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Youth and Young Adult Office
Dedicated to Future of Faith I believe that the support from the Catholics in our Archdiocese for Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Youth Camp and for summer camp impacts the future of our Church. One of the ways that I measure the value of the experience of camp is when young people come to apply to work as staff. Their expressions of camp experiences fuels us to once again begin the process of organizing and developing the staff and programming for camp year after year. Following are a few stories from high school and college students who have applied to work at camp because of their own faith experienced there. “The time I spend at camp is always so meaningful. I find excitement every time my campers work well together as a team. I find joy every time a camper shares the strength of their faith with me, and I discover beauty everywhere. There are so many things about camp that I learn from, grow from, and build on. Camp has been the most rewarding and constant experience in my life. There is no better place to experience youth ministry, our Catholic faith, the outdoors and friendship all at once.” “The enthusiasm that each camper has about being with other Catholics and learning about God is contagious. You are not only able to inspire them but it’s amazing how much inspiration and joy they share with you. Being on staff teaches many responsibilities that are important to everyday life such as teamwork, cooperation, trust and understanding.”
Camp is a warm and welcoming atmosphere.” “The relationships that have come out of camp both with fellow counselors and with campers have shaped my life in many ways. God has truly blessed my life by allowing me to spend a portion of my time sharing Him with others.” “A week at church camp can truly be a life-altering occurrence for young Catholics.” “I’ve gone to camp for five years. Every year I’ve had the time of my life. Every year I’ve grown deeper and deeper in my faith because of the way counselors and instructors have helped me” “I love camp. Camp is a fun experience in which the campers get to be in a Christian environment and learn more about God and their faith.” “Camp is my favorite place to be, and I can’t think of a better way to spend my summer. The religious aspect of camp is one I cherish. In many ways who I am today has been influenced by the camp people, atmosphere and experiences. It has had a great deal to do with my spiritual growth and part of the pride I hold about being Catholic comes from camp and what I have learned there.” “I love being at camp and I love talking
to people about my religion.” “I love working at camp because when I help children become closer to God I feel closer to Him myself. My former counselor sat down at a campfire and talked with me about moving, losing loved ones, and eventually our feelings for God. She affected the way I thought about many things and it was then that I decide to work at camp. I love to see campers expanding open minds to more than ‘What’s for lunch?’ They go from being timid to explaining Scriptures to one another.” “Each year has been a new experience. I always return home full of memories and knowing a more intimate relationship with God. This year will be my fifth year at camp and every year I have made lasting friendships. At camp you do not have to be the person everyone wants you to be, you can just learn to let your true self out without worrying about anything superficial. These are but a few of the stories of the impact that camp ministry has on young people in our church. As the numbers at camp continue to grow we give out more and more scholarship money to those who can’t afford camp. This past year our scholarship need doubled. It is only through your generous donations to the ADF that we have our own Catholic Camp and the staff required to run a relational camp. With your help we will continue to provide the young people in our Church an opportunity to have the kind of experiences that I have just shared with you. Nancy
Housh, Director |
“Since
1995 camp has become something I long for each year. The reason
I come every year is to see the faces and to be part of something
so powerful and spiritual.