Annual Summer Youth Choir Camp

For the 7th straight summer, children all across America, aided by the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest, filled the conventual church of the Ursuline Sisters in Mount St. Joseph, Kentucky with melodious streams. In the spirit of the Institute, each day of Choir Camp 2016 was centered around the altar with the celebration of the Holy Mass by Canon Andrew Todd, sung devotions in honor of the Sacred Heart, and a Rosary walk every evening to the convent cemetery. The solemn celebration of the liturgy would not have been possible without the hard work of the campers and the instruction of the faculty, led by Mr. Nicholas Botkins. In the classes and workshops, children of all skill levels were instructed in the execution of both Gregorian Chant and sacred polyphony, vocal technique and musicianship. They were also provided spiritual conferences and either basic or advanced Latin classes.

A busy and fruitful week of intense classes was balanced with many fun and interesting recreational activities. Abbé Alex Barga and Abbé Christian Juneau led the campers in kickball, capture the flag, volleyball, different forms of hide-and-seek and the camp favorite: extreme ninja dodgeball. All the campers were also able to create and act in funny and original skits and showcase their vocal and instrumental abilities in the annual talent show.  At the end of the week, the students performed a beautiful concert for the always gracious Sisters. This was a great opportunity to not only perform what they learned during the week, but to visit and converse with the Sisters.

On Friday, on the feast of St. Claire, a Sung Mass was celebrated to conclude the camp. Under the direction of Mr. Botkins, the children not only sang the Gregorian chant, but also polyphonic pieces by Dubois, Haydn, Fauré and Delibes.  The parents of the campers who were able to attend the Mass were impressed with the rich musical sound coming from the mouths of their children.  During the successful week, they increased their music skills in a Catholic setting and formed friendships that will last a lifetime. After the Mass, the children exchanged heartfelt goodbyes to their beloved counselors and friends, waiting in anticipation for next year’s choir camp.

– Abbe Alex Barge, oblate