The Salesians of Don Bosco (SDB) in the Chennai Province actively promote Scouting and Guiding as part of their youth ministry. Inspired by Don Bosco’s vision of holistic education, the Scouts and Guides movement helps young people develop discipline, leadership, and social responsibility.
Key Aspects of Salesian Scouts & Guides in Chennai Province:
- Character Formation – Instilling values of honesty, teamwork, and service.
- Skill Development – Training in first aid, survival skills, and social service.
- Community Service – Engaging in environmental initiatives, disaster relief, and outreach programs.
- Spiritual Growth – Strengthening faith through prayer, retreats, and moral guidance.
- Leadership Training – Preparing young people to be responsible citizens and future leaders.
Through the Scouts and Guides movement, the Salesians of Chennai Province empower young minds to become self-reliant, socially responsible, and spiritually strong individuals.
Our Team
Fr. Benjamin James SDB
Fr. Albert Yesudoss SDB
Fr. Albert Lourdusamy SDB
Mr. Peter Arockiasamy SDB
Reports
SM/GC/FL & PL’s Training Camp – August 11th & 12th
The orientation program for the SM/GC/FL & PL’s Training Camp was successfully completed in the Trichy region. I sincerely thank the following individuals for their hard work, commitment, and selfless service:
- Fr. Thomas
- Fr. John Peter
- Sr. Nirmala
- Mr. Gunaraj
- Mr. Elangovan
- Ms. Victoria
- Mrs. Kalpana
Their dedication made this camp a remarkable experience for all participants. The total number of attendees was:
- SM/GC/FL: 32
- Scouts: 61
- Guides: 31
- Total Participants: 124
I extend my sincere gratitude to the school principals, headmasters, rectors, and scout coordinators for their support in sending students and ensuring the success of this training.
Basic Scout Master’s Course for Yercaud Brothers
The Basic Scout Master’s Course for Yercaud Brothers was held from September 8th to 14th at Don Bosco Camp Site in Keeranur. The course was well-organized by Don Bosco District, with 26 brothers attending.
The brothers appreciated the warm hospitality provided by the community and were impressed by the availability of scouting materials.
Advance Course for Scout Masters
The Advance Course for Scout Masters took place from September 24th to 30th at Don Bosco Camp Site in Keeranur. This course was designed to strengthen and expand lay collaborators in the South Zone and update their knowledge.
A total of 18 participants attended the course, including 12 from INT.
Special Jamboree 2025
The 75th Diamond Jubilee celebration of the Bharat Scouts and Guides and the Centenary of Kalazhar’s Birth was marked by the Special Jamboree from January 28th to February 3rd.
This grand event included various exciting activities such as:
- March past
- Vibrant color party
- Folk dances
From our Don Bosco District, 16 scouts and 8 guides participated, including 8 scouts from INT schools who played an active role in the event. Special thanks to the concerned institutions for their support.
Rovers Moot @ The Retreat Yercaud
For the first time in the province’s history, the Rovers Moot was held at The Retreat, Yercaud. A total of 46 rovers from various institutions participated:
- Amsam ITI
- Lalgudi ITI
- Keelreal College
- Don Bosco Youth Village – Keeranur
The participants engaged in various activities and were highly appreciative of the food and accommodation provided. The moot helped many young people find meaning in their lives and develop a strong sense of service toward society through practical sessions.
BP & DB Month Rolling Trophy
This initiative, introduced by the INT Scout Department, was masterminded by volunteer scout masters and guides from the province. It featured exciting online competitions designed to enhance students’ personal knowledge and skills.
The students were enthusiastic participants and were awarded prizes and participation certificates for their efforts.
Thinking Day Celebration
On February 22nd, in honor of the birthdays of Baden Powell and Lady Baden Powell, the Thinking Day celebration was held worldwide.
A special drone show with the theme “GO GREEN” was organized, with 174 scouts and guides participating in a rally to promote environmental awareness.
