The retreat took place from May 22 to May 24. Each camp organized its own retreat experience, but during one of the days both groups came together. The young leaders cooked for one another, shared meals, hiked together through the mountains, and spent time speaking honestly about their fears, hopes, aspirations, and responsibilities as Head Counselors. Throughout the conversations, friendships began to grow naturally.
These young leaders, between the ages of 16 and 22, carry a significant responsibility during the summer. They are the ones who lead the counselors, accompany the campers, organize activities, and help create an environment where young people can feel welcomed, loved, and safe. What makes both Camp Savio and Camp Salesian unique is precisely this model of “youth serving youth.” Young people themselves become protagonists of the mission.
Nine years ago, when JC Montenegro was appointed Executive Director of the Salesian Family Youth Center and Camp Salesian, he invited some of the strongest leaders from Camp Savio to help build and strengthen the summer camp program in Boyle Heights. Over the years, Camp Salesian developed its own generation of leaders. Although the two camps have worked alongside one another for years, this retreat marked the first intentional moment of reflection shared between the Head Counselors of both communities.
The differences between the camps are visible. One community serves in Boyle Heights, while the other serves in Bellflower. Their cultural experiences, ways of expressing themselves, and community realities are different. Yet throughout the retreat, something deeper became evident. The welcoming spirit was the same. The love for Don Bosco was the same. The desire to serve young people was the same.
Previous attempts to bring both groups together through sports sometimes allowed competition and rivalry to overshadow the experience. This time was different. The atmosphere of the retreat was built on friendship, listening, prayer, and openness. During the final evaluation, one of the Head Counselors shared a simple but powerful reflection: “There are many things that unify us. We need to focus on what unifies us instead of what makes us different.” Those words captured the spirit of the entire experience.
In a world where divisions can easily emerge from assumptions, prejudices, or preconceived ideas, these young leaders demonstrated something profoundly important: when we become open to encountering others as they truly are, relationships change. Life becomes easier. Community becomes possible.
Part of the retreat included participation in the local Saturday Vigil Eucharist, reminding everyone that the Salesian mission is ultimately rooted not only in service, but also in communion. What began as a shared retreat experience became a visible reminder that the charism of Don Bosco continues to unite young people across communities, cultures, and experiences.
As both camps now prepare to welcome hundreds of children and youth during the summer, this first gathering of Head Counselors stands as a sign of hope. It reminds us that the future of the Salesian mission is strongest when young people walk together, listen to one another, and discover that what unites them is always greater than what separates them.
Jc Montenegro, Ph.D
