Testimonials from st. therese's campers & parents
★★★★★ My 10 year old twins had never been to camp before. They were excited and a little nervous when we dropped them off and thoroughly thrilled and full of stories when we picked them up at the end of the week. From Mass and Adoration, to the blob, gaga (ball game), arts and crafts, archery, and the fantastic staff, plus a countless amount of other details too numerous to name, they talked our ears off for hours about the adventure. When asked if they're interested in going back next year, the answer was a resounding YES without hesitation. This camp is a must-do for any and all Catholic families in the area. It's top-notch." -Camper Parent
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2021 into 2022 testimonials
Text from a mom December 2021:
Isaac says, “At school, we are learning about gratitude and I had to choose a person or group of people who has influenced my life, and I chose the counselors at St. Therese’s Camp.”
From a mom on her son's registration for Glory Bound 2021: St Therese's Camp has consistently been the most significant spiritual growing experience for our son every time he attends.
From a mom after Glory Bound 2021: Marie had a wonderful time at Glory Bound and we arrived safely back home about 2 hours ago. She is already talking about summer camp.
From another mom after Glory Bound 2021: The kids had a great time. Thanks for putting this on.
From a third mom after Glory Bound 2021:As soon as our son had gotten in the car he told me he had a great time and was glad he was able to do it this year. He loved the dancing, fireworks, and sledding.
From a fourth mom after Glory Bound 2021:My son said “I learned a lot from my counselor”.
Feedback from a mom after Glory Bound 2021:Context: I spoke with the mom halfway through the event and learned that the camper was reluctant to come to Glory Bound. I asked her to ask her camper what he thought of the experience after he got home, and she wrote back: “Miracle upon miracles! It turned out a winner! Jesus must have been involved. We even looked up info about summer camp.” Oh and if you put the “dance lessons event” on the summer camp activities- my boy may sign up! That was a hit for him. He really liked the lessons and that it was a vehicle to meet others one on one to dialog!
His world got a little bigger by attending Glory Bound. Thank your crew!
Mom's feedback after Glory Bound:
Thanks again for all the work to make Glory Bound happen. The girls had an awesome experience!!
Another mom's feedback after Glory Bound:
The kids all had a great time at camp! It sounds like they had a lot of great experiences and activities!
More mom feedback after Glory Bound:
James had a wonderful experience at Glory Bound! It was his first time attending the winter retreat and described such fun, interesting talks on going into battle with prayer and he came home with his heart on fire for Christ. Everything we hoped he could experience at camp! We are so grateful St. Therese's Camp exists!
Mom who registered her two children for summer camp 2022
My daughter loved it last year! I’m so grateful that something of this nature is available to the kids in Alaska. Both the kids are excited about attending! Thank you all for providing a wonderful opportunity for our Catholic kids! It was absolutely worth the drive [from interior Alaska]. In fact, we had friends that told us about the camp, so I drove all the kids (3) down and our friends picked the kids up. We’re glad to have found out about St. Therese’s Camp. We hope to send the kids as often as possible.
Mom who registered her two daughters for summer camp 2022
The girls are looking forward to it! Thanks for offering this amazing summer program to our kids!
SUMMER CAMP 2021 TESTIMONIALS
Text exchange with a mom January 2021:
Mom
The camp has been such a big part of their Catholic development. We are so grateful and blessed for all you do. Thank you.
Camp Director
We appreciate those kind words. Those are the kind of words that energize us to keep rockin’.
Mom
I hear it too from all our friends and families. You truly are bringing souls to Christ.
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February 2021
This week I sat in my living room with a number of teens, all who are striving (and struggling) to live out their faith in their life. My question for each of them this week was to think about a time that they had "felt" most loved by God. Each one of them knows that we are closest to God when we receive the Eucharist; but I challenged them to think of a time that they really FELT closest to the Lord.
As each kid went one after another, we all noticed a theme:
“On the lake at St Therese’s Camp"
"ALL of St Therese’s Camp"
"The Glory Bound retreat"
"Adoration at St. Therese’s Camp”
There were four kids there that have not had the opportunity to get to camp, and by the end of our discussion we had all decided EVERYONE needed to experience St. Therese’s Camp for themselves.
We had talked about how the camp is a special place-Holy Grounds that have been built on prayer. Here, there just must be a supernatural grace that comes with so much devout prayer at one place.
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Mom who registered her kids in March 2021
They are all so excited! Thank you for continuing to work so hard to provide a wonderful, faith filled experience for young people.
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A mom who registered her son in March 2021
He LOVES camp!
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A mom who registered her daughter in early April 2021
She is over-the-moon excited-already has her clothes packed! :)
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A mom who registered her daughter in early April 2021
My daughter began asking me to sign her up for the 2021 St. Therese's camp in December 2020! She had such a wonderful time that St. Therese's camp was at the top of her list of things to do after nearly a year of isolation and learning from home due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
While visiting with friends over Zoom, and thinking about "life after the pandemic," she mentioned how awesome St. Therese's camp is as she gets to attend daily Mass. My heart sang when I heard these words! I'm grateful to be able to send my daughter to camp this year with one her close friends. Knowing that they will be sharing their love of Jesus while growing in their faith this summer at St. Therese's Camp brings me great joy! Thank you for providing this faith-filled, fun experience for our children!
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From a mom in April 2021
Our children will be attending St. Therese's Camp for the first time this summer. We are all beyond excited and have heard excellent things from families on the Kenai about how camp has ignited their child's faith.
I felt called to reach out and express our gratitude.
Thank you for all the hard work you do. Currently, counter-culture living is the sole option for raising saints. You are providing opportunities for our children to grow closer to God and be surrounded by like peers. It is a wonder such a camp exists in these times.
