In order to spend the summer vacation usefully, five summer camps for students were held from 17 to 21 April across five different places in Tamil Nadu. The camps were organised by the School Education Commission (SEC) of the Jesuit Madurai Province.
JESART (Jesuit Artists Training): 74 students from 10 Jesuit schools participated and benefitted from this camp held at St. Mary’s School, Dindigul under the leadership of Fr. Stephen and guided by art teachers of schools. Students were trained on preparing posters on social awareness, collage from waste, drawing human figures, moder art, landscape drawing and preparing flowers by using papers. The highlight of the camp was the art tour to Dindigul Rock Fort, which provided students practical exposure and inspiration. The programme culminated with an art exhibition, showcasing the students' creative talents nurtured during the camp on the last day.
GSP (Government Services Programme): 64 students took part in this camp held at Carmel School, Nagercoil, under the leadership of Fr. Bastin with the help of local teachers. Experts exposed the students to the various higher education opportunities, competitive exams and job placements. Students visited some reputed higher educational institutions for exposure and on-site learning. They got to know each other better, shared their thoughts and ideas, learnt about goals and dreams and understood how to face challenges.
VIEW (Vacation Intensive English Workshop): This camp was held at St. Xavier’s H.S. School, Palayamkottai, under the leadership of Fr. Albert Joseph, helped by the school teachers. 86 students participated in this camp. The camp adapted teaching communicative English in an informal and interactive making learning enjoyable and entertaining. Students learnt to communicate in simple English through games, activities, rhymes and informal interactions. This camp enhanced the communicative competence of students in English.
Kanal writers’ workshop: The workshop held in De Britto, Devakottai, with 87 students, was led by Fr. Babu and other Tamil teachers. Writers from the field exposed the students to the various styles and methods of writing. Students were guided to write short stories, skits and compose poems. They gained the confidence to express their creative and free thoughts in writing through various techniques and styles.
LASAC camp: Centred on the theme Maravozhi the camp sought to bring forth the hidden spark within every warrior (student), the courage to think, the strength to stand, and the light to lead. Over four transformative days, this vision came alive in a vibrant space of learning, expression, and social engagement. A total of 218 participants, including 177 students, 26 volunteers, and 15 teachers from 17 schools came together, with an equal representation of boys and girls, reflecting on inclusivity and unity. Students were given awareness on the current political realities and they learnt to critically view everything. They were trained in street theatre. The highlight was the live performance at St. Mary’s Cathedral Shrine, where students brought their learning to life through impactful street plays. After screening of some short films, they leant to dynamically debate on the portrayals on the silver screen. Cultural expressions and competitions marked the closing moments of the camp, showcasing the talents nurtured over the days. LASAC 2026 truly became a space where hidden lights got awakened. Students did not merely participate, they discovered their voice, expressed their concerns, and began to see themselves as agents of change. Fr. Leo Perira and Sch. Melvin and other collaborators contributed immensely in organising this camp.
