SEATTLE – With a heavy heart, Shaune Randles has announced the cancellation of 2020 CYO summer camps because of COVID-19.

Cada primavera, cientos de alumnos de quinto y sexto grado de aproximadamente 30 escuelas católicas participan de un campamento de CYO sobre educación ambiental en Camp Hamilton, Monroe (estas fotos son del año pasado en mayo). Con raíces en la enseñanza católica y en la encíclica del Papa Francisco ‘Laudato Si’, el programa invita a los alumnos a la observación científica mediante lecciones sobre temas como calidad de agua, bosques y vida silvestre. Cada lección comienza con una frase del Papa y plantea la pregunta: “Como católicos, ¿cómo se supone que debemos responder a esto?, manifestó Terri Schell, directora asistente para los campamentos CYO. La misión del programa, expresó, es “guiar a cada alumno a reconocer y responder al llamado de la Iglesia Católica de ser guardianes de la creación de Dios”.  

Los alumnos deben responder a la pregunta de cómo su fe católica les llama a cuidar la creación y a los demás. Photo: Stephen Brashear

Luego de un paseo nocturno, los alumnos cantan canciones, escuchan cuentos y participan de la oración de la noche alrededor de la fogata. Photo: Stephen Brashear

Los campistas cultivan, arrancan malezas, cosechan, degustan y aprenden acerca de prácticas sustentables en el jardín. Photo: Stephen Brashear

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Noroeste Católico – Abril 2020

Each spring, hundreds of fifth- and sixth-graders from about 30 Catholic schools attend three- and four-day Environmental Education camps at CYO Camp Hamilton in Monroe. (These photos are from last May.) Rooted in Catholic social teaching and Pope Francis’ encyclical letter Laudato Si’, the program engages students in scientific observation through lessons on subjects like water quality, forests and wildlife. Each lesson begins with a quote from the pope and poses the question, “As Catholics, how are we supposed to respond to this?” said Terri Schell, assistant director of CYO Camps. The program’s mission, she said, is “to guide each student in recognizing and responding to the Catholic Church’s call to be stewards of God’s creation.”

Students are asked to consider how their Catholic faith calls them to act in care of creation and others. Photo: Stephen Brashear

After a night hike, students sing songs, hear stories and participate in evening prayer around the campfire. Photo: Stephen Brashear

Campers plant, weed, harvest, taste and learn about sustainable practices in the garden. Photo: Stephen Brashear

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Northwest Catholic - April 2020

SEATTLE – More than 1,300 kids are already signed up for the unique experience of CYO summer camp, which blends Catholic faith and outdoor experiences.

Summer camp is a great opportunity to draw closer to our Lord

News and Events from the May 2014 issue of Northwest Catholic

Find more events on the Northwest Catholic calendar.