Since its inception in 1990, Camp Survive has grown into the largest event organized by the diocesan Office of Youth Ministry. This summer, two sessions held between late July and early August welcomed nearly 300 campers who had recently completed sixth, seventh or eighth grade. Along with traditional camp activities such as waterfront games and outdoor recreation, participants encountered numerous opportunities for spiritual growth. Each day, campers prayed together, attended Mass, listened to presentations on the cardinal virtues by Father Mike Schmitz and missionary to Cambodia Nic Davidson and discussed these talks in small groups with other kids from across the diocese. 

Roughly 30 students in grades 10-12 volunteered each week as junior counselors, helping lead the campers through the various activities and facilitate the small groups alongside adult chaperones. Through their leadership, they offered the campers an example of faith while providing the camp’s characteristic energy. Another 25 grade 9 students formed the week’s prayer team, an isolated group who interceded for campers and counselors while receiving special formation in prayer from their chaplains, Father Jacob Tschida during week 1 and Father Charlie Friebohle during week 2. Between campers, junior counselors, prayer team, and adults, Camp Survive brought nearly 500 individuals together for a week of growing closer to one another and to Christ. 

For many of these attendees, Camp Survive affords them the opportunity to encounter Jesus in a profound way alongside other young people. One eighth grader summarized the experience perfectly by saying, “It’s a great way not only to grow in your faith but also to form friendships with young people from all over our diocese.” Through challenge courses, sharing cabins and waiting in the nine-square line together, participants form deep Christ-centered friendships. While camp cultivates these human relationships, it also invites those present to grow in their relationship with God. 

Beyond talks on this year’s theme of the cardinal virtues, campers were also exposed to various forms of prayer. The first session of each day was devoted to Lectio Divina, the practice of praying with Scripture. On the first night, participants prayed a meditative sung Divine Mercy Chaplet. The second night offered the opportunity to receive the sacrament of reconciliation from one of the roughly 25 diocesan priests who selflessly made the trip to McGregor to hear confessions. The final two nights of camp allowed campers face to face time with Jesus in Eucharistic adoration. 

After camp had ended, one mother emailed the diocesan youth ministry office to share that her 12-year-old son called adoration his favorite part of camp. Such a response at Camp Survive is not uncommon among campers, junior counselors and adult chaperones. Above Capture the Flag, the beach party and Tube Mania, participants frequently express that their favorite part of the week is spending time with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. 

Reflecting on his experience at Camp Survive over the years, a recent high school graduate who served as a junior counselor for the final time said, “Camp Survive has helped me grow in my faith by allowing me to meet people who share my love for God and by teaching me more about my faith. It showed me how I can live out my faith in everyday life.” Through attending this camp, he encountered Jesus in the sacraments and fostered friendships with people who will help him live out his faith — as so many other participants have done over the years. All of these experiences at Camp Survive offer the youth of our diocese the tools necessary to respond to St. Pier Giorgio Frassati’s challenge to go “Verso l’Alto!” to the heights of sanctity.  

"Camp Survive ... showed me how I can live out my faith in everyday life.”