My name is Flora, and I'm a friend with the Fede e Luce San Giuseppe Moscati group in Milan. This past summer I attended a camp in the Roman area, held in Penna in Teverina from August 12 to 20.
It all started a few months earlier on a bus. My group was traveling to a Fede e Luce formation meeting at Capodimonte, on Lake Bolsena, when my friend Cristina from Rome told me about the camps. Alberto was there too—this was his third year attending—and his stories stirred something in me: a desire, a curiosity, a longing to try it myself. I was eager to see what these camps were really about and why they were so popular in Rome. It was my first camp, even though I've been part of Fede e Luce for about ten years. Two other Milan friends came with me: Antonella and Laura. I didn't do any special preparation beforehand. I was a little nervous because I didn't know the young people who would be there. But I was hungry for this new adventure. I kept calling the Roman friends to ask questions—partly because of the logistics, but mostly out of curiosity about what would happen. Despite all that planning, I'll admit I jumped in without a map and told myself, "Whatever comes, comes." I expected to find joy, enthusiasm, and energy among the Roman friends as they spent time with the young people—and I was right. What struck me most was how naturally, how easily they did it.
I was a little scared about being responsible for one young person. I wondered if I'd be able to follow his needs, care for him properly, even with his educator and my support.
I was wrong to worry. Riccardo surprised me. We hit it off right away. His blue eyes, his direct way of reaching out—wanting to make friends, to know me, to have fun, to be together—he won me over immediately. The first few days were about getting to know each other, both as friends and with the young people.
Once we settled in, another young man caught my eye. I gave him a nickname: "my big, boisterous friend."
Having Romans and Milanese together, trading stories and experiences—that's what made the camp work so well. What really made it succeed was our shared desire to be there, to be together with the young people. We all wanted the same thing: a vacation with a shared journey, even if a short one. The chemistry between us was crucial. We were always on the same page, in sync, well-blended as a group. The risk that things could have gone the other way was real. This camp could have failed.
Each day was different, though a single theme ran through the whole week.
Every day was carefully planned and well-lived. We kept a good balance between rest and activity, between outings and walks. The young people were always at the center—always. I loved that kind of structure. I was amazed at how much was prepared before we even left. What struck me most was having something we all did together every single day: making breakfast, shopping, cooking, cleaning the house. And because we helped each other, because we worked together, we deepened our friendships.
Unfortunately, a week went by too fast. I have no regrets. I wouldn't change a thing. When you're happy, when you're woven into a group that's working almost perfectly, the moment comes when you have to say goodbye. I didn't want to leave. We all cried at the end—both us friends and the young people. One girl touched me deeply. When I said goodbye to her, she burst into tears and said, "I'm not saying goodbye to you... because you're leaving." Long hugs all around. Words weren't enough in that moment. Our gestures spoke instead. This camp gave me something deep. I want to thank the young people, but especially my Roman friends at the camp for welcoming me so warmly and making me feel at home right away. Thank you for the advice and suggestions that helped me handle every situation better, that helped me keep growing and finding my place.
Flora Atlante, 2006