Wisconsin Summer Girls Camp

One hundred thirty girls from around the country descended upon rural Wisconsin last July for a week of formation, spirituality, and fun and games in a Catholic spirit of charity and competition.  The theme for this year’s camp was:  “Apparitions of our Lady Around the World.”  Divided into ten teams, each dedicated to our Blessed Mother under the title of one of her apparitions, the girls learnt more about their Marian apparition as they worked and played together. 

Each day began with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and opportunities for Confession.  Every evening saw the girls processing through the meadow’s paths while reciting the Holy Rosary.  The graces from these acts of worship filled the entire day, not only for the spiritual talks, but also during the competitions, games, skits, and musical performances.

Without doubt, the highlight of this year’s games, was the “elevated” flag wars, now including a secret map, and buried treasure.  The competition was fierce for who would be first to discover, and open, the treasure chest.  The competition only increased during the annual cooking contest.  The girls taxed their ingenuity and skill, as each team strived to capture the judges’ palates, and thereby first prize, with the tastiest and finest served three course dinner reflecting the national cuisine of their Patroness’ apparition.

The camp was brought to a close with a Solemn Mass celebrated in honor of the Immaculate Conception.  After the Mass, the girls saw the final acts of the camp in the awards announcements, and the official thank-you’s extended to all the Canons, clergy, mothers, counselors, and other volunteers who made the camp possible.  To judge by the sustained and energetic applause and cheers of the campers, they were extremely grateful for all the graces and benefits they had received during this fun and sanctifying week.

- Abbe Joseph Heppelle, seminarian