For the past 17 years, August was one of the busiest months for the members of the Oratory in Sliema.

Apart from the Salesian Brigade summer camp and other activities, August represents the last few weeks of the Bosco Summer School.

The Bosco Summer School is a six-week experience organised for around 200 children between the age of six and 12. It is led by a core team consisting of seven leaders under Br Paul Spiteri’s direction and a team of around 45 volunteer leaders.

The Bosco Summer School experience comes to an end with the Evening of Awards to which the children’s family and friends are invited.

This year, the theme for the Evening of Awards was the Bicentenary of the birth of Don Bosco.

The event took place on August 28 at the Oratory, with more than 600 attending. It consisted of nine original items.

After having organised performing arts workshops, the leaders of each group were given a short passage from Don Bosco’s life which they had to interpret.

During the summer schools, leaders prepare sports activities, outings and adventure games as well as themed formation meetings.

The children are also given an opportunity to celebrate Mass daily.