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Fun under the shining Son Fifth through eighth graders enter four-day camps as strangers, leave as friends
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Participants enjoy a water balloon toss.
Campers enjoy canoeing in the lake.
Campers cool off with a game of "pool basketball."
Campers enjoy the always interesting game of "swinging marshmallows."
Girls take part in one of the many water activities.
Campers "build a church."
Gini Conkle of Pratt leads a small discussion group.
Participants and counselors of the 5th and 6th grade camp.
The participants and counselors of the 7th and 8th grade camp.
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By Steven Polley Director, Office of Youth Ministry and Religious Education Just imagine the opportunity to spend some time at a camp set in beautiful surroundings, with hills, nature, a lake, and where God is the center of all things. This is what the young people and counselors who attended a camp in June experienced. Many of them came together as strangers, but left as friends. Twenty-one seventh and eighth graders attended the first camp, June 6-9, while 42 fifth and sixth graders attended the second camp, June 27-30. Fourteen counselors also attended. During this time they were able to focus more deeply on God’s work. Through scripture, they were able to enter into a time of quiet and reflection to more fully be able to hear God’s voice speaking to them in their busy lives. And most importantly, they were drawn more deeply to Christ’s true presence in the Eucharist, being sent forth to spread God’s good news with all people. Yes, this year’s camps had all of these things, and for each young person the camp was one of the highlights of their summer. Through water balloon tosses, "trust walks," swimming, canoeing, hiking, and many other activities, each camper in their own special way, grew in their relationship with Christ. It is a known fact that many times, a camping experience can be, and is, a life changing event for a participant. As Director of Youth Ministry for the diocese, I witnessed this first-hand during these two camps. I truly saw a transformation take place in kids. With this in mind, I believe that everyone should set their sights on next summer. Whether you have children in 5th or 6th grades, or you are an adult who would like to encounter Christ in a new and special way, plan to attend a camp. Prepare to send the youth of your parish to camp, and yes, consider coming as a counselor. I promise you will not regret the decision.
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