Several 5th-8th graders had fun and learned about their faith recently while enjoying the wooded surroundings of Camp Lakeside at one of two week-long diocesan summer camps. The theme of the camps was, "Oh When The Saints."

One camp is devoted to 5th-6th graders, while the other one is devoted to the 7th and 8th graders.

At Camp Lakeside, about 12 miles north of Scott City, youth were able to enjoy everything from hiking, canoeing, and swimming, to reading scripture and learning more about the Catholic faith.

The camps have been held since the summer of 1997, and have so far touched the lives of more than 600 young people.

"Camp provides a unique opportunity for our young people to learn more about God, themselves, and their faith in an environment that truly allows a person to find the presence of God in all things," said Steven Polley, Director of Youth Ministry, who attended the camps.

"As we focused on the lives of many saints throughout the camping experience, each camper was able to learn more about people who in many ways lived ordinary lives, but devoted their life to God. They did all of the things that most people do, but never lost sight of God. From this the young people who attended camp were able to more fully grasp how they too, can live a life devoted to God and to others."