Do Catholic Outdoor/Wilderness Camps and Experiences Help?

[JamalChristophr]

Can these Catholic Outdoor and Wilderness Adventures really impact a young person’s spiritual life in a meaningful and lasting way? Or are they just a fun experience basically that kids soon forget? I’m thinking of getting involved, but I want to make a real impact and not just be entertainment support.

Please list some good Catholic Wilderness/Outdoor experiences you know of.
(If that is allowed here…but my real question is the first, the second is very minor and secondary.)

Thanks!!!

 

[pianistclare]

YES.
Relational ministry…having experiences and personal interaction which illustrates and supports catechesis has a big impact.
The days of sitting in a classroom and listening to others read from a book are long gone.
We just had Card Board Campout this past weekend.
The kids slept on the ground on cardboard boxes, and we fed them very little:
hot tea, a couple of crackers, simple broth soups, plain bologna sandwiches. The simple fare that the homeless eat. They huddled around a bonfire and we taught them about the corporal works of mercy. They came indoors for a documentary about the hungry in the US before tucking into those boxes for the night. It rained. They did cleanup work on the grounds in the morning.
The results?

“I’ll never waste food again”.
“I just want to thank God for what my parents do and provide for me”.
“I have a new respect for my teachers in high school”
“I want to do something to help the needy this summer”
“I might consider a career in healthcare/nutrition to help combat hunger”.

And they left for home happy and thankful.

 

[JamalChristophr]

Kool!! Thanks Clare,

That is encouraging.