Creation of Adventure Base at Sagayathottam
An Adventure Base was successfully established at Sagayathottam (INM) with the support of our adventure team. This initiative, scheduled on April 1st and organized on April 7th, contributed significantly to the social and educational-cultural dimensions of youth ministry.
Training Camp (Pravesh) at Don Bosco Youth Village, Keeranur
A local-level training camp was held at Don Bosco Youth Village, Keeranur, on May 28th and June 29th, with actual execution on May 31st and June 1st. A total of 33 participants attended the camp, which focused on social and cultural education.
Orientation Programme at Sagaya Madha Middle School, Keeranur
An orientation programme was conducted at Sagaya Madha Middle School, Keeranur, on June 18th, engaging 28 participants. This initiative provided insights into social and cultural education.
EC Meeting in Chennai (Province Level)
The EC meeting scheduled for July 27th was canceled. No in-person meetings were held for this academic year, with discussions taking place only through online platforms.
Orientation Programme at Christ the King School, Namakkal
On August 7th, an orientation programme was held at Christ the King School, Namakkal, with 27 participants. This session focused on the social and cultural education of youth.
Orientation Course for CM/FL/SM/GC/RS/RL at Don Bosco Camp Site, Keeranur
A province-level training camp for CM, FL, SM, GC, RS, and RL was organized on August 11th and 12th at Don Bosco Camp Site, Keeranur, in collaboration with INT – SDB & FMA. The total number of participants increased from 75 last year to 124 this year, including 32 SM/GC/FL, 61 Scouts, and 31 Guides. This camp contributed to social, educational-cultural, and faith development.
Orientation Programme at Sola Illam Boys Home, Yercaud
An orientation programme was held on August 14th at Sola Illam Boys Home, Yercaud, with 30 participants. The session focused on social and cultural education.
Basic Scout Master’s Course for Yercaud Brothers at Don Bosco Camp Site, Keeranur
From September 8th to 14th, a Basic Scout Master’s Course was conducted for the Yercaud Brothers at Don Bosco Camp Site, Keeranur, with 26 participants. This was the first time such a course was conducted at this site. The training emphasized social, cultural, and faith-based learning.
Orientation Programme for Rovers at Amsam ITI
On September 13th, an orientation programme for Rovers was conducted at Amsam ITI. A total of 120 participants attended, marking the first time such a session was held in this location. The programme focused on social and cultural education.
Advance Scout Master’s Course for INT & INM at Don Bosco Camp Site, Keeranur
From September 24th to 30th, an advanced training session for Scout Masters was held at Don Bosco Camp Site, Keeranur, with 26 participants, including 12 from INT and one Salesian. This course emphasized social, cultural, and faith-based development.
Two-Day Training Programme at St. Kitheri High School, Kuthenkuzhy
A two-day training programme was conducted on October 3rd and 4th at St. Kitheri High School, Kuthenkuzhy, with 14 participants. The session provided social and cultural education to the attendees.
Orientation Programme for Rovers at Madhakottai
On October 13th, an orientation programme for Rovers was organized at Madhakottai with 10 participants. The session was led by Mr. Krishnamorthy LT (R) and focused on social, cultural, and faith education.
Visit of Mr. Krishnamorthy LT (R) to Adventure Base and Camp Site
On October 13th, Mr. Krishnamorthy LT (R) visited the Adventure Base at Sengepatti and the Camp Site at Keeranur. This visit contributed to the social dimension of youth ministry.
Orientation Programme for Rovers at Madurai ITI
An orientation programme was held on October 21st at Madurai ITI with 42 participants. This session focused on social, cultural, and faith education.
Trainers’ Meet at St. James Academy, Trichy
A special Jamboree event was organized at St. James Academy, Trichy, on November 12th in celebration of the Bharat Scouts & Guides Diamond Jubilee and Kalaignar Centenary year.
Training Programme at Don Bosco, Thanjavur
A local-level training programme was conducted at Don Bosco, Thanjavur, on November 15th, with a total of 135 participants. This initiative contributed to social and cultural education.
