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    Hosting Summer Camp and COVID-19

    “If you build it, they will come.” 

    ​This quote has been resonating in my thoughts for weeks now as we prepared to have campers back on the property. Camp has been shut down since mid-March. Camp staff have been working from home trying to create content that would help us stay connected with you, our extended camp family and plan for camp's future. 

    In my house, our “new normal” was as follows: wake up; get our baby, Taylor, up and fed; work for a bit while my wife herds and corrals our daughter; switch roles so my wife can get some work done; have lunch; more corralling and herding; have dinner; take a walk; get Taylor to bed; get ourselves to sleep; and repeat. Oh, I forgot Zoom meetings - plenty of those to go around!

    For almost three months, this was our life and likely yours as well. Then, almost overnight, we were back in the office working on a strategy to opne camp for as much of the summer as possible. The decision wasn't one we made lightly. The admin team met for a day and had meanigful in-depth discussion about the possibilities, drawbacks, challenges, and fears. Out of a deep desire to continue our mission, we decided that we were going to put in the hard work necessary to reform our “typical” summer camp. Our work became developing programs and practices to open safely.  We reimagined our summer routine, developed new guidelines for our activity areas, rethought our food service operations, changed our cabin procedures, and so much more. 

    Our mission is to get young people (and the young at heart!) into the outdoors and develop their confidence, heart, and spirit. It is out of a desire to carry out this mission that inspired us to build a new kind of summer. These last few months have been unlike any other time in history. Therefore, I believe people are ready to get out of their houses and into the outdoors. They are weary from online school work and zoom meetings and ready to see nature, hear the wind in the trees, and feel refreshed. We, too, are ready to come together as a community and share in the beauty of nature - while remaining a safe distance of course!

    We have built it, come check us out!

    Tom Gattuso
    Program Director
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    The Benefits of Being Silly

    I distinctly remember donning a wild costume dug out of Cabin F, bursting out of the Canteen door to parade across the pavilion all while doing a goofy dance, to a crowd of smiling and overjoyed faces. To then run away into the woods only to be chased by, and chase children who were gathering the most precious of material...foam blocks. We were hot, sweaty, often covered in dirt, bug spray, sunscreen, and creek paint, yet it was the most marvelous time of my life.
    One of the most important features of the camp setting is the willingness of everyone to let go of the expectations from the outside world and just be silly. There is an openness of heart and mind that sets us apart, and allows us to create the magic that is a visit to camp.  There is something powerful in the simple joy of allowing yourself to be silly and live fully in the moment. That is what camp is all about!
    But can the silliness we develop and enjoy here in the “camp bubble” have benefits outside of this space? Can it really help or be an asset to us in “real life”? My answer is ABSOLUTELY! 

    Laughter, Comfort, and Joy
    Laughter is just uncontainable joy that has to come out! Being silly helps kids and adults alike to feel the simple joy of life. Think back to the last true belly laugh you experienced, the feeling that it emotes from us is incredible.  As adults, it is so important for us to role model for children to show them how joyous and happy life can be.

