BIS # 3749 GROMO HEALS THE WORLD

by Cl. Ranson D'Souza SDB

LONAVALA-MAHARASHTRA, NOVEMBER 12, 2013: A Don Bosco Scouts and Guides meet of three days began on the perfect note on November 11, 2013 at Don Bosco Lonavla. The camp organized by a team of Salesians of whom Fr. Lorenzo, the Co-ordinator; Fr. Anthony, the Camp Chief; Fr. Glenford, Fr. Ranald, Br. Ramesh and Professional scout and guide trainers Sir John and Mrs. Angeline formed the core group.

The Don Bosco Scouts and Guides meet popularly known as GROMO (Grow More) had a thrilling and exciting beginning on its first day. Two hundred and seventy one students from ten schools had their tents pitched in the morning. The beauty of Lonavala captured everyone's attention. Friendship Games were held in the afternoon where the Scouts and Guides mixed around enthusiastically with each other and made new friends.

The Inauguration ceremony took place at 4:00 p.m. for which Fr. Pascual Chavez, the Rector Major of the Salesian Congregation was the chief guest along with Fr. Adriano Bregolin, the Vicar General of the Salesian Congregation, Fr. Godfrey D'Souza, the Provincial of the Salesian province of Mumbai and many dignitaries were present. The Chief guests personally inspected each troop in a vehicle. The Troops then marched around the camp site in an orderly fashion. It was followed by a prayer dance. The Scouts of Don Bosco Lonavala presented the Anthem of Gromo 2013 through a dance. Fr. Chavez spoke on the choice of the theme 'Heal the World' and its urgent need in today's world to heal a broken humanity. He then declared Gromo 2013 open.

In the evening, the Scouts and Guides had their first session on Wood craft and First-Aid. After supper, there was the Theme Presentation competition for which each school came up with creative items including songs, dance and enactment.

As the Scouts and Guides prepared to sleep, the Court of honour was held on the stage during which the whole day's activities were evaluated, important suggestions and things to be implemented were discussed. The Password of the night 'Don Bosco' was conveyed to all the scouts and guides by the camp chief through the scout masters, guide captains and troop leaders.

Indeed the first day of Gromo 2013 was a success which was visible on the faces of the scouts and guides through the day. Well, this day was just the beginning of the fun, adventure and learning yet to come.