Orientation Programme at Christ King, Namakkal
An orientation programme was conducted on December 3rd and 4th at Christ King, Namakkal, with 34 participants. The session provided social and cultural education.
Orientation Programme at Anbu Illam, Adivaram
On December 4th, an orientation programme was held at Anbu Illam, Adivaram, with 28 participants, focusing on social and cultural education.
Jamboree at Manapparai (National Level)
A national-level Jamboree was conducted at Manapparai from January 28th to February 3rd. A total of 8+2 participants attended. Notably, I was appointed as a State Member for the Gateway Committee. This event contributed to social, cultural, and faith-based education.
Orientation Programme for Rovers & Rangers at Lalgudi ITI
On February 5th, an orientation programme for Rovers & Rangers was conducted at Lalgudi ITI with 24 participants, focusing on social and cultural education.
Orientation Programme for Rovers & Rangers at Keelreal College
On February 6th, an orientation programme was held at Keelreal College, attended by 105 participants. This session emphasized social and cultural education.
Orientation Programme for Rovers & Rangers at Tharakambadi Polytechnic College
An orientation programme took place on February 12th at Tharakambadi Polytechnic College with 65 participants. The focus was on social and cultural education.
Rovers Moot at The Retreat, Yercaud
A province-level Rovers Moot was conducted on February 15th and 16th at The Retreat, Yercaud, with 46 participants. The event contributed to social and cultural education.
BP & DB Month: Thinking Day Rally at Don Bosco, Thanjavur
A province-level Thinking Day Rally was organized at Don Bosco, Thanjavur, on February 22nd as part of BP & DB Month celebrations. A total of 174 participants attended. The rally focused on promoting environmental awareness with the theme “GO GREEN” and reinforced social and cultural education.
July
- Orientation for Scout Masters & Guide Captains (July 4th & 5th)
- Location: Keeranur
- In-charge: District Commissioner (DC) and District Training Commissioner (DTC)
- Objective: Equip adult leaders with scouting knowledge and leadership skills
August
- Fr. James & Sr. Nirmalarani Leadership Session (August 9th & 10th)
- Focus on leadership development and scouting’s role in youth formation
September
- Special Course on Mapping, Pioneering & First Aid (5 Days)
- Location: Keeranur
- Participants: SMs & GCs
- Objective: Enhance practical scouting skills for adult leaders
- Tritya Sopan Training Camp for Scouts & Guides (3 Days)
- Location: To be finalized
- In-charge: DOCs & DCs
- Objective: Help scouts and guides advance in scouting ranks
October
- Rajyapuraskar Testing Camp (4 Days)
- Location: Keeranur
- In-charge: DOCs & DCs
- Objective: Assessment for the Governor’s Award
- Mapping, Pioneering & First Aid Camp for Scouts & Guides (2 Days)
- Location: To be finalized
- Objective: Strengthen survival and first-aid skills
November
- Annual Standard Judging Competition (3 Days)
- Location: To be finalized
- In-charge: DOCs & DCs
- Objective: Evaluate and recognize scouting skills
January – February
- DB & BP Month Celebrations (January 22nd – February 21st)
- Location: Madhakottai
- In-charge: Fr. James, Sr. Nirmalarani & Mr. Baptist
- Objective: Series of scouting activities honoring Don Bosco & Baden-Powell
- Yercaud Training Camp (February 6th – 8th)
- In-charge: Fr. James, Mr. Pious & Mr. Christo
- Objective: Intensive scouting training
February 21st – Thinking Day Celebrations
- Prize Distribution & Awareness Rally
- Location: Trichy & Thanjavur
- In-charge: Fr. James, Sr. Nirmalarani & Fr. Albert
- Objective: Conclude DB & BP Month with a rally and recognition of achievements
- Awareness Rally in Madurai Zone
- Location: Madurai & Thudukutti Surya Nagar
- In-charge: Fr. Albert Yesudoss, Mr. Peter & FMA Sisters
- Objective: Promote scouting awareness in the community
