Though they grew up in neighboring Iron Range towns — Jeff in Chisholm and Nicole in Virginia — they hadn’t met until that summer, when both served as counselors. Jeff had just graduated from high school and returned to camp as a musician. Nicole, a junior counselor and lifeguard, was preparing for her senior year. They didn’t know each other before camp, but the connection they made that week would become a lifelong one — eventually leading to marriage and three children.

They both returned to Camp Survive the following year as counselors, excited to serve again. Jeff reflects on how camp helped shape his transition into adulthood — learning to make decisions, live out Catholic social teachings and serve others. Nicole agrees, saying that being surrounded by peers who lived their faith openly was powerful and inspiring. She encourages anyone considering Camp Survive to go with an open heart, because “even if you already have a strong prayer life, seeing others your age worship and pray is deeply moving.”

Now, two decades later, their oldest son attended Camp Survive for the first time. Jeff laughed, “Be careful — you never know!” For their family, camp is sacred ground — a place where faith and love took root.

Nicole and Jeff’s story is just one of many. Nolan, a ninth-grade prayer team member, describes camp as “one of the best places in the world.” Though he was the only one from his parish attending, he found deep spiritual connection through daily adoration, rosary walks and the Liturgy of the Hours. “Even though I was alone from my parish, it was still the best year of camp for me,” he says. “I’ll definitely be applying next year as a junior counselor!”

Leonard, a grade 6-8 camper, shares a powerful testimony of encountering God during adoration. “My first year, I was doubting God’s existence,” he admits. “But during adoration, I started crying so hard. Father Mike Schmitz said that crying is one way the Holy Spirit enters you. Since then, I’ve been praying and praising the Lord.” His second year brought even deeper spiritual experiences, affirming his faith and connection to Christ.

Camp Survive continues to be a place where young people encounter Christ, build lasting friendships, and discover their purpose. Whether through music, prayer, service or laughter, the camp offers a transformative experience that stays with them long after the summer ends.

Through the generous support of The Ministries Appeal, programs like Camp Survive thrive — giving young Catholics a space to grow in faith and community. For Nicole, Jeff, Nolan, Leonard and countless others, Camp Survive isn’t just a week — it’s a beginning.