Summer camp – More than just a week of smores
By Sarah Dupre, ETC
It’s a week of memories that will last a lifetime. The Diocese of Beaumont Summer Camp is only a few months away, and it’s already time to register.
Smores, water balloons, fishing, swimming, hiking and arts and crafts are only a few things in store for campers. Not only will they have the time of their lives, they’ll also leave a little closer to their faith.
The campers aren’t the only ones that have fun. The counselors have a blast too.
“We make lasting friendships,” Frankie Driskill, second-year counselor, said.
Driskill fell in love with summer camp when she attended as a camper. Now she enjoys not only the fun of the activities but being a role model for the campers she leads.
Driskill said the fun begins the first day with naming the cabins and decorating, and it doesn’t stop until it’s time to go home. The week long event is filled with not only fun but with fellowship and prayer. Every morning the campers begin their day with a prayer service.
“It helps them become closer to Jesus,” Driskill said.
Garrett McNeely is a first-year Lamar University, Beaumont, student and will be enjoying his second year as a counselor this summer.
McNeely said it’s a great way to stay involved.
“We get to show students how to have a good time, and we try to introduce things into their lives like Bible verses,” he said.
McNeely said one of the best parts of camp is the faith-based daily themes, but his favorite part is the talent show.
“I love to see what the kids come up with,” he said.
McNeely and Driskill will be two of the many counselors at this year’s summer camp. There are still camp positions available.
It’s not too early to register as a camper either. The first session will be July 12-17 for fourth-sixth grades. The second session will be July 19-24 for seventh-ninth grades. Early registration ends May 31 with the cost of $160 per camper. The cost rises to $185 a camper after that date. Scholarship assistance is available.
For more information on positions or registration, contact the Office of Youth Ministry at (409) 924-4360 or email youth@dioceseofbmt.org. Applications will be accepted until positions are filled.
The Office of Youth Ministry is funded in part by the Catholic faithful of Southeast Texas through the Bishop’s Faith Appeal.
