Udupi Diocese

Village Exposure Camp - 2015-16

The village exposure camp by Young Christian Students Movement, Udupi Diocese for four days had been organized at Hanehalli belonging to Barkur parish from 29th March to 1st April 2016. It started with a procession march from St. Peter’s Church, Barkur to the house of Mr. George D’Souza where the camp was held. Mr. Patrick D’Silva, Gurkar of Hanehalli Ward & Mr. Patrick Andrade, President YCS Barkur Unit Hoisted the flag. The inaugural ceremony was presided by Bishop of Udupi, Most Rev. Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo. The Camp was inaugurated by V. Fr Valerian Mendonca, Parish Priest of Barkur Church by breaking the coconut. Fr Edwin D'souza, DYD of Udupi Diocese briefed about the camp.

Students were shuffled into 6 groups which consisted of students from different parishes. Each group had specific task to perform and common competitions were also held. Various activities were conducted based on the methodology of the movement - See (Awareness), Judge (Analysis) and Act (Action & Evaluation). The group activities helped the students to mingle with each other, make new friends, learn to live in a community, adjustment, etc. All of them spent the three days without using mobile phones which made them participate in full spirit.

The main purpose of this exposure was to understand the life of villagers and the way they viewed life. Participants visited the villagers and interviewed them which enabled them to understand the motto in a better way. For the students it was an special experience. The youngsters experienced the struggle of common man and the life style of village. For many of them it was first experience to work. They learned to cook, cleaned the surroundings, worked in fields etc.

Every day began with Holy Mass and then the work. Many talks were also held regarding career, aim in life, life skills, Media, Family and various other topics. Mr Norbert Misquith conducted the Taize prayer which was most liked by the youngsters. Vicar General Msgr Baptist Menezes taught the Divine Mercy chaplet to the participants.

Around 78 students from various parishes & 11 student representatives from Chikmagalur Diocese actively participated in the camp.