Catholic summer camps promise fun,
faith
Joe Kohn of The Michigan Catholic
Published May 19, 2006
Detroit – More than 1,000 kids and teenagers this year will learn about the Lord in the heart of nature, as enrollment fills out for Catholic camps around the state.
Three such camps have ties to the Archdiocese of Detroit: Catholic Youth Organization camps, Camp Ozanam and Camp Sancta Maria.
Each of the camps offer a wide array of outdoor activities and crafts for youngsters and young men and women. The camps, which are open to non-Catholics, also place a strong emphasis on learning about God through His creation, through other campers and through the Mass.
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A camper at Camp Ozanam splashes his way toward the shore during a swim session last year. About 500 campers already are registered at the St. Vincent de Paul Society camp for this summer. |
Here's a look at the three camps:
CYO Camps
The Catholic Youth Organization has been operating camps north of Port Huron for the past 60 years. More than 50 percent of camp counselors are former campers themselves.
The CYO boys and girls camps are separated by a few miles of wooded acreage and shoreline, but share some activities and worship services. This year, said program coordinator Doris Pope-Moore, two new camps for experienced campers will be offered, based on popular demand.
"We get a lot of feedback from our camp parents and the staff meets and evaluates the year every year," said Pope-Moore.
The new offerings include a two-week Pioneer Advanced Camp that involves a five-day canoe trip and camping experience. Also new is the SEA of Possibilities program – SEA standing for service, ecology and adventure. The co-ed camp aims to teach campers how to lead, and is designed for late-middle school to high school students.
All the bedrocks of CYO camps also will be in place for the younger campers – crafts, sports and swimming, for instance. And, like last year, each week will be themed. For example, campers might experience a Christmas-themed camp, or a saints-themed camp.
Most importantly, though, says Pope-Moore, is that parents know their kids are being taken care of.
"First and foremost, we have a very safe camp program," she said. "Their children aren't only going to be safe physically, but psychologically and spiritually safe as well. We provide that."
Chaplains spend time with campers each day, and each camper gets ample opportunity to lead fellow campers in prayer. Mass is held on Thursdays during camp, and each morning is started with prayer outdoors around the flag pole.
Camp Ozanam
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul also has numerous decades' experience running summer camps, primarily for children from low-income families.
After a few years with low camper enrollment, Camp Ozanam has come back in a big way the past couple of years. As of mid-May, about 500 campers already had enrolled for the camp, thanks to a number of enrollment fairs at Catholic parishes this winter and spring.
Like the CYO camps, Camp Ozanam is chock-full of activities such as basketball, camping and swimming. New at the camp is an adventures program where older campers can canoe, live in authentic-style Native American teepees and even explore caves.
A new program also is being offered this year to train older campers to be camp counselors in the future.
Teresa Jex, director of camp operations, said the camp's main focus is to foster a Christian attitude of acceptance.
"One (goal) is to appreciate the differences among cultures and nationalities," Jex said. "Our motto is to accept, share and develop. The second (goal) is to give an example of how to live in a Christian community."
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Two campers at Camp Ozanam raise their hands at the sound of a whistle to show camp counselors that they're using the buddy system as part of water safety. | Along those lines, members of the St. Vincent de Paul Society who have sponsored campers have been invited up to spend time with the campers on Sundays during the summer. Those who are at camp the weekend of July 23 will share an alumni celebration and special Mass with the society members.
Each day at camp is begun with prayer and each camp counselor is committed to fostering a Christian attitude and support for campers, Jex said. At the end of each camp week, she added, the goal is to have campers aware that they're empowered in their own lives to make positive decisions.
"We try to plant the seeds of making good choices," she said.
Camp Sancta Maria
A summer camp for boys ages 8 to 16, Camp Sancta Maria was founded in 1933 with the mission of "providing wholesome recreation in a religious atmosphere" – a mission still adhered to. The camp is located about 45 minutes from Petoskey, a three-and-a-half hour drive from Detroit.
Like the camps north of Port Huron, Camp Sancta Maria provides campers with outdoor activities, water sports and camping trips. Because of its location, day trips to Mackinac Island also are a part of the program. Both one- and two-week programs are offered.
Camp Sancta Maria also offers horse camps to teach young men the skill of horse riding.
Situated on 96 acres, the campus of Camp Sancta Maria is distinguishably Catholic. The grounds have been dedicated to the Blessed Mother, and at the highest point of the acreage is erected a statue to St. Mary. Mass is held daily on the grounds.
After the summer camps, Camp Sancta Maria also holds a number of father/son and mother/daughter weekend camps.
 CYO Camps
Dates: Late June through mid-August.
Campers: Boys and girls, 7-17.
Location: Port Sanilac area, 1 1/2 hours from Detroit.
Camp offerings: Water sports, arts and crafts, archery, hiking, canoe trips, ropes courses, basketball, leadership training.
Ministries: Religious-themed camp weeks, daily prayer, Mass on Thursdays and on-site campus ministers.
Cost: One- and two- week camps range from $300 to $640 per camper.
For Information: www.cyocamps.org or call (313) 963-7172, Ext. 168.
Camp Ozanam
Dates: June 28 through July.
Campers: Boys and girls, ages 8-17.
Location: Port Sanilac area, 1 1/2 hours from Detroit.
Activities: Various sports, water sports, adventure camps for older campers, crafts, canoe trips, team activities.
Ministries: On-site youth ministers. Prayer services in morning and throughout each day.
Cost: Serves primarily low-income families on scholarships; donations also are welcomed.
For Information: Visit www.svdpdet.org/camp.cfm or call (313) 393-2978.
Camp Sancta Maria
Dates: June through August.
Campers: Boys, 8-16; mother/daughter and father/son weekend camps.
Location: In Gaylord, 3 1/2 hours north of Detroit.
Camp offerings: Horseback riding, water sports, field sports, trips to Mackinac Island, arts and crafts, archery, ropes courses.
Ministries: Daily Mass and nightly prayer services. Campus ministers on site.
Cost: Various camps cost from $310 to $640. Discounts offered for multiple camps and siblings. Mother/daughter and father/son weekend camps from $150.
For information: Visit www.campsanctamaria.org or call (248) 822-8199. |
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