco Nashik and Don Bosco Chottaudepur.
The girl guides have also been divided into sub-camps. The first camp includes Don Bosco Naigaon, Don Bosco Kawant, Don Bosco Suket, Auxilium Convent Savedi and Auxilium Convent Lonavla, who are working under the patronage of Sister Camila.
The second camp's patron is Sister Mary Vaz and includes Don Bosco Savedi, Don Bosco Narukot, Don Bosco Alirajpur, Don Bosco Yerwada and Auxilium Convent Wadala.
The third camp, with Sister Valentina as the patron, includes Don Bosco Nerul, Don Bosco Savedi (English Medium), Don Bosco Nashik, Don Bosco Chottaudepur, Don Bosco Dakor and Auxilium Convent Bandra.