by Brother Bosco Carvalho
MUMBAI, FEB 6, 2018: As preparation for the upcoming 13th Boscoree event, slated to begin on December 30, 2018, the Bombay Province Boscoree committee, under the leadership of the Vice Provincial, Father Savio Silveira, organised a meeting for the fathers, brothers and sisters on January 3, at the Don Bosco Provincial House, Matunga, to take stock of the preparation for the mega event.
Salesian institutions in India have historically celebrated the Boscoree once every four years since 1974. This edition of the Boscoree is being hosted by the Salesian Mumbai Province, and will take place at Nashik from December 30, 2018 to January 3, 2019.
Various committee members, including confreres and sisters who would assume the role of sub-camp chiefs and assistant sub-camp chiefs, were present for the meeting, which began with the recitation of the prayer for the Boscoree and viewing of a video song entitled 'Who I'm meant to be'.
Father Silveira welcomed the gathering and thanked them for their presence. He highlighted that the purpose of the meeting was to get an overview of the forthcoming Boscoree, finalising on certain aspects related to the same and to ensure that preparations would be done well in advance.
He stressed that this Salesian event ought to have a celebratory and festive atmosphere. Recalling the two previous Boscorees hosted by the Bombay province, Father Silveira urged special care with respect to catering and cordiality towards the scouts and guides. He said that the meeting would be divided into three segments – discussion on the programme, catering and the venue.
Father Glenford Lowe, Rector of Don Bosco Provincial House and Boscoree programme committee member, began by stating that, "Boscoree is no laughing matter" and that preparations ought to be done well in advance. Besides introducing the Boscoree core team, he went through the schedule of Boscoree from the first day till the end. He enlisted all the major responsibilities along with those who would shoulder the various tasks. Certain issues that needed attention were discussed, clarified and a consensus was taken.
Father Gregory Almeida, the Rector of Don Bosco Shelter, Wadala and Boscoree catering committee member, then presented a tentative menu for the entire camp. Suggestions with respect to placement of the kitchen, counters and menu were made. Father Anthony Fonseca, Principal of Don Bosco School, Nashik and Boscoree venue committee member, presented the entire layout of the camp site. He also added a list of the budget, responsibilities to be undertaken and requirements to be seen to. Confreres and sisters made suggestions for better functioning of the camp.
Father Silveira then informed the gathering about the way forward as an outcome of the meeting. He said, "All the sub-camp chiefs and assistant sub-camp chiefs would necessarily have to attend an Advanced Scouting Course either in March or April to get fully equipped and ready in the true scouting spirit. The next meeting would be in September." Finally, he thanked the three speakers for their presentation as well as all the stake holders present for their useful suggestions.