Tam Ha (Vietnam). From 31 December 2025, to 2 January 2026, the Traditional Camp 2026, on the theme, “Source of Salesian Life,” took place in Tam Ha, at the headquarters of Mary Help of Christians Province (VTN). The event offered young people in the early stages of the formation journey the opportunity to meet, get to know each other, and share experiences, immersing themselves in the Salesian spirit through formative activities, games, and moments of reflection.
The Camp began on 31 December with the reception and presentation of the participants’ communities. The Provincial Vicar, Sister Maria Do Thi Tuyet Nhung, shared the meaning of the initial letters of the theme in Vietnamese: V for Joy, N for Dynamism, S for Salesian Spirit.
The Provincial, Sister Maria Hoang Thi Thu Ha, then encouraged them to make the most of the camp days to cultivate virtues, develop skills, and deepen their knowledge of the Charism.
The opening ceremony featured warm-up activities and performances centered on Don Bosco’s dream at nine years old and the vision of Mother Mazzarello in Borgo Alto. This rekindled in the hearts of the participants a passion for saving souls, just as that fire had once been lit in the hearts of the Founders. The “journey” to rediscover the source of Salesian life began with the “wheel of history.”
The experience came to life with a tent-building competition, followed by evening prayer in the chapel for the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. The evening of celebration entitled, “Source of Salesian Life” then took place, with performances by the participants that helped deepen the journey of Salesian spirituality through the example of the Founders, the Salesian Saints, and the educational mission of the FMA today.
New Year’s Eve concluded with a message from the Provincial, inviting young women to look back on their life journey with God, let go of burdens, and be ready to welcome God’s grace in the new year. She also wished them a new year filled with joy, love, and enthusiasm, so that they can more clearly recognize God’s call and follow Him with courage.
The second day began with participation in the New Year’s Mass, celebrated by Fr. Peter Nguyen Viet Quang Minh, SDB. After Mass, in the mutual exchange of good wishes, the Provincial shared God’s blessing on the people of Israel. “The Lord bless you and keep you! The Lord let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you! The Lord look upon you kindly and give you peace!” (Num 6:24-26).
The day continued with a great game, a journey in stages to experience the Salesian spirit through joy, courage, humility, sacrifice, and obedience. In the afternoon, team games were held to develop skills, a sense of unity, and the ability to overcome challenges.
During the evening in front of the bonfire, several moments of the missionary life of Saint Maria Troncatti were highlighted, through a reenactment of the inhabited land of the indigenous Shuar people.
On the final day, a Gratitude Mass was followed by a workshop, led by Dr. Pham Thi Thuy, entitled “Building Inner Resilience in a VUCA World”, which helped participants understand the importance of inner strength, physical, intellectual, and spiritual resilience to navigate in a rapidly changing world.
Subsequently, with a quiz game with Kahoot and a “fishing” activity, the history and spirit of the Founders were deepened, strengthening community ties.
The camp concluded with the closing ceremony and expressions of gratitude to the Provincial, the animators, and the Organizing Committee.
After experiencing a “return to the origins” to draw on the grace of the Charism, the young participants returned to their communities with the commitment and desire, with Mary’s help, to spread the grace they had received in their daily lives, manifesting to all the joy of their vocation.
