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

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

​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

Something New
CYO Camp Rancho Framasa has long been in the business of getting people outside. Well, it is not as much of a business model as it is part of the mission. The research is staggering that being outside does a human a world of good. Back in the nineties we started camp’s first outdoor education programming. It has evolved through the years and most recently, until a year ago, the structure mimicked what you might see in a classroom… a teaching, sharing facts, something to read and something to write…only all this was happening outside at camp.
What changed in this last year? Two of our staff members received a grant to attend a BEETLES’ training. With a little bit of knowledge and a whole lot of eager to learn they attended a weeklong institute to learn how to teach in the outdoors differently. We fondly refer to this as Beetle—izing the curriculum.

What is BEETLES?

From their website:

BEETLES is Better Environmental Education, Teaching, Learning & Expertise Sharing
 BEETLES has the following beliefs, ideas, and values:

• All students deserve consistent opportunities to develop environmental literacy and build meaningful connections to nature by participating in educational programs, spending time in wild spaces, and connecting to the natural places within their own communities.
• Outdoor science learning can and does occur in a broad range of environment-rich contexts, including, but not limited to: environmental education; environmental justice; social and emotional learning; nutrition, health, and wellness education; transportation initiatives; food justice; and clean water and air rights.
• Outdoor science programs are powerful, often transformative experiences for students.
• By “thinking like a scientist,” students are empowered to use tools and practices of science to explore, wonder, connect to, and think about nature wherever there’s a patch of green in their world.
• There is potential to increase the quality and impact of outdoor science education.
• Outdoor science instructors and program leaders deserve resources designed specifically for the work they do, to help them be deliberate, reflective, and effective educators and leaders.

 
AND
 
We use best practices in science education to inspire wonder and curiosity about the natural world.
BEETLES resources are built around five primary design principles.
Engage Directly with Nature
Think Like a Scientist
Learn through Discussions
Experience Instruction Based on How People Learn
Participate in inclusive, equitable, and culturally relevant learning environments
 
We see BEETLES as a perfect fit for us and our participants. The goal is to get kids excited and build confidence around science learning and what better way is there than experiencing in it firsthand at CYO CAMP?
 
So, we have been stepping into the BEETLES model of outdoor teaching and it works! If you are planning a trip to camp either summer or school year you may notice this change and we think you will like it.
 
Here is what one group had to say about their BEETLES experience after being at CYO Camp:
 
“I loved climbing up the hill and building a fire. I loved the bones of the different animals. Skipping stones and painting faces with the rocks was educational. We were able to tie so much of this to Indiana history and the way of life with the Indians.”
 
“I loved the freedom of just letting the kids run and explore... They had a blast on the slide and just running in the woods.”
 
“I feel like the entire experience was magical to these children. Many have never been in the woods before or gone hiking so the joy to be in such a space was a gift for me to experience.”
 
Interested in knowing more? Click the Beetles link:  http://beetlesproject.org/about/  and/or sign a group up for camp!
 
Peace,
Angi K. Sullivan
Camp Co-Director
 
 

Over Thanksgiving break, my family went to the movies.  My mom particularly wanted to see the new movie about Mr. Rogers, A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood.  I watched Mr. Rogers growing up, and had heard bits and pieces about his kindness and gentleness, but I really didn’t know a lot about him before I went to the movie.  I’m sure you’re wondering why I am writing about this movie that came out over two months ago now, but it just keeps popping up into head when I think about camp. 

I won’t go too much into the plot if you’re still wanting to see it without any kind of frontloading, but I was struck with how Mr. Rogers interacted with two types of people: first, how he talked to children, and second, how he talked to strangers.   What became more clear as the movie went on is that Mr. Rogers is a great role model for camp counselors and camp staff in general.
When Mr. Rogers spoke to children, he never talked down to them.  He often would find a way to literally and figuratively be at the child’s level, and would make a point to find something to help them connect to what he said.  I also realize now just how much I loved learning about different jobs and processes on his show because he was so excited to learn about them himself.  That kind of modeling was incredibly impactful, and I still distinctly remember how crayons are made because of him.

When Mr. Rogers spoke to strangers, he made them feel welcomed and included immediately.  In the movie, one of the adult characters pushes back against Mr. Rogers’ friendliness, and Mr. Rogers never responds with frustration or walks away, he responds with patience and calm.  Slowly, we see this stranger open up over the course of the movie, and we see Mr. Rogers make a point to turn his full attention to this person in need.
Not only does Mr. Rogers make everyone feel loved and included, the movie also shows how he still takes care of himself, even in the midst of holding the love and pain of so many others.  He releases frustration through playing the piano, he swims every single day, he found that a vegetarian lifestyle was healthiest for him.  Even as Mr. Rogers went above and beyond to care for others, he also made a point to care for himself.

Finally, I noticed over and over throughout the movie just how much Mr. Rogers was an example of Jesus.  He was an ordained Presbyterian minister, but Mr. Rogers didn’t show his faith by preaching Scripture or instructing people how to pray.  He showed his Christian example by withholding judgment, by finding the good in everyone that he met, by approaching each day and interaction with joy and kindness, and by doing his best to make the world a better place for children, which makes the world a better place for all of us.

Lauren Owen
Assistant Camp Director