Middle school camp becomes a new summer tradition for diocesan youth
Campers participate in a small group activity at Shoshone Mountain Retreat in Wallace, Idaho on Aug. 17, 2022. (Inland Catholic Photo/Grant Whitty)
The Inland Northwest is one of the most incredible places to experience summer. It’s huckleberry and cherry season; there are countless lakes and rivers to jump into, and there is a farmer’s market every day of the week. In the last couple of years of the pandemic, the world has been reminded that the small traditions in life are some of the most extraordinary. Middle School Camp has now become one of these iconic summer traditions for over 80 of the youth in the diocese.
Last year was Middle School Camp’s inaugural summer. The first time for anything can always be met with challenges. However, fortitude was the virtue of choice last summer, as the camp was evacuated only two days into the week due to wildfire. Luckily, the camp hosts owned another camp property out of the way where programming could continue without skipping a beat.
With much excitement, the camp staff returned with a year of experience under their belt and a milder wildfire season. The camp was hosted Aug. 14-19 deep in the woods of the Idaho panhandle at Shoshone Mountain Retreat. Cell phones can’t find a connection out there, but deeper connections to Jesus and among new friends were apparent.
This summer’s theme was I Belong, emphasizing the kingly natures of God. Some camp staff members were occasionally donned in royal attire to play into the theme. Each day had a different theme where campers learned who Jesus is as King, what the Kingdom of God is, what it means to be a part of the Kingdom of God, and how to invite others into it.
Tied in with rope and harness, campers overcame nerves and fears with rock climbing, ziplining, and the giant swing. A staple of any summer camp experience: campers had no shortage of time swimming in the water, with Shoshone Creek and the Coeur d'Alene River flanking two sides of the camp. Some nights were spent singing songs around the campfire, while others nights saw games like glow-in-the-dark capture the flag.
One-third of the band Village Lights, Ricky Vazquez, stayed for the week to provide music for liturgies, lead worship for adoration, and could be found singing pop songs around the campfire. Frs. David Gaines, David Kuttner and Daniel Nevares, SJ spent time at camp celebrating Mass, hearing confessions, and spending time with the youth. Fr. Jerome Montez, OSB—a Benedictine monk who serves the Catholic community in Silver Valley, Idaho where the camp is located—also celebrated Mass with campers. Bishop Daly closed out the week with Mass last Friday.
Camp registration sold out within a week of its opening earlier this spring. Space at camp is limited. Be sure to look for registration to open in mid-April 2023.
