By THA SC
Hua Hin, Thailand, 13 October 2023 - From 7-10 October 2023, the Salesian Youth Pastoral Commission of Thailand organized the SYM [Salesian Youth Movement] Camp at Don Bosco Youth Center - Khao Takiep, Huahin under the theme "Become SYM Yeast." The 90 youth came from 6 Salesian schools and those of the Salesian Family, namely Huahin Vitthayalai, Prachuabkhirikhan; Sarasit Phithayalai, Banpong, Ratchaburi; St. Dominic School, Bangkok; Don Bosco Vithaya, Udonthani; Marie Upatham School, Sampran, Nakorn Pathom; Phra Mae Marie School, Sathorn, Bangkok.
After the opening orientation, Fr. Nopphadol Joseph, the Youth Pastoral Commission head and the Camp Director, presided over a liturgical service. The Salesian priests and brothers wisely arranged various formation activities. Among them were: "Getting to Know Don Bosco and SYM" - to enable the young to know Don Bosco deeply and the SYM Movement, animated by Fr. Ronachai. "Become SYM Yeast" - to arouse the awareness of the young to be SYM Yeast to rise in the school and the society where they live, given by Fr. Nopphadol Joseph.
"Laudato Si" - the Salesian youth "Save God's Creation" so that they become aware and conserve the environment and respect the local culture in which they live, shared by Bro. Saraphan Kaeser.
"SYM Active Leadership" to gather the voices and opinions of the youth leaders to prepare them for the "Salesian Youth Synod 2024" in Rome, led by Fr. Bancha Kitprasert.
Aside from those mentioned above, there were other group activities, both indoor and outdoor, at the beach, like sand creation and the SYM Show Contest of the participating schools, which brought joy and laughter. The activities were injected with human and religious values in a Salesian way.
The camp was finally capped by the eucharistic celebration presided by Fr. Boonlert Paneetatthayasai, the Provincial, and concelebrated by Fr. Nopphadol Joseph, Fr. Bancha Kitprasert, Fr. Nattawut Kitsawad, and Fr. Warayut Charoenphoom.
Before the final blessing, a youth representative expressed gratitude to the Provincial, the Priests, the Brothers, the Sisters, the teachers, the group leaders, the kitchen hand, and all those behind this activity's success.
Then, the Provincial gave the honor to present the certificates of appreciation to all the participating schools and the awards to the winning teams of the competitions. Finally, he gave the closing talk to officially close the SYM Camp 2023.
