The annual Campout at the CEC was an incredible weekend filled with lots of faith, family,  fun, and friends! This year’s campout began with the Mass of the Assumption, celebrated by Fr. Andrew Linn. After Mass and dinner, campers moved to our campfire where Andre Lesperance led us in praise and worship music while many marshmallows were roasted and smiles were shared! 

The next morning provided time for visits to the farm animals and a family rosary. Fr. Jacob Strand gave a catechetical talk and kids had the opportunity to play large group games. Throughout the morning there was an opportunity for families to drop by the blacksmith to learn the art of forging and shaping metal. Tim Burrus and Al Steinberg, two volunteer astronomers, came out and set up solar scopes- special telescopes with protective lenses, so campers could safely gaze at the sun and even see some sunspots! 

While the early afternoon blest us with some showers, there were some great indoor programs including a talk by author Emily Koczela about her amazing series Very Young Catholics and a program all about monarch butterflies and their amazing migration!

All of that fun was sure to work up an appetite, and there was plenty of food to go around at the barbeque on Saturday evening! Brats, hamburgers, potato salad, and many other summertime staples were munched on and enjoyed as people gathered together at JPII Hall.

After supper, people headed to our Holy Family Chapel for spiritual nourishment through confession and adoration led by Fr. Michael Joseph. It was humbling to see young and old alike gathered in such peace and reverence, connecting with our Lord in this intimate way. The night continued with more fun by the campfire as the sun set and night sounds surrounded us.

The campout concluded on Sunday with Mass in the Holy Family Chapel. Fr. Michael Malucha joined us as the celebrant, and we were graced with many great altar servers, musicians, and singers! 

The campout was a weekend jam packed with blessings- we are so thankful for the many priests, musicians, cooks, volunteers, sponsors and loving hearts who pitched in and participated to make it such a joyful, fabulous time! We are blessed to have such an incredible community of amazing people- it was truly a time to rejoice in the goodness of God, others, and the natural world around us!