As our children are hounded by messages rooted in lies, we are incredibly grateful for an experience that speaks truth, aligns with Catholic teaching and builds relationships with Jesus Christ, the beautiful sacraments and prayer. We are praying for you and all involved with camp.
From the same mom in August 2021
Dear St. Therese's Camp Staff,
Thank you for an incredible first experience at camp! Our children came home on fire with their faith after their time at St. Therese's Camp. At pickup, watching my two children dance amongst others alive with faith brought tears to my eyes. For the first two hours of our drive home, we heard about the Eucharistic Procession, Mass, Fr. Whitney, the blob, messy wars, biff, how much they adored their counselors and new friends.
Camp is transforming our experience as parents, raising children in the Catholic faith. I dearly wish I had an opportunity to attend a camp like this! Our son wanted to be a priest before attending and has added camp helper and camp counselor to his bucket list. Thank you for all your work so our children can grow in their faith. We have decided that our summers will forevermore be scheduled around when our children will be attending camp.
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A camper on the last day of camp
“I'm going to miss this camp”.
Another camper the day before the last day of camp
“I don't want to go home yet”.
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From a grandmother in July 2021
I don't know you, but I feel compelled to write this note of thanks. Two of my grandkids attended St Therese's camp a week ago.
Tears in my eyes as I pour over camp photos and the youtube video of Eucharistic processions, carrying the cross, Mass on a mountaintop, water fights, shaving cream skirmishes, archery, rock climbing, kayaking, canoeing, swimming... you do it all. Watching a priest in a cassock, cannonball into the lake & off a blob, reminded me of watching Holy Cross sisters in full habit, bomb down the alley hill behind the convent
on 'sleds' which were garbage can lids. It was a beautiful sight then and it's a beautiful sight today.
Thank you for capturing the 'ever ancient, ever new' joy and journey of Catholic life, and for imprinting it into every cell in these children's earthly bodies with unforgettable encounters of truth, goodness and beauty, as only summer camp can.
May God bless your labors, and long may you run.
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From a family of a new camper in July 2021
We asked our son if he was scared or upset anytime during his camp experience. Our son replied that he almost cried once when Grizzly said a personal prayer with him asking God and Jesus to watch over our son as he grew and give him strength and faith (his synopsis of the prayer), we were so moved by how Grizzly took the time with our son and really made a life long impression and memory with him. My husband and I also very appreciated the kindness that was bestowed to our son even though we aren't Catholic. He appreciated his time with the Priest during the confession time where the bottom line message was "Love Others". Thank You to everyone at your camp for
sharing your religion and beliefs (we are Bible believers and believers that Jesus is our Christ and salvation.). We chose to give St. Theresa's a chance because of family friends who send their children to camp. It was a huge blessing and we hope you will welcome our son back again. He also heard of a winter camp called Glory Bound that he would be interested in. Thank you again and God bless you all.
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GLORY BOUND 2020 TESTIMONIALS
Our son just got done chatting our ears off about camp, despite his exhaustion. It’s obvious this one was just as powerful as previous years, but since he’s getting older it’s in a more mature way. Thank you for jumping through all the hoops you did to make Glory Bound a reality. He grows closer to God all the time. We are blessed for opportunities like this to further his walk.
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Yay! Thank you so much for making all of this happen. You’re carrying a generation’s joys and sorrows there, soldiers of Christ! It’s like their boot camp. . . We really can’t express our gratitude properly. I loved hearing the kids’ stories on the ride home.
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The kids had a blast! Thank you so much!
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My kiddo came home and said “Father Mike’s Mass was so beautiful!” And then recounted the entire thing, along with highlights from OkieDokie’s talk!
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My son came home talking all about the boy's talks, the fancy dinner during high school week, the bonfire, fireworks, St Joseph talk, and on and on. It was a spiritually powerful week.
They had a blast! They all loved it.
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Your counselors so resonate with my daughter she chose one to be her confirmation sponsor. And she wasn’t sure she even wanted to be confirmed. Camp always reignites
the flame of faith for her. Thank you.
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The entire camping experience was great! My favorite part would be the talks and presentations.
What could we do better?-Nothing, this camp was perfect.
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What was great at this event?
The Mass, the Adoration, the talks from the counselors, the powerful spiritual women's night and men's night, the dinner put on by the guys, and the beautiful interactions with
everyone.
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What was great at this event?
Hanging out with old and new friends and the counselors were very supportive, nice, and just plain amazing. The spiritual connection while at the camp was very helpful and
fulfilling. Over all the camp was awesome and I would 100% go back for next year.
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What was great at this event?
Everything! 10/10 counselors and the whole vibe was so centered on God.
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Tell us anything else you want us to know: we want to know the good, the bad, the ugly, the beautiful:
YOU GUYS ARE AWESOME
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What was great at this event?
I liked the teachers, the fire was amazing, the lake was so fun to run on and slide, the food was delicious, it was so much fun to make new friends and see old ones as well, the
deserts were really good and I loved free time when we got to sled.
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What was great at this event?
My camper said the best experience for her at camp was the Saint skit along with all the skits. She really enjoyed the creativity of the fellow campers and the laughs. She walked
me through each Saint and how they portrayed themselves as campers.
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What was great at this event?
The interaction was much needed with other kids. He said their was a good balance between fun and teaching.
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Tell us anything else you want us to know: we want to know the good, the bad, the ugly, the beautiful:
He just couldn’t think of anything that could improve the time that he had at Glory Bound.
