NSS SPECIAL CAMP 2017-18 REPORT

The NSS unit of Don Bosco College of Engineering had its annual Special Camp from 23^rd to 27^th January 2018 at Rachol Seminary, Rachol. Twenty-seven (27) NSS volunteers attended the camp including 18 girls. The volunteers were accompanied by staff members Prof. Harison Cota (NSS Programme Officer), Prof. Avertano Barreto (Sports Officer) and lady staff Prof. Starina Dias (Civil Engineering Department).

The work undertaken was: cleaning of a mango orchard by cutting wild grass and collecting dried leaves. The volunteers were also given a tour of the Rachol Seminary by Bro. Pauli D’Costa explaining its rich history and priceless artifacts. The camp also involved a trek from Rachol seminary to Don Bosco College of Engineering to take part in the Republic Day flag hoisting ceremony. The volunteers presented a cultural programme consisting of a mime, moral based skit, dance performances, NSS song, and comedy skits by the staff. The cultural programme was attended by Rev. Dr. Aleixo Menezes (Rector, Rachol Seminary), Rev. Dr. Nelson Sequeira (Professor, Rachol Seminary), Fr. Kinley D’Cruz (Director, DBCE), Fr. Marvin Vaz (Youth Animator, DBCE), Dr. Neena Panandikar (Principal, DBCE), some other priests and staff from Rachol Seminary and Don Bosco College of Engineering. The cultural programme was followed by dinner and camp-fire.

On reaching the camp-site on 23^rd January, the volunteers were welcomed and addressed by the Rector of Rachol Seminary, Rev. Dr. Aleixo Menezes was very helpful and provided all the necessary facilities to make the camping experience very fruitful.

Every day began with waking-up at 6am followed by a short prayer, warm-up exercises and games at 7.15am.

Each day’s work began at 9am after having a good breakfast. The volunteers worked for three sessions of one and half hour each with either a tea break or lunch break in between. They worked in four groups consisting of six/seven members each with each group assigned with a different area to clean, which they did very enthusiastically. After freshening-up, the evening time was given to practice for the cultural programme. This was followed by dinner at 8.00pm. The day ended with lights-off at 10.30pm.

Prof. Harison Cota

NSS Programme Officer