    Destressing
    Having the ability to cut down on our stress levels is incredibly important for both
    adults and children especially in today’s fast paced world.  Being silly and having a light hearted attitude helps us to cope with stress, and be able to laugh at ourselves and break our habits of taking ourselves too seriously.  There is always a time and place to buckle down and get the job done, but we must find those outlets to release that pressure in a positive way especially when the observant eyes of children are upon us.  
    Building that Bond
    One huge aspect of camp is the development of positive relationships between campers and counselors. The light hearted playful approach is a huge guiding principle in our approach to the camper centered atmosphere we create.  It is all about the kids! Getting on their level, and experiencing things through their eyes allows us to grow in relationship and provide an experience that is unlike any other! This approach is a fantastic way to connect with, and grow the relationship with the children in our own lives. Whether you are a parent, relative, teacher, coach, or a trusted adult it is in the building of those loving relationships that provides children with a safe place to come and the knowledge that they are loved and supported. Getting down and entering into their world, opens the door and allows that loving bond to grow. 
    Creativity
    Learning to be silly allows you to open your mind to creativity!  The fear of peer pressure and expectation can put a muzzle on creativity.  Modeling for children ways to think creatively and outside the box allows them to be more open, and better problem solvers.  That sense of creativity can open unexpected doors and opportunities that make life richer and add excitement!
    Our Role Model
    There is no better example of the benefits of silliness and playfulness in working with children than St. John Bosco. He believed deeply in reaching children, most had been deemed unreachable, though a sense of playfulness. He did magic tricks, told jokes, and interacted with children in a way that no one else would.  He responded to the need he saw before him, by getting down on the level of these children to draw them closer to God. He showed that he was truly present for them, showing that he was there with them, and that they were exceedingly important. He said “ It is not enough to live the young; they must know that they are loved.” And what better way can we show our love for the young people in our lives than to break from our “adulting” and truly engage in their world for a while. 
    So today don’t be afraid to take a break and just be a little silly! 
    Larissa Hurm
    Assistant Program Director

        

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    A Different Kind of Summer

    ​Summer 1978, I was ten years old and for the first time I attended summer camp at CYO Camp Rancho Framasa and from that time forward, it has been an essential part of my life. I barely remember summers without camp. From camper, to staff member, to co-director, the essence of summer camp has been the foundation of how I experience summer. In addition, it has been a significant contributor to who I am as a person and I know I am not alone when I share the sentiment that a summer without camp is just not summer.

    However, the priority this summer has shifted and it has become the collective physical health of our communities and that changes everything about how we can interact, live, eat, play, and socialize at camp. For me, it is important to not get stuck in what summer will not be but rather focus on what summer can be and the exciting opportunity that we each have to create a little bit of summer camp magic for ourselves. So, yes, we will sacrifice a typical summer camp experience this summer and while we cannot replace its inherent camp-ness, I believe we can create some camp in our everyday lives.  

    Before we get to that, let me say…some activities will be happening on camp property this summer. In June, we will be making improvements to our facility and will be doing A LOT of cleaning as we prepare for some unique programs in July. We are wild with our brainstorming efforts and will be sharing those opportunities soon. We cannot wait!

    In the meantime, we will continue to provide some camp joy for all ages via the internet. This is where you will find some inspiration to make your very own camp like experiences. At the very least we are sure that many of our posts will bring you a smile BUT will also bring you some ideas on how to explore your faith, explore outside, help others, and to always, always, always HAVE FUN! (because that is exactly what we do at camp).

     Here are some ways to create some camp at home--
    1. Check out our virtual fun to help you get going...we post daily on Facebook and Instagram. Our weekly themes beginning, today, June 1: 
    • Superheroes of Faith
    • Get Moving
    • Fantasy
    • Disney
    • Amazing Race
     You can expect:
    • Monday: Make it Monday 
    • Tuesday: Stewards of the Earth 
    • Wednesday: Games 
    • Thursday: Outside Discovery 
    • Friday: Faith Friday 
    ​​
    2.  Join us for morning faith reflections on Tuesdays and Thursdays (also on Facebook & Instagram).

    3. Read our blog posts. They come out every other Monday and you can subscribe on our blog page:  https://www.campranchoframasa.org/blog

    Summer 2020 is not how any of us at camp have imagined it to be nor would we choose it to be this way. We would much rather be welcoming in campers to live the experience that is summer camp at CYO Camp Rancho Framasa. But for now, we will do our best to provide a different kind of camp experience with our hearts and minds focused on the pieces of camp we can share.

    ​By the way, we also cannot wait until Summer Camp 2021! 

    Until we are together again,
    Angi K Sullivan
    CYO Camp Co-director

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    ​What’s Your Story?

    Throughout my faith journey I have come to recognize a reality: testimonies are powerful! One of the first testimonies I can remember hearing was during a retreat in Wisconsin when I was in high school. Interestingly enough, I often reflect on this experience and its format as I now create and plan retreats. It was the perfect mix of using what a camp has to offer by way of the outdoors and a powerful faith encounter. We had daily devotions, scripture readings and prayer as well as some survival type team building scenarios. The combination led to a powerful and dynamic faith and bonding experience.