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From a mom on the day that registration for summer 2019 opened: "Thanks for keeping the spirit alive in my daughter!"
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Our kids have said one of the best things about camp is Eucharistic Adoration in the chapel.
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From a mom on Feb, 28, 2019 right after she registered her kids:
"They are PUMPED! Best week of the year! Camp experience is transformative."
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From a dad who registered his son for summer camp 2019:
Being connected to a Christian youth community is important. My wife and I both had strong Church summer camp programs. and we're both grateful for the camp's tireless work. We were just talking yesterday about how lucky we are to have St. Therese's as a resource in Catholic formation.
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A mom says: You asked, what was great... Phil says everything! The counselors were really nice, the food was good, and the Gaga Pit, Bif, and Granny’s Candies were all really fun!
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From a parent's view, I liked that he never mentioned that electronics were missed. ;-)
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summer 2019 high school week comment:
It's been adamantly decided that this high school week was the best ever. The talks were deep and powerful, they covered tough topics, my daughter said the girls needed to hear their talk about being worthy and my son said the boys needed to hear the talk about the male topics.
The counselors were incredible, the fun times were incredibly fun...Thank you SO MUCH for the high school week!!!!! My son actually shed a few real tears when he was prayed over.
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summer 2019 high school week comment:
My daughter had an amazing time at teen week.
I asked her her favorite thing and she said “everything”. I asked her what wasn’t her favorite thing and she said “nothing”.
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From a teacher at a local Christian school:
"At the start of the school year, in my theology classes, I ask students to write a spiritual autobiography describing the history of their relationship with God. I want you to know that several 8th and 9th grade girls have had transformative experiences at St. Therese’s Camp over the years - experiences that made their relationship with God personal and deep. Thank you for your ministry - know that it is bearing abundant fruit and giving both me and our students hearts full of hope!"
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1) What was great at camp summer 2019?
Everything! It all starts the week before with the anticipation and build up. From the packing of bags all the way through to the chatty drive home.... it is all so exciting! While I love the quiet house (because I work from home, summers can be tough), the kids love picking out a bunk and seeing which friends might happen to be there this year compared to the last. There seems to be a lot of control and supervision from the counselors, but to the kids it is different then school where they are required to be very structured and disciplined, the counselors extend some grace and freedom within the activities to really explore and ad-lib without feeling so micromanaged. They can really have fun with whatever activity they are doing, which is really nice for them. All the excitement is balanced well with quiet prayer time and meditation, which is equally fulfilling. The kids spend a lot of time reflecting and looking inward, which is hard to do in your day to day life. St. Therese's Camp has given my kids such an enriching experience.... we look forward to it every year!
2) What could we do better?
I haven't really heard much from the kids as far as what could be done to better the experience.... and as a parent I feel the same. It's hard not having contact with them so being able to see photos on facebook really helps.... especially if they are posted early in the week. I LOVE the end of camp video too.... it is a lot of work, but so appreciated.
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1) What was great at camp summer 2019?
My son says the counselors were great!!
2) What could we do better?
He says everything was great!!
3) Anything else you want to tell us.
He says please do it again!!
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What was great at camp summer 2019?
The counselors are very amazing, holy people! It was such a blessing to be able to talk to them, pray with them, and learn from them.
I enjoyed the new rifles, daily Mass, evening snack, adoration, religious sisters, crafts, swimming, messy wars, nap time, and the trip across the lake.
Anything else you want to tell us.
I think the high school week was a fantastic idea and I really enjoyed my time. Please continue doing it.
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Thank you and your team for making camp a place of love of our Lord, faith, and friendship. This was truly a much needed peaceful time away from all the chaos.
My favorite part about camp is picking my son up, because he's always excited to share all the experiences that he had with his friends and counselors. Now that he's a bit older we were able to have deeper conversation about his experience during Adoration. As well as how deep the faith and love of our Lord the patron saints of their cabins really had and how he can try to be like them, choosing to make the Lord the first and most important thing in his life.
These are his answers to your questions:
1) Who were your counselors, and what is your assessment of them?
Alto, Bop it, Ryder- they were very nice and fun throughout the whole week.
2) What was great at camp?
1.Adoration, 2. Daily Mass, 3. The Blob (in that order)
3) What could we do better?
I don't know, camp is really great the way it is.
4) Anything else you want to tell us.
I can't wait to finally be able to go to Glory Bound, this will be my first year going. I can't wait to come to camp next summer!
Thank you again!
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Feb. 23, 2018
This note was on the registration of a girl who has attended a few summers of camp, and registered
for 2018. The note is in response to the question "What do you want your child to get from camp?":
To have Good clean Christian fun, that it doesn’t take sin to have fun while at the same time learning of
Gods love for her. That God loves her always, unconditionally. I want her to learn ways to honor,
respect and offer praise to God. If this year is exactly the same as previous years, I know she will learn
all these things and more, things I can’t articulate or think of right now. Your camp is amazing, life
altering. I’m bummed this is her last year as a camper but encouraged she’s already talking of being a
camp helper!
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Friday, June 29, 2018
Dear Rudy and St Therese Camp Staff,
Thank You for providing a wonderful week of faith, fellowship and fun for our son and the campers
during the first week of camp!! He always tremendously enjoys his time at camp. He is greatly looking
forward to continuing his camp experience next summer as a helper!!
As a parent, I am thrilled and feel so blessed that he had the opportunity to grow in his faith at camp
with his friends (old and new) with the guidance of passionate dedicated staff.
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June 30, 2018
My daughter loved it. She LOVED the staff and all the activities!!
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June 30, 2018
Thanks again for all of your work for the youth of the church. My girls had a wonderful week and I’m
so thankful for this break in the summer for them to grow in their faith and create lasting friendships.
