Nagaland: Regional Scouts & Guides Camporee 2025 underway

The regional Scouts and Guides Camporee 2025, organised by Don Bosco Youth and Educational Services (DBYES), Salesian Province of Dimapur, began on December 17 at Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Dimapur, under the theme “Scouting For Better Tomorrow.” The camp will continue till December 21.
The event has brought together scouts and guides from Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur and Upper Assam. Altogether, 20 schools and 834 participants are taking part in the camporee, which features various activities and competitions.
The inaugural programme was graced by Provincial, Salesian Province of Dimapur, Rev. Fr. Joseph Pampackal SDB, as chief guest. In his address, Fr. Pampackal said the camporee was a special moment where scouts and guides from diverse schools and backgrounds came together as one family in the Salesian spirit. He highlighted Don Bosco’s belief that youth learn best in an atmosphere of trust, joy and love, noting that the camp provided natural learning through games, teamwork, challenges and shared experiences.
He emphasised that scouting and the Salesian spirit aimed to form good citizens of strong character—honest, helpful, courageous and committed to serving society. He reminded participants that living together teaches patience and understanding, and said memories of friendship and campfires would remain long after the event. He appreciated the Scoutmasters, Guide Captains and Salvation Educators for their guidance, urging participants to be disciplined, cheerful and responsible, and to carry the Scout love in their actions and the Salesian spirit in their hearts.
The inaugural ceremony began with the hoisting of the National Flag by the chief guest, followed by the National Anthem. The Bharat Scouts and Guides flag was hoisted by Flag Leader, Scout Nikato, accompanied by the Scouts and Guides prayer and flag song. Later, the Camporee 2025 flag was hoisted by DBYES Dimapur director, Fr. Theotimus Lakra, followed by the Camporee theme song. The flag ceremony was led by deputy camp chief, Lawrence Guria.
During the programme, Fr. P.X. Francis was honoured for his contributions to the Scouts and Guides, Dimapur province, while DM Agay Joseph HWB was honoured as the longest serving scout master in Dimapur.
Other highlights included a welcome song by Don Bosco School, Maram, traditional dance performances by Don Bosco School, Doimukh (Arunachal) and St. Thomas School, Sadiya, presentation of scarfs to dignitaries, and a march-past where the chief guest took the salute. The 15 Sector Assam Rifles, Dimapur, played instruments during the march-past.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by camp chief K.S. Charles, with Bible reading by Scout Taru Pfithu, welcome speech by Don Bosco Dimapur Rector, Fr. Nebu Mathew, and vote of thanks by Fr. P.X. Francis.