by Perpetual Nazareth
MUMBAI, JULY 26, 2017: In a bid to produce dynamic and efficient leaders, Don Bosco High School, Matunga organised an overnight camp for their student council at Don 
Bosco High School and Junior College, Lonavla on July 22.
Father Roy Noronha, the vice principal of the school, along with the student council teachers in-charge animated the camp with the objective of aiding students in developing values essential for leadership.
Father Roy began the programme by distributing a sheet with instructions to all the groups titled 'Instructions Comprehension Testing'. The students started working on the assignment without fully comprehending the idea. Father Roy then brought forth the concept of understanding any situation fully before plunging headlong into action, thus making the leaders realise that if they need others to follow their instructions, they should first learn to follow instructions themselves.
As a part of the camp activities, a host of games like 'Obey the Leader', 'Switch', 'Icebreakers' were played with time pressure to develop decision making skills. The games explored their creativity and uniqueness as a leader as well as examined their own personal values and debate the idea of power. They were required to brainstorm, plan in a team environment, develop flexibility and adjust to the different needs of their members. They learnt to collaborate and build rapport.
A trek to Tungarli dam offered the student leaders a perfect break from their mundane routine. The dam placed in the backdrop of scenic surroundings with lush greenery helped the youth relax. In another session, the leaders met in groups and discussed the duties and responsibilities their position demanded. The activity helped them understand their own motivation and values.
Father Bernard Fernandes, the Principal and Father Crispino D'Souza, the Rector, paid a visit which further encouraged the students. Father D'Souza wished them the best and asked them to make effective use of all they learnt at the camp.
"This camp has helped us in strengthening our character by sharpening our communication skills and solidifying our confidence through the different games," Siddhartha Gupta, a captain, said.
"I am enriched with experience and wiser with the lessons learnt that one should not assume, instead read and identify clearly," Varun Bhatia, another leader, added. Samay Shetty, a student of the Working committee, remarked, "We, the students of standard 10 were told to be an example to the juniors as the motto of the student council is to lead by example."
Daksha Tandel, the teacher-in-charge said that the camp had a life-changing impact on the youth. "I hope they use all that they have learnt to become emphatic and confident leaders," Tandel said.