You will remain in my prayers as the summer goes on.
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July 1, 2018
They loved having Mass everyday as part of the schedule. They said the food was really good this year
also. Thank you to all the great counselors for another wonderful week at camp!
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From www.facebook.com/wlstc, July 27, 2018
5 star review
My oldest loves this camp! She especially loves to select the last week of summer to attend - says its
the best :) my favorite part- no electronics! It's hard for me to be out of contact with her all week but I
love the connections - real connections- she makes! Last year she came home and told me her favorite
part was Eucharistic adoration :) That's a pretty cool thing to hear from a teen!
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July 28, 2018
Good morning! It was so wonderful to hear the kids talk the whole way home about their amazing
week at camp!! Thank you for providing such a fun filled, spiritual strengthening, relationship building
week for these three! Thanks again for an unforgettable week!
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"I want to thank you for your part in putting on such an excellent camp. Our four very different children all have such enthusiastically glowing reports! It is impressive that you can run a program that satisfies such a variety of personalities and interests. We are also extremely pleased with the faithfully Catholic content. I have heard many positive comments in particular about Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament." -Camper Parent
"The best part of this place (camp) is the chapel." -Unsolicited comment from a 2016 Summer Camper
"Let the counselors know that neither one of my kids have taken off their necklace and bracelet they got from them. That's saying a lot, especially for my sentimental boy." -Camper Parent
"This is by far my favorite camp." -Unsolicited comment from a Summer 2016 Camper
"Our daughter had a fabulous time at camp last week, and we are so appreciative to everyone for providing a safe and comfortable experience for her first time at camp. Add to this the fact that she was surrounded by our faith all week, and we are thrilled to support and promote St. Therese's Camp." -Camper Parent
"My son had a wonderful time at camp!! He raved about his week at camp and shared with us about everything: the awesome counselors, the fun and engaging daily activities, the meals!, and the friendships. Thank you for overseeing a fabulous fun camp for the kids!!" -Camper Parent
"As a parent, I was so impressed with the counselors. The interactions that my kids relayed to me about their energy, joy, and teaching was really wonderful." -Camper Parent
"Staff at St. Therese's Camp-I wanted to take this time to tell you all how grateful we are for you. Thank you for spending an awesome two weeks with our son. You led him and inspired him by your example. He had such a wonderful time. He cried tears the entire way home because he didn't want to leave you all. It's truly impressive to me that in a week full of fun activities, when asked what his favorite parts were, he told his dad and I that it was confession and adoration. It makes my heart so happy that he was able to grow in his Catholic faith. We are also so grateful for the opportunity for him to attend twice. We look forward to sending several of our kids next summer. Keep up the great work. Thanks again and God bless." -Camper Parent
"I should add that my child has never done a stay-away camp, and we as parents and he as camper were nervous and excited. I was very happy that he didn’t have a single comment about being afraid or scared or couldn’t sleep. In fact, he said he slept through most nights. When I asked him about the food, he said it was like being at a resort the food was so good." -Camper Parent
"I am getting glimpses of camp from my son on and off. I have tried not to ask too many questions because I know he is not a talker, but I can say he had a very positive experience. I asked him if he was ready to go back, and he gave a 'YES!' He is telling his brothers little things like 'At St. Therese's camp we do ____ like this!' Whatever that thing may be. It's his personal experience. Like a person who visited Europe (or Africa) would say 'when I was in this country, I saw this...' I over heard my son telling his friend of his own thought (without being asked) 'I GOT to go to St. Therese's Camp this summer' and when asked what did you do there, he responded 'It was fun. We GOT to go to church there.' Like going to church was fun. I can say his attitude about going to mass has been better, and he is making the sign of the cross without being told to. OH! and for what it's worth, he was having a pretend battle with the neighborhood kids and before his side ran off, he took a knee and made the sign of the cross. We used to always have to tell him to cross himself." -Camper Parent
"St. Therese’s Camp was a fabulous experience for our son. When we heard there was going to be a camp, I was very interested on many levels. First, and foremost, it was a Catholic camp, which I knew would bring things to my son that he wouldn’t get in our busy lives, particularly understanding that unique camaraderie that comes with camp and experiencing spirituality in a setting that was not ‘church’ or faith formation class. Also, as my son’s first overnight camp experience (he was 9 going on 10 years), I knew it would be a safe environment that would curb some of his fears and mine. He came home with such a positive feeling, he asked if he could go back again – and he did, two weeks later. Of course, I wanted to know why he wanted to go back, and while he immediately said because it was fun, I could tell it was a different kind of fun. Sure, he really like the gaga pit and the messy tag, but as time went on, he would talk about things like adoration and closing circles and the counselors. He also said the food was so good, it was like being at a resort (really! And, we’ve never been to a resort). He could speak about things related to the Eucharist that I didn’t know he knew. My daughter was trying to think of the name of the ‘the thing that starts with an M’, and my son called out, 'You mean the monstrance?' To which I whipped around and asked him how he knew that, and he said (like, duh), 'we learned about it at camp with adoration.' I was amazed. Things that we tried to impress upon him at home or at church would never seep in like they did at camp. From a parent perspective, getting the facebook posts and photos of the kids at camp gave me and other boys’ moms from the neighborhood great peace to see our boys running around the camp or singing around the campfire or swimming and jumping on the blob in that truly camp-spirit setting. We look forward to next summer, and my daughter is more than excited with anticipation because she will be eight and old enough to go, too." -Camper Parent
"I really can't express to you what it means to me to see my daughter's eyes light up with the joy she found in the fellowship and community at camp. It's "her" experience where she found a relationship with others, grounded in Christ's love, that truly belongs to her - not just something Mom & Dad tell her she should do. As parents, we are their first teachers, but when they can carve out a little piece by themselves, it helps them to form their personal journey." -Camper Parent
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2021 into 2022 testimonials
Text from a mom December 2021:
Isaac says, “At school, we are learning about gratitude and I had to choose a person or group of people who has influenced my life, and I chose the counselors at St. Therese’s Camp.”
