C. M. Paul

Barpeta Road,July 3, 2025 — A vibrant fusion of youthful enthusiasm, discipline, and collective spirit set the stage for the Mini Boscoree and Scout Master Training Camp at Don Bosco School, Barpeta Road.

Held from June 30 to July 4, the gathering brought together over 1,300 Scouts and Guides, along with their dedicated Scoutmasters and Guide Captains, from Don Bosco institutions across Guwahati Province.

Organized under the banner of the Don Bosco District Association, Assam, and affiliated with The Bharat Scouts and Guides, Assam, the camp functions as both a dynamic forum for peer learning and a preparation ground for the upcoming National Boscoree in Chennai.

The inaugural ceremony was presided over by Salesian Fr. Bivan Rodrigues Mukhim, Vice Provincial, who served as Chief Guest. Reflecting on the Scouting motto “Be Prepared,” he urged participants to cultivate mental, physical, and futuristic readiness. “Today’s youth must prepare to compete not only with their peers but also with the pace of technological innovations such as robotics and AI,” he noted.

Fr. Bivan emphasized the enduring relevance of Baden-Powell’s vision and called for responsible environmental action. “Global warming is real. It is our moral responsibility to care for Mother Earth—beginning with our campsites, schools, and homes,” he added.

Voices from the Ground

Fr. M. C. George, Principal of Don Bosco School, Barpeta welcoming the dignitaries and the Scouts and Guides to the Mini Boscoree welcomed the participants with warmth and pride: “Hosting this Mini Boscoree is a privilege. It reinforces our commitment to shaping resilient and value-driven young citizens who can lead with compassion and courage.”

A Scout Master Trainee from Boko shared his experience of the intensive leadership sessions: “This camp has not only deepened our technical knowledge but also taught us how to guide youth with patience and purpose. The mentorship we receive here is unparalleled.”

For a 15-year-old Guide participant from Don Bosco School, Kokrajhar, the camp is about forming friendships beyond boundaries: “I’ve met friends from across Assam who share my passion for Scouting. We’re learning how to work as a team—and how to make a difference.”

Echoing that sentiment a veteran Scout Leader from Guwahati said: “This camp reminds us why we became educators and mentors in the first place. The energy, discipline, and curiosity of these young Scouts are infectious.”

Keeping the Spirit Alive

Workshops on camp-craft, knot-tying, first aid, environmental awareness, and cultural exchanges continue to captivate participants. The Mini Boscoree serves not only as a celebration of the Scouting spirit but also as a living legacy of Don Bosco and Baden-Powell’s shared dream: to nurture youth who are not only capable but also compassionate, service-driven, and future-ready.