Deer Camp offered youth opportunity to "re-connect" with God

As children and teenagers arrived at the Corpus Christi Cathedral on July 20, they came with backpacks, snacks, sun block and their Bibles. One hundred eleven youth ranging from 7-years to 16-years of age checked in to attend the 11th Annual "Diocese of Corpus Christi Week" at Deer Creek Camp in Medina, Texas.

"Diocese of Corpus Christi Week" provides children and teens with an "outlet" to "disconnect" with today’s technology, busy schedules and other distractions. Participants "re-connect with God and the beauty of God's creation-nature," said Jaime Reyna, director of the Office of Youth Ministry for the diocese.

Nearly half of the campers, 51, were "first timers." Campers represented 27 parishes in the Diocese of Corpus Christi.

Father Joseph Lopez, JCL, Vocation Director, and Sister Barbara Netek, IWBS, spent the week with the campers providing vocation awareness to them. Father Lopez heard confessions, celebrated Mass and led Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. He shared with parents, via Twitter, pictures of the children's energy and love for the Lord in Adoration. One picture showed all 111 campers in silent prayer adoring Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.

Many campers participated in swimming, sports, arts and crafts, games, zip line, rock wall climbing, canoeing, praise and worship, Bible study, Mass, reconciliation and Adoration during the week, which ran July 20-2.

Sister Barbara said that she loved the opportunity to visit the campsite as it used to be the old "Camp Corpus Christi" where she used to be the camp director under Bishop Rene Gracida.

Even though the cost of the camp can appear high for some families, it is almost $300 cheaper than other camps for that many days and the number of activities provided, Reyna said. The Office of Youth Ministry opens pre-registrations in October for families who would like to make monthly payments to secure their child’s seats and not hurt their pockets all at one-time.

"On Oct. 12, we will have a reunion and open enrollment for families who want to pre-register their children for the 2015 summer camp," Reyna said. "For more information or if you want to see what this camp is all about, please contact the Office of Youth Ministry or come by and visit us at the open enrollment, which will be held at St. Joseph’s Hall in the Cathedral on Oct. 12 from 2-4."