From a mom on her son's registration for Glory Bound 2021: St Therese's Camp has consistently been the most significant spiritual growing experience for our son every time he attends.
From a mom after Glory Bound 2021: Marie had a wonderful time at Glory Bound and we arrived safely back home about 2 hours ago. She is already talking about summer camp.
From another mom after Glory Bound 2021: The kids had a great time. Thanks for putting this on.
From a third mom after Glory Bound 2021:As soon as our son had gotten in the car he told me he had a great time and was glad he was able to do it this year. He loved the dancing, fireworks, and sledding.
From a fourth mom after Glory Bound 2021:My son said “I learned a lot from my counselor”.
Feedback from a mom after Glory Bound 2021:Context: I spoke with the mom halfway through the event and learned that the camper was reluctant to come to Glory Bound. I asked her to ask her camper what he thought of the experience after he got home, and she wrote back: “Miracle upon miracles! It turned out a winner! Jesus must have been involved. We even looked up info about summer camp.” Oh and if you put the “dance lessons event” on the summer camp activities- my boy may sign up! That was a hit for him. He really liked the lessons and that it was a vehicle to meet others one on one to dialog!
His world got a little bigger by attending Glory Bound. Thank your crew!
Mom's feedback after Glory Bound:
Thanks again for all the work to make Glory Bound happen. The girls had an awesome experience!!
Another mom's feedback after Glory Bound:
The kids all had a great time at camp! It sounds like they had a lot of great experiences and activities!
More mom feedback after Glory Bound:
James had a wonderful experience at Glory Bound! It was his first time attending the winter retreat and described such fun, interesting talks on going into battle with prayer and he came home with his heart on fire for Christ. Everything we hoped he could experience at camp! We are so grateful St. Therese's Camp exists!
Mom who registered her two children for summer camp 2022
My daughter loved it last year! I’m so grateful that something of this nature is available to the kids in Alaska. Both the kids are excited about attending! Thank you all for providing a wonderful opportunity for our Catholic kids! It was absolutely worth the drive [from interior Alaska]. In fact, we had friends that told us about the camp, so I drove all the kids (3) down and our friends picked the kids up. We’re glad to have found out about St. Therese’s Camp. We hope to send the kids as often as possible.
Mom who registered her two daughters for summer camp 2022
The girls are looking forward to it! Thanks for offering this amazing summer program to our kids!
SUMMER CAMP 2021 TESTIMONIALS
Text exchange with a mom January 2021:
Mom
The camp has been such a big part of their Catholic development. We are so grateful and blessed for all you do. Thank you.
Camp Director
We appreciate those kind words. Those are the kind of words that energize us to keep rockin’.
Mom
I hear it too from all our friends and families. You truly are bringing souls to Christ.
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February 2021
This week I sat in my living room with a number of teens, all who are striving (and struggling) to live out their faith in their life. My question for each of them this week was to think about a time that they had "felt" most loved by God. Each one of them knows that we are closest to God when we receive the Eucharist; but I challenged them to think of a time that they really FELT closest to the Lord.
As each kid went one after another, we all noticed a theme:
“On the lake at St Therese’s Camp"
"ALL of St Therese’s Camp"
"The Glory Bound retreat"
"Adoration at St. Therese’s Camp”
There were four kids there that have not had the opportunity to get to camp, and by the end of our discussion we had all decided EVERYONE needed to experience St. Therese’s Camp for themselves.
We had talked about how the camp is a special place-Holy Grounds that have been built on prayer. Here, there just must be a supernatural grace that comes with so much devout prayer at one place.
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Mom who registered her kids in March 2021
They are all so excited! Thank you for continuing to work so hard to provide a wonderful, faith filled experience for young people.
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A mom who registered her son in March 2021
He LOVES camp!
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A mom who registered her daughter in early April 2021
She is over-the-moon excited-already has her clothes packed! :)
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A mom who registered her daughter in early April 2021
My daughter began asking me to sign her up for the 2021 St. Therese's camp in December 2020! She had such a wonderful time that St. Therese's camp was at the top of her list of things to do after nearly a year of isolation and learning from home due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
While visiting with friends over Zoom, and thinking about "life after the pandemic," she mentioned how awesome St. Therese's camp is as she gets to attend daily Mass. My heart sang when I heard these words! I'm grateful to be able to send my daughter to camp this year with one her close friends. Knowing that they will be sharing their love of Jesus while growing in their faith this summer at St. Therese's Camp brings me great joy! Thank you for providing this faith-filled, fun experience for our children!
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From a mom in April 2021
Our children will be attending St. Therese's Camp for the first time this summer. We are all beyond excited and have heard excellent things from families on the Kenai about how camp has ignited their child's faith.
I felt called to reach out and express our gratitude.
Thank you for all the hard work you do. Currently, counter-culture living is the sole option for raising saints. You are providing opportunities for our children to grow closer to God and be surrounded by like peers. It is a wonder such a camp exists in these times.
As our children are hounded by messages rooted in lies, we are incredibly grateful for an experience that speaks truth, aligns with Catholic teaching and builds relationships with Jesus Christ, the beautiful sacraments and prayer. We are praying for you and all involved with camp.