    As part of the faith programming, we heard the testimony from a Christian speaker. I do not recall his name, but I do remember his message. It was an all too familiar Augustine style narrative. You know the ones I’m referring to - man was raised religious, decided to rebel, fell heavily into drugs, alcohol and promiscuity, hit rock bottom, had a life altering God moment, repented and is now speaking to others, cautioning of his woes.

    There are many of these types of stories out there, very dramatic and powerful conversion moments. It may sound like I am a little negative toward these, and that is semi-intentional. To be clear I am not against these types of stories - they are powerful narratives and stories that need to be told to demonstrate how powerful God is and how he can work and how everyone, regardless of previous actions, is offered forgiveness through Christ.

    The hint of negativity comes in when people who have not had these powerful, dramatic conversion moments begin to think, “Hmm, my story isn’t anything like that. Did I do something wrong? Is my life just too boring? Do I love God as much as they do?” This is a trap that I got to see firsthand as a youth minister. I remember having a conversation with an adult volunteer about giving his testimony. I knew the volunteer well and I knew his story, and it was exactly what I wanted. He, on the other hand, was not so sure. His response was something like, “You want me to give my testimony? Why? It’s not a very good one.” That was the moment I had this entire revelation. I responded with something like, “If God is in the story, it is a powerful one.”

    It was during this time that I decided I had a mission. I wanted to make sure that my volunteers and those I worked with knew that they have a powerful story, regardless of how they came to their faith. I know many who have had those powerful, dramatic stories, and they are great! So many people, especially young people, are tempted by innumerable different false promises the world has to offer and we need people who have been there to tell them it isn’t all it cracks up to be.
    However, I also know many people who grew up in their faith, never strayed and continue to this day. THAT IS A POWERFUL STORY!! It is often tempting to try and spice our stories up, but we don’t have to!

    First off, that is a powerful testament to not only that person for remaining faithful for so long, but also to their parents and families who have done such a great job of creating a family culture that fosters that kind of faith. Just to note, I am not saying this if children stray it is the fault of the parents. Sometimes you can provide the perfect atmosphere and culture and still people have free will and can choose a different direction regardless.

    Secondly, just as there are those young people out there who are being tempted to the not so great things in this world, there are also young people out there that are living a faith filled life and who, just like my volunteer, think that they may be doing something wrong. Questioning whether they should be trying to have these intense conversion moments. We need young people to be hearing stories from those who are just like them - living a faith filled life, but not necessarily having a big conversion moment.

    ​To wrap up, my point is, as long as your story has God in it, it is a powerful one! Personally, my story has a bit of both. It definitely is not crazy party goer turned saint (not that I am a saint, far from it!), but also not “cradle” Catholic continuing his journey. Everyone’s story, regardless of drama, is a powerful testament to the love, patience and devotion God has for all of us. There is no “boring” God story.
     
    Tom Gattuso
    Program Director
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    Be Kind

    Wow! Our lives may be moving slowly…yet our world and country are changing fast.  It is strange to look back at the past several weeks and see how truly different things are in this moment.
     We are all dealing with our own individual challenges during this time. Some are coping with the loss of financial security; some are dealing with a continued work schedule in an essential position and thank heaven for them.  Others are learning to slow down and enjoy spending time with our families, while some of us are facing the challenge of being separated from loved ones and families. Then, there are those of us who are just struggling to remember what day of the week it is.
              
    However, we seem to finally be reaching a point, where our national, state, and local governments are developing plans to ease us back into a “new normal.” Though this may be an uneasy time for all of us there is something we must all keep in mind, that we are all meeting this challenge from our own perspectives so be kind out there! A friend of mine recently posted the following, something I found to be a beautiful way of approaching this transitional period.
     
