FLASH NEWS:

NEWS

MIRPARA, HOWRAH, August 16

Scout and Guide Camp Celebrates Independence Day with Focus on Youth Leadership

18 August 2026

News reported by: Fr C M Paul SDB

The Don Bosco Mirpara Scout and Guide Group hosted its 3rd Annual Scout and Guide Camp at the DBSERI campus, Bhattanagar, from August 14 to 16, combining the celebration of India’s 80th Independence Day with a three-day programme focused on discipline, leadership, patriotism and self-reliance.

As many as 64 Scouts and Guides, organised into eight patrols, participated in a range of activities under the guidance of Scout Master Arijit Ghosh and Guide Captain Soni Patel. The camp was organised around the Bharat Scouts and Guides motto, “Be Prepared,” and the slogan, “Stronger Together, Better Tomorrow.”

The Independence Day celebrations on August 15 featured the hoisting of the national flag amid patriotic slogans, including “Bharat Mata Ki Jai.” Addressing the participants, Fr Jacob Tete, Rector and Principal, said the freedom secured by the country’s freedom fighters placed a responsibility on the younger generation to contribute to the nation’s progress.

The Scouts and Guides also demonstrated their pioneering skills by constructing improvised shelters and bamboo gadgets. Adventure games and a precision Colour Party competition further tested their teamwork, creativity and discipline. Guide Captain Soni Patel praised the participants for mastering pioneering lashings and developing skills that could prove valuable in emergencies.

The final day featured a Skill-O-Rama exhibition, a Don Bosco and Baden-Powell Quiz and survival cooking demonstrations. Scout Master Arijit Ghosh said the Scouts had displayed resilience despite changing weather conditions and demonstrated a strong grasp of teamwork.

Br Lawrence Mondal, Camp Administrator, encouraged the participants to develop confidence and self-belief, stressing that self-belief is essential for overcoming challenges and social barriers.

Chief evaluator Fr Alfred Paul, Youth Delegate of the Salesian Province of Kolkata, issued a nine-point commendation covering the camp’s participation, character formation, Rajyapurushkar qualifications, pioneering activities and administrative arrangements.

The camp also received appreciation from civic authorities. Shri Ayan Senapati, Howrah District Commissioner of Scouts, commended the technical organisation and discipline of the camp, observing that such initiatives were helping young people develop leadership qualities and contribute positively to the civic life of Howrah.

The three-day event concluded with a Final Campfire and Cultural Programme attended by parents and guardians. Patriotic chants, folk performances and value-based skits formed part of the evening programme. A Food Plaza, featuring survival recipes prepared by the Scouts and Guides, was another attraction. Pawan Singh, father of Scout Rohan Singh, appreciated the initiative and said the Food Plaza demonstrated the capabilities and confidence developed by the children through the programme.

Muskan Yadav was adjudged the Best Guide of the Camp. Reflecting on her experience, she said the intensive activities had helped her overcome her fears and strengthened her confidence.

With the dispersal of the patrols and dismantling of the tents, the 3rd Annual Scout and Guide Camp concluded as a significant youth formation initiative, highlighting the role of scouting in nurturing discipline, leadership, teamwork, service and resilience among young people.