From the same mom in August 2021
Dear St. Therese's Camp Staff,
Thank you for an incredible first experience at camp! Our children came home on fire with their faith after their time at St. Therese's Camp. At pickup, watching my two children dance amongst others alive with faith brought tears to my eyes. For the first two hours of our drive home, we heard about the Eucharistic Procession, Mass, Fr. Whitney, the blob, messy wars, biff, how much they adored their counselors and new friends.
Camp is transforming our experience as parents, raising children in the Catholic faith. I dearly wish I had an opportunity to attend a camp like this! Our son wanted to be a priest before attending and has added camp helper and camp counselor to his bucket list. Thank you for all your work so our children can grow in their faith. We have decided that our summers will forevermore be scheduled around when our children will be attending camp.
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A camper on the last day of camp
“I'm going to miss this camp”.
Another camper the day before the last day of camp
“I don't want to go home yet”.
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From a grandmother in July 2021
I don't know you, but I feel compelled to write this note of thanks. Two of my grandkids attended St Therese's camp a week ago.
Tears in my eyes as I pour over camp photos and the youtube video of Eucharistic processions, carrying the cross, Mass on a mountaintop, water fights, shaving cream skirmishes, archery, rock climbing, kayaking, canoeing, swimming... you do it all. Watching a priest in a cassock, cannonball into the lake & off a blob, reminded me of watching Holy Cross sisters in full habit, bomb down the alley hill behind the convent
on 'sleds' which were garbage can lids. It was a beautiful sight then and it's a beautiful sight today.
Thank you for capturing the 'ever ancient, ever new' joy and journey of Catholic life, and for imprinting it into every cell in these children's earthly bodies with unforgettable encounters of truth, goodness and beauty, as only summer camp can.
May God bless your labors, and long may you run.
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From a family of a new camper in July 2021
We asked our son if he was scared or upset anytime during his camp experience. Our son replied that he almost cried once when Grizzly said a personal prayer with him asking God and Jesus to watch over our son as he grew and give him strength and faith (his synopsis of the prayer), we were so moved by how Grizzly took the time with our son and really made a life long impression and memory with him. My husband and I also very appreciated the kindness that was bestowed to our son even though we aren't Catholic. He appreciated his time with the Priest during the confession time where the bottom line message was "Love Others". Thank You to everyone at your camp for
sharing your religion and beliefs (we are Bible believers and believers that Jesus is our Christ and salvation.). We chose to give St. Theresa's a chance because of family friends who send their children to camp. It was a huge blessing and we hope you will welcome our son back again. He also heard of a winter camp called Glory Bound that he would be interested in. Thank you again and God bless you all.
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GLORY BOUND 2020 TESTIMONIALS
Our son just got done chatting our ears off about camp, despite his exhaustion. It’s obvious this one was just as powerful as previous years, but since he’s getting older it’s in a more mature way. Thank you for jumping through all the hoops you did to make Glory Bound a reality. He grows closer to God all the time. We are blessed for opportunities like this to further his walk.
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Yay! Thank you so much for making all of this happen. You’re carrying a generation’s joys and sorrows there, soldiers of Christ! It’s like their boot camp. . . We really can’t express our gratitude properly. I loved hearing the kids’ stories on the ride home.
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The kids had a blast! Thank you so much!
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My kiddo came home and said “Father Mike’s Mass was so beautiful!” And then recounted the entire thing, along with highlights from OkieDokie’s talk!
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My son came home talking all about the boy's talks, the fancy dinner during high school week, the bonfire, fireworks, St Joseph talk, and on and on. It was a spiritually powerful week.
They had a blast! They all loved it.
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Your counselors so resonate with my daughter she chose one to be her confirmation sponsor. And she wasn’t sure she even wanted to be confirmed. Camp always reignites
the flame of faith for her. Thank you.
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The entire camping experience was great! My favorite part would be the talks and presentations.
What could we do better?-Nothing, this camp was perfect.
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What was great at this event?
The Mass, the Adoration, the talks from the counselors, the powerful spiritual women's night and men's night, the dinner put on by the guys, and the beautiful interactions with
everyone.
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What was great at this event?
Hanging out with old and new friends and the counselors were very supportive, nice, and just plain amazing. The spiritual connection while at the camp was very helpful and
fulfilling. Over all the camp was awesome and I would 100% go back for next year.
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What was great at this event?
Everything! 10/10 counselors and the whole vibe was so centered on God.
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Tell us anything else you want us to know: we want to know the good, the bad, the ugly, the beautiful:
YOU GUYS ARE AWESOME
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What was great at this event?
I liked the teachers, the fire was amazing, the lake was so fun to run on and slide, the food was delicious, it was so much fun to make new friends and see old ones as well, the
deserts were really good and I loved free time when we got to sled.
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What was great at this event?
My camper said the best experience for her at camp was the Saint skit along with all the skits. She really enjoyed the creativity of the fellow campers and the laughs. She walked
me through each Saint and how they portrayed themselves as campers.
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What was great at this event?
The interaction was much needed with other kids. He said their was a good balance between fun and teaching.
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Tell us anything else you want us to know: we want to know the good, the bad, the ugly, the beautiful:
He just couldn’t think of anything that could improve the time that he had at Glory Bound.
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From a mom on the day that registration for summer 2019 opened: "Thanks for keeping the spirit alive in my daughter!"
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Our kids have said one of the best things about camp is Eucharistic Adoration in the chapel.
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From a mom on Feb, 28, 2019 right after she registered her kids:
"They are PUMPED! Best week of the year! Camp experience is transformative."
