Sunday morning was upon us before we knew it with a cool breeze blowing off the mountains, a blazing sun, and heavy dew covering the grass. As Akela/Grey Wolf is normally the first one up he surveyed he camp and found the timber Wolves fast asleep with a couple snoring away although with less volume than some of the leaders (Grey Wolf is not one of them! J)
At 7:30 am sharp, the morning gathering whistle went off for the Explorers who soon staggered out of their tents hurriedly putting on their uniforms to scramble for opening ceremonies. Some of our Explorers found this aspect of the day’s program more than a little challenging.
As per the previous assemblies, the nine patrols (six Italian and three Canadian) quickly assumed their positions in formation with each patrol chief proudly holding their patrol flag to receive instructions for the day and then pick up their allotment of food for the days breakfast. The Explorers breakfast was similar to the previous day and consisted of bread, jam, butter, boiled eggs and hot chocolate. It was simple, nutritious and filling.
By 7:40 am, Akela, wandered into the quarters of the Timber Wolves to rouse up our “sleeping beauties as they had their full of fun, running and games from the previous day. The Canadian Timber wolves remarked how physical the Italian boys could be and how we/they needed to rise to the challenge to keep up. By 7:45 am, we had the boys pack their bags as the day’s busy schedule would leave little time to pack later. By 8:10 am, we arrived for an Italian breakfast of crusty bread, four different types of jams, butter, hot chocolate or tea, and scramble eggs. There was little food left by the end of breakfast.
As with the previous day’s opening ceremonies, the Explorers joined their brother for the morning flag hoisting. They moved in a neat single-lined formation to the great field to hoist the flags of Canada, Italy and the movement. After the flags were raised, one Explorer from each country would recite the Explorer law in their own language and salute the Trap leaders of the day. Then, our Explorers proudly and without any degree of shyness, sang “O Canada” after the Italians completed sing the Italian national anthem.
This morning a new Italian Timber wolf den arrived at 9 am sharp. The Italian Timber wolves arrived anxious to greet their Canadian brothers before attending Palm Sunday Mass. It was quite a sight to see more than 100 Italian and Canadian Explorers gather for mass as we all held palms in our hands to remember the great celebration of the people who greeted Jesus as he enter Jerusalem for Palm Sunday many years ago. The Explorers along with the Timber wolves and leaders from both countries gathered together for the blessing of the palms before forming process to enter the mass area.
We celebrated mass in an open area in both languages with Tommy Lee doing the first reading, Rino Castagna doing the second reading and Tristan Lipton doing the responsorial Psalm. Father (we had two celebrating with us) gave two homilies in Italian and then English. Participating in Holy Communion with our brother on Palm Sunday was a special experience. Many of our boys were on their knees after receiving Jesus, giving thanks for this very special moment, time and place. Mass lasted for 90 minutes on the sun soaked lawns, with a dry breeze blowing over the space. It was a truly glorious morning. Our boys sand three songs during Mass, “Be Not Afraid”, “Magnificat”, and “Immaculate Mary”.
After Mass, the three groups (Timber wolves, Explorers and Leaders) spent the balance of the morning and early afternoon in separate programs. The Italian leaders led both groups of Timber wolves in a wide variety of challenging games. Our boys had a great time. The Explorers had their own games and then began winding up camp before preparing lunch. Our leaders benefited from another training session led by a couple of Italian leaders. The leader shared a number of great ideas that would greatly benefit our efforts in Canada.
Lunch was awesome. It consisted of a pasta appetizer, followed by mash potatoes and true Italian pizza without the crust and dessert of apples and oranges. Our Explorers cooked their own meals which varied from one patrol to another. Italian Explorers always cook over an open fire. There is no such thing as stoves (less to carry)
As the day wound down, it was time to clean up the camp and pack to our bags for travelling to our next destination. Our Explorers exchanged email addresses and Facebook contact details with their new found brothers. I some cases they exchanged, parts of uniforms, such as uniform belts and t-shirts. They took group photos with new friends and exchanged gifts with much excitement. The Italian Timber wolves, Explorer and Leaders receiving gifts showed great appreciation for the items they received.
Before we knew it the day and camp came to an end. We held closing ceremonies and said our goodbyes until the movement wide jamboree for Explorers in France, in the summer of 2014! This great adventure awaits us. We learned much, but realize that we have much more to experience as our FSE/FNE is so profound and deep!
At 4 pm sharp, we loaded a coach line for the ride to the Oreto train station. We really had to hustle as we had tight connections. Our boys lumbered into the station with their luggage down a flight of stairs, and up another to the pre-assigned platform. When we arrived at the so-called “assigned platform; the assignment had changed for 3 to 5. We had to rush to the correct platform. It was quite the struggle but we made it with the Explorers assisting their younger brothers. We made it with just 5 minute to spare.
One of the challenges we had to overcome was the fact that Italian trains do not have spare storage space for multiple large bags, but thanks to the efforts of all involved we loaded All of the luggage and boys onto the train all in the short span of 4 minutes!
We settled in for our trip of 85 minutes to Roma Termini, the central Rome train station. We are thankful to the understanding conductors who allowed some of our boys without seats to sit in the spare first class seat that were available. Otherwise, we would have to sit on our baggage while squeezing into all available seats.
Upon arrival at the central train station, we offloaded the train in 5 minute flat and were led by an Italian Explorer leader, who was there just for that purpose, to the next train for a 23-minute walk to our final stop. We had a scant 34 minute to make the connection that included a 15 minute from one end of the train station to another, but once again we made it. After approximately 30 minute ride, we got off at Roma Aurelia. The conductor was kind enough to allow us the time necessary to get off the train.
Father Thomas and Brother Nicholas were waiting for us at the train station. We went down a set of stairs and up another and finally up a steep hill to entrance to the seminary with the older boys helping the younger boys. The Seminary was breathtaking in both its beauty and size. This facility houses over 300 seminarians. Upon arrival, the first priority was a long drink of cold water.
We quickly settled into our sleeping quarters and then headed off for a badly need shower followed by a great swim in the huge indoor pool. After our swim we tracked upstairs for a great dinner of seasoned rice and chicken, salad and very tasty mini-pizzas. After the day’s hard work our boys consumed almost every available pizza. Everyone was satisfied after this great meal.
We went off to bed after turning in our uniforms for washing. This task took about 10 minute after which everyone fell into a deep sleep. We saw the end of another exciting day as we planned to get up at 4:45 am for our 3-hour trip to Assisi.
Facebook stored photos:
Link to Day4 photos
From Camp to the Seminary
map from camp to seminary
Thanks again for the detail...with all your busy schedule ...
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