    🛑 Some people don’t agree with the state opening.... that’s okay. Be kind.
    🏡 Some people are still planning to stay home.... that’s okay. Be kind.
    🦠 Some are still scared of getting the virus and a second wave happening.... that’s okay. Be kind.
    💰 Some are sighing with relief to go back to work knowing they may not lose their business or their homes.... that’s okay. Be kind.
    👩🏾‍⚕️Some are thankful they can finally have a surgery they have put off.... that’s okay. Be kind.
    📝 Some will be able to attend interviews after weeks without a job.... that’s okay. Be kind.
    😷 Some will wear masks for weeks.... that’s okay. Be kind.
    💅🏻 Some people will rush out to get the hair or nails done.... that’s okay. Be kind.
    ❤️ The point is, everyone has different viewpoints/feelings and that’s okay. Be kind.
    We each have a different story. If you need to stay home, stay home. But be kind.
    If you need to go out, be respectful others when in public and be kind!

    Don’t judge fellow humans because you’re not in their story. We all are in different mental states than we were months ago. So remember, be kind.
    Kindness is contagious too. ❤
     
    I am reminded of a quote from the book Wonder by R.J. Palacio “When given the choice between being right or being kind, choose kind.” I believe that is a statement to live by during all of the upheaval we are enduring.  We may not be able to change the minds of others, or get them to see things our way, but we can be kind, respectful, and accept that this is going to be a challenge for all of us. It is our choice to treat others with kindness, to reserve judgement, and to move forward with an attitude of gratitude and positivity. 

    Larissa Hurm
    Assistant Program Director
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    Grounding in Place

    ​As the shelter in place order remains in place, I find myself more often focused on the “what will happen next?” Will we or won’t we be open in time for summer camp? I tell myself the same thing I tell anyone who asks, “At this time we just don’t know”. We are doing all we can to stay on the path of opening in some way but truly only time will tell. This uncertainty is certainly challenging to abide, but finding ways to ground myself in the present moment has been helpful. 

    I find steady footing in what I am choosing to work on, read, watch, and listen to. Before the “shelter in place”, I started reading “The Book of Awakening” by Mark Nepo. It is one of those books that gives you a nugget of inspiration to carry with you throughout the day as each section has a quote and a 5- 6 paragraph reflection followed by points to ponder. Some of these readings land better than others, and while this book was written well before the pandemic I am finding that some apply very well to this situation. This past week produced two golden readings.

    April 21: “Another name for God is surprise.” ---Brother David Steindel-Rast
    The author speaks to the idea that we do not always embrace the obstacles in our lives as a way to grow as humans or in our understanding of God and the great mystery of life. He gives several examples of how tragedy often gives birth to some new and wonderful thing. He calls this God’s surprise and finishes with “For God is seldom in our plans, but always in the unexpected.”

    Of course, this pandemic was not expected and it is challenging for many and if any one of us could take away the suffering and dying we would but that may not be our work. Our work may be to see God in the mystery of it and to “develop strength in our spirit” as we dive deeper into the human experience.

    And April 22: “If you can’t see what you are looking for, see what is there.” Mark Nepo
    In this passage the author reflects on his experience with cancer treatment. He is in the midst of the struggle and asks himself, “Where is God?” and from somewhere even he cannot identify it comes to him, “Here... right now.” He goes on to say that the presence of God is not eliminated during difficult times; he is always there. Abundance is always there. In all situations, we have everything we need if we just lean into His presence.

    Yes, these truths are grounding and his book has steadied me in this uncertain time, but that is not all. 

    Doing my job as Camp Co-Director has also been quite satisfying, reassuring and grounding. Even with the uncertainty in camp life right now, knowing that the camp family is out there reading about, thinking about, engaging with, cheering us on, and praying for camp is life giving. I am hopeful that people like what we are posting and stay tuned for whatever happens next. 

    The goal is to open, to enjoy summer camp, to sing at the top of my lungs while waiting in line for my lunch, and to welcome the camp family back to this place of faith, love and community. In the meantime, faith is a great place to stand with both feet planted in the present, trusting God to hold us steady as the “what will happen next” unfolds. 

    Angi Sullivan
    Camp Co-Director