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From a dad who registered his son for summer camp 2019:
Being connected to a Christian youth community is important. My wife and I both had strong Church summer camp programs. and we're both grateful for the camp's tireless work. We were just talking yesterday about how lucky we are to have St. Therese's as a resource in Catholic formation.
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A mom says: You asked, what was great... Phil says everything! The counselors were really nice, the food was good, and the Gaga Pit, Bif, and Granny’s Candies were all really fun!
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From a parent's view, I liked that he never mentioned that electronics were missed. ;-)
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summer 2019 high school week comment:
It's been adamantly decided that this high school week was the best ever. The talks were deep and powerful, they covered tough topics, my daughter said the girls needed to hear their talk about being worthy and my son said the boys needed to hear the talk about the male topics.
The counselors were incredible, the fun times were incredibly fun...Thank you SO MUCH for the high school week!!!!! My son actually shed a few real tears when he was prayed over.
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summer 2019 high school week comment:
My daughter had an amazing time at teen week.
I asked her her favorite thing and she said “everything”. I asked her what wasn’t her favorite thing and she said “nothing”.
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From a teacher at a local Christian school:
"At the start of the school year, in my theology classes, I ask students to write a spiritual autobiography describing the history of their relationship with God. I want you to know that several 8th and 9th grade girls have had transformative experiences at St. Therese’s Camp over the years - experiences that made their relationship with God personal and deep. Thank you for your ministry - know that it is bearing abundant fruit and giving both me and our students hearts full of hope!"
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1) What was great at camp summer 2019?
Everything! It all starts the week before with the anticipation and build up. From the packing of bags all the way through to the chatty drive home.... it is all so exciting! While I love the quiet house (because I work from home, summers can be tough), the kids love picking out a bunk and seeing which friends might happen to be there this year compared to the last. There seems to be a lot of control and supervision from the counselors, but to the kids it is different then school where they are required to be very structured and disciplined, the counselors extend some grace and freedom within the activities to really explore and ad-lib without feeling so micromanaged. They can really have fun with whatever activity they are doing, which is really nice for them. All the excitement is balanced well with quiet prayer time and meditation, which is equally fulfilling. The kids spend a lot of time reflecting and looking inward, which is hard to do in your day to day life. St. Therese's Camp has given my kids such an enriching experience.... we look forward to it every year!
2) What could we do better?
I haven't really heard much from the kids as far as what could be done to better the experience.... and as a parent I feel the same. It's hard not having contact with them so being able to see photos on facebook really helps.... especially if they are posted early in the week. I LOVE the end of camp video too.... it is a lot of work, but so appreciated.
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1) What was great at camp summer 2019?
My son says the counselors were great!!
2) What could we do better?
He says everything was great!!
3) Anything else you want to tell us.
He says please do it again!!
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What was great at camp summer 2019?
The counselors are very amazing, holy people! It was such a blessing to be able to talk to them, pray with them, and learn from them.
I enjoyed the new rifles, daily Mass, evening snack, adoration, religious sisters, crafts, swimming, messy wars, nap time, and the trip across the lake.
Anything else you want to tell us.
I think the high school week was a fantastic idea and I really enjoyed my time. Please continue doing it.
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Thank you and your team for making camp a place of love of our Lord, faith, and friendship. This was truly a much needed peaceful time away from all the chaos.
My favorite part about camp is picking my son up, because he's always excited to share all the experiences that he had with his friends and counselors. Now that he's a bit older we were able to have deeper conversation about his experience during Adoration. As well as how deep the faith and love of our Lord the patron saints of their cabins really had and how he can try to be like them, choosing to make the Lord the first and most important thing in his life.
These are his answers to your questions:
1) Who were your counselors, and what is your assessment of them?
Alto, Bop it, Ryder- they were very nice and fun throughout the whole week.
2) What was great at camp?
1.Adoration, 2. Daily Mass, 3. The Blob (in that order)
3) What could we do better?
I don't know, camp is really great the way it is.
4) Anything else you want to tell us.
I can't wait to finally be able to go to Glory Bound, this will be my first year going. I can't wait to come to camp next summer!
Thank you again!
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Feb. 23, 2018
This note was on the registration of a girl who has attended a few summers of camp, and registered
for 2018. The note is in response to the question "What do you want your child to get from camp?":
To have Good clean Christian fun, that it doesn’t take sin to have fun while at the same time learning of
Gods love for her. That God loves her always, unconditionally. I want her to learn ways to honor,
respect and offer praise to God. If this year is exactly the same as previous years, I know she will learn
all these things and more, things I can’t articulate or think of right now. Your camp is amazing, life
altering. I’m bummed this is her last year as a camper but encouraged she’s already talking of being a
camp helper!
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Friday, June 29, 2018
Dear Rudy and St Therese Camp Staff,
Thank You for providing a wonderful week of faith, fellowship and fun for our son and the campers
during the first week of camp!! He always tremendously enjoys his time at camp. He is greatly looking
forward to continuing his camp experience next summer as a helper!!
As a parent, I am thrilled and feel so blessed that he had the opportunity to grow in his faith at camp
with his friends (old and new) with the guidance of passionate dedicated staff.
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June 30, 2018
My daughter loved it. She LOVED the staff and all the activities!!
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June 30, 2018
Thanks again for all of your work for the youth of the church. My girls had a wonderful week and I’m
so thankful for this break in the summer for them to grow in their faith and create lasting friendships.
You will remain in my prayers as the summer goes on.
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July 1, 2018
They loved having Mass everyday as part of the schedule. They said the food was really good this year
also. Thank you to all the great counselors for another wonderful week at camp!
