Don Bosco Boys Camp

For part of his Christmas and birthday gifts, Aidan received the admission fee to attend a summer camp for boys sponsored by our Church. Being homeschooled, he's not accustomed to being around many boys other than his brothers, and we felt the experience would be great for him. Not quite sure what to expect, we sent off the application two weeks ago. While we haven't received confirmation of his admittance yet, they have cashed the check and I am now receiving emails with camp updates. From the camp information packet:

"The purpose of the camp is to provide an environment in which the boys are able to learn more about their Catholic Faith, in particular how to live it, and to help form natural virtue upon which supernatural virtue is built. These ends will be greatly aided by daily Mass and opportunities for confession and catechism.

All camp activities will be geared around this purpose. Discipline, responsibility, respect, leadership, fraternal charity, and Catholic cheerfulness will be main focuses of the camp. Our aim is that the boys will leave camp with greater love of these virtues and of their Catholic Faith. We hope to avoid making the practice of these virtues seem burdensome, but rather hope to instill in the boys a greater desire to practice them willingly and joyfully by showing their nobility and purpose."

I then came across this GoFundMe page for the camp, set up for boys who would like to attend but can't afford it. There is a video for the camp on the page, which gives a little idea what the camp will be like. Aidan got super excited when he saw it! You can watch it (and donate if you wish) by clicking the link below.

Don Bosco Boys Camp GoFundMe page and video.

I've asked some mothers in a Facebook group for our church what to expect, and I'm definitely excited for Aidan! It sounds intense...the kind of vacation I probably would've loved as a child. Camp runs from July 17-28. This year's theme is the martyrs! Aidan is already practicing his sit-ups and push-ups to prepare for the challenge.

Some activities I know they have:

• Daily Mass and confession
• Archery lessons    
• Swimming and/or lessons if needed
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Canoeing
• Basketball
• Baseball
• Capture the flag
• Campfires
• Plays/Skits
• Iron Man Competition
• Composition of a video detailing their camp stay

Incentive to prepare for camp has already inspired better behavior. While the thought of having my first-born away from home for 11 days has caused me some great anxiety, I truly hope this opportunity will inspire Aidan to try his best to be a good, selfless young man. Poor Aidan...when he has issues with his schoolwork now he gets to hear me repeat: "If you want it you have to fight for it, you have to BLEED for it!" and "You were not created for comfort, you were created for greatness." He has perfected the eye-roll.

Applications for camp can be requested by emailing donboscoboyscamp2016@gmail.com.