The boys of Bosco Boys’ Home (BBH) in Borivali celebrated the Diwali vacation this year with an outing to the hill station of Lonavala from the 12th to the 20thof November. The trip was organised by the Salesians keeping in mind the positive change and the therapeutic healing brought by the peaceful and hygienic climate of Lonavala. It was a 9 day trip, in which the boys heartily participated and were dedicatedly accompanied by the staff.

For all the days the boys were hosted by the house of Maria Ashiana, Lonavala.

The trip comprised of outings, activities, sessions, games and housie. The boys started their outing with an educational tour of Don Bosco School, Lonavala, which was added with visits to Tungarli Dam, Valvan Dam and Garden where  one of the highlights was to see the conservation technique of the mighty Mahseer, a breed of fish breeding only in Lonavala. In between the boys also had animated tournaments such as Malaysian cricket with the Maria Ashiana boys, ring football with the Aspirants and carom tournament with staff. The boys also visited Bushi Dam hiking and trekking through the scenic beauty of Lonavala. The outing also had some learning sessions for the boys like the Kune mission centre of the Salesian Sisters and the Auxillium Convent where they were shown the orphanage and the school for the girls run by the sisters. The boys also went to the Lonavala Parish Church meeting the parish Priest Fr. Peter and took blessings from him. After which they visited a school run by the past pupil of Don Bsoco, Lonavala where the boys sang songs, played country game and danced and parted with gifts and snacks.The boys were also taken to a drug de-addiction centre run by the NGO Jeevan Dhara where the boys were educated about the ill effects of drug use. Fr. Xavier Devadas the incharge of Maria Ashiana also gave a session for the boys on evaluating their present situation in life, the life they lived before joining Bosco Boys and the life which they can have if they utilise the opportunities which they get in Bosco Boys Home to its maximum.

The concluded with the camp fire and prize distribution ceremony. Along with the enjoyment the boys also helped in cleaning the place of Maria Ashiana and thereby showing the house their appreciation of their kindness.

 

Fr. Xavier Devadas the incharge of Maria Ashiana said, “The boys are very well behaved and I was happy to keep them here, I had no trouble whatsoever from them. I hope they had learned as well had fun. They are welcome to come again anytime they want.”

“I enjoyed the camp and the calm and pleasant climate of Lonavala specially the walks which we had in the evenings. I thank the management and staff for arranging this outing for us. ”shared Ganesh Shinde, one of the boy.