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From www.facebook.com/wlstc, July 27, 2018
5 star review
My oldest loves this camp! She especially loves to select the last week of summer to attend - says its
the best :) my favorite part- no electronics! It's hard for me to be out of contact with her all week but I
love the connections - real connections- she makes! Last year she came home and told me her favorite
part was Eucharistic adoration :) That's a pretty cool thing to hear from a teen!
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July 28, 2018
Good morning! It was so wonderful to hear the kids talk the whole way home about their amazing
week at camp!! Thank you for providing such a fun filled, spiritual strengthening, relationship building
week for these three! Thanks again for an unforgettable week!
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"I want to thank you for your part in putting on such an excellent camp. Our four very different children all have such enthusiastically glowing reports! It is impressive that you can run a program that satisfies such a variety of personalities and interests. We are also extremely pleased with the faithfully Catholic content. I have heard many positive comments in particular about Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament." -Camper Parent
"The best part of this place (camp) is the chapel." -Unsolicited comment from a 2016 Summer Camper
"Let the counselors know that neither one of my kids have taken off their necklace and bracelet they got from them. That's saying a lot, especially for my sentimental boy." -Camper Parent
"This is by far my favorite camp." -Unsolicited comment from a Summer 2016 Camper
"Our daughter had a fabulous time at camp last week, and we are so appreciative to everyone for providing a safe and comfortable experience for her first time at camp. Add to this the fact that she was surrounded by our faith all week, and we are thrilled to support and promote St. Therese's Camp." -Camper Parent
"My son had a wonderful time at camp!! He raved about his week at camp and shared with us about everything: the awesome counselors, the fun and engaging daily activities, the meals!, and the friendships. Thank you for overseeing a fabulous fun camp for the kids!!" -Camper Parent
"As a parent, I was so impressed with the counselors. The interactions that my kids relayed to me about their energy, joy, and teaching was really wonderful." -Camper Parent
"Staff at St. Therese's Camp-I wanted to take this time to tell you all how grateful we are for you. Thank you for spending an awesome two weeks with our son. You led him and inspired him by your example. He had such a wonderful time. He cried tears the entire way home because he didn't want to leave you all. It's truly impressive to me that in a week full of fun activities, when asked what his favorite parts were, he told his dad and I that it was confession and adoration. It makes my heart so happy that he was able to grow in his Catholic faith. We are also so grateful for the opportunity for him to attend twice. We look forward to sending several of our kids next summer. Keep up the great work. Thanks again and God bless." -Camper Parent
"I should add that my child has never done a stay-away camp, and we as parents and he as camper were nervous and excited. I was very happy that he didn’t have a single comment about being afraid or scared or couldn’t sleep. In fact, he said he slept through most nights. When I asked him about the food, he said it was like being at a resort the food was so good." -Camper Parent
"I am getting glimpses of camp from my son on and off. I have tried not to ask too many questions because I know he is not a talker, but I can say he had a very positive experience. I asked him if he was ready to go back, and he gave a 'YES!' He is telling his brothers little things like 'At St. Therese's camp we do ____ like this!' Whatever that thing may be. It's his personal experience. Like a person who visited Europe (or Africa) would say 'when I was in this country, I saw this...' I over heard my son telling his friend of his own thought (without being asked) 'I GOT to go to St. Therese's Camp this summer' and when asked what did you do there, he responded 'It was fun. We GOT to go to church there.' Like going to church was fun. I can say his attitude about going to mass has been better, and he is making the sign of the cross without being told to. OH! and for what it's worth, he was having a pretend battle with the neighborhood kids and before his side ran off, he took a knee and made the sign of the cross. We used to always have to tell him to cross himself." -Camper Parent
"St. Therese’s Camp was a fabulous experience for our son. When we heard there was going to be a camp, I was very interested on many levels. First, and foremost, it was a Catholic camp, which I knew would bring things to my son that he wouldn’t get in our busy lives, particularly understanding that unique camaraderie that comes with camp and experiencing spirituality in a setting that was not ‘church’ or faith formation class. Also, as my son’s first overnight camp experience (he was 9 going on 10 years), I knew it would be a safe environment that would curb some of his fears and mine. He came home with such a positive feeling, he asked if he could go back again – and he did, two weeks later. Of course, I wanted to know why he wanted to go back, and while he immediately said because it was fun, I could tell it was a different kind of fun. Sure, he really like the gaga pit and the messy tag, but as time went on, he would talk about things like adoration and closing circles and the counselors. He also said the food was so good, it was like being at a resort (really! And, we’ve never been to a resort). He could speak about things related to the Eucharist that I didn’t know he knew. My daughter was trying to think of the name of the ‘the thing that starts with an M’, and my son called out, 'You mean the monstrance?' To which I whipped around and asked him how he knew that, and he said (like, duh), 'we learned about it at camp with adoration.' I was amazed. Things that we tried to impress upon him at home or at church would never seep in like they did at camp. From a parent perspective, getting the facebook posts and photos of the kids at camp gave me and other boys’ moms from the neighborhood great peace to see our boys running around the camp or singing around the campfire or swimming and jumping on the blob in that truly camp-spirit setting. We look forward to next summer, and my daughter is more than excited with anticipation because she will be eight and old enough to go, too." -Camper Parent
"I really can't express to you what it means to me to see my daughter's eyes light up with the joy she found in the fellowship and community at camp. It's "her" experience where she found a relationship with others, grounded in Christ's love, that truly belongs to her - not just something Mom & Dad tell her she should do. As parents, we are their first teachers, but when they can carve out a little piece by themselves, it helps them to form their personal journey." -Camper Parent