Catholic Kids Camp Goes Tracking With Mary

Over 100 children and 68 families enjoyed “Tracking with Mary”, this summer’s week-long Catholic Kids Camp, held June 19-23 at Nativity of Our Lord. The Blessed Virgin Mary’s appearances around the world helped the children (K-6th Grade) focus on the ways Mary always points us to the love of her Son, Jesus.

The week included creative crafts, upbeat music, tasty snacks, and exciting games, as the children learned about how our Blessed Mother eternally points us to her son Jesus. Campers generously donated 161 pounds of food for the Keystone Food Shelf. On Friday, the children attended morning Mass with their families, followed by a program of music and prayer, and a reception in Steiner Hall.

Many thanks go out to this year’s chairs, Susan Neuville and Jen Rolfes (pictured above) and their host of parent and high school volunteers who made the week such a fun, exciting, and great opportunity to grow in our Catholic Faith.

We are grateful for the support of all the parish and school staff members in helping make this program a success. Special thanks to our committee chairs: Kailey Buse, Jill Dobie, Mary Eckberg, Betsy Johnson, Sarah Kang, Sue Michel, John Neuville, Joe Rolfes, Therese Steinhoff, Kate Wenger.

Special mention goes out to four of our Nativity teachers: Kackie Dankbar, Lauren Kasten, Chris O’Brien and Katelyn Scanlan who blessed us with their teaching skills. Honorable mention also goes out to our summer seminarian, Joe Connelly (2nd Year Theology, pictured above), our Train Conductor/Master of Ceremonies.

And last but not least, thanks to our Parochial Vicar Father John Powers and Faith Formation Director Randy Mueller, who along with Mr. Connelly joyfully led the campers in assembly, daily prayer, and Eucharistic Adoration.

This camp would not be possible without the gracious help of over 20 parent volunteers and 17 enthusiastic teen volunteers who make it an unforgettable week for the kids!

This article was published in the July 2 parish bulletin.