Also see a VIDEO
of 2007 camp. And, the same video in a higher
disk size version . (Both are here thanks
to Jennifer MacLeod.)
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Alabaré Summer Camp
Reflections from Camp 2008
From a 46 year old camper-
I had a chance to get closer to God because at home I don’t get the chance
to go to church because of work. I don’t get a chance to spend much
time with my family because of work but coming to camp gives me the chance
to spend time with my family as a family and spend time with God.
One of the experiences is going to church together.
From a 23 year old camper-
My first experience is being in family session because I can do activities
with my family like fishing and go to the animal center where we learn
together about new things. The second is going to the healing service
where I was able to be open about my feelings and know I have no reason
to be afraid because in the end I will feel better.
From a 9 year old camper-
At church you can pray and sing and that is why it is fun.
From a 33 year old camper-
One of the experiences I enjoyed was the compass treasure hunt. It
helped us teach children about the Bible and was a fun activity.
I had a child tell me that using the Bible for this purpose was cool.
It was also beautiful at the end ending in the maze and doing a prayer
spiritual.
From an adult volunteer-
The children and adults in my family session grew everyday. Their
answers to questions were spiritual based.
From an adult volunteer-
Reconciliation with Father John was the high point of the week.
From an adult volunteer-
Talking to a NY camper about her experience coming into the church.
From a 14 year old-
When I was sick everyone was very nice.
From a 17 year old-
My family grew very close by just being able to joke around with each other.
From an adult volunteer-
Learning about personal stories was very powerful.
From a 46 year old camper-
During the healing service you could feel the Holy Spirit. Many hard
hearts were removed. There were many spiritual healings.
From a 53 year old camper-
For me and my family this has been a beautiful experience. We were
able to do things together as a family, a lot of times we don’t have time.
From a 59 year old camper-
I liked the adult group a lot and when we went to the baseball game I liked
the way everyone treated me.
From a 42 year old camper-
I was able to receive reconciliation after a long time.
From a volunteer-
I learned to share with all the people around me leaving behind all the
things that make us judge others.
From a volunteer-
I loved seeing the children smile (and the adults).
From a 9 year old camper-
The family session helped me get closer to my Mom.
From an adult volunteer-
The archery program was a big hit. The volunteer meeting on Sunday
helped to keep everyone informed and ready for the week.
From a NY teenage camper-
I had a way deep experience at the healing service. Normally I would
laugh about it, but it led me to grow in my spiritual understanding of
my faith in a community as well as personally.
From a teenage volunteer-
During the healing service, I felt that there was something major happening.
I could tell that something powerful was occurring. It was as if
someone or something very powerful was there. And I have no doubt
as to who that was. I truly believe the Lord was with us that night.
From a 13 year old camper-
Being at the waterfront, tipping over in a canoe and making 3 rosaries-it
was great.
From a 20 year old camper from NY-
I really liked the healing service because I really saw Jesus’ presence
and I also received a beautiful message that made me think about my life
and my relationship with God. My heart opened and my eyes began to
see what for a long time I couldn’t-Jesus’ love and affection.
From a 13 year old camper
During the healing service I was greatly calmed after having others pray
over my aunt.
From a 31 year old camper-
I went to the healing service that was my first time and I love it.
I will go next year.
The healing service was one of the best experiences of my life. It
shows me the right path in life. It is a good feeling to have and
it is certainly an experience that is worth going to.
From a 33 year old camper-
I did a rosary and that’s something I don’t do at home.
From an adult volunteer-
By relaxing and unwinding down at the waterfront everyday for adult peer
group, I had a chance to enjoy the beauty of the lake and recharge my spiritual
energy. What a wonderful gift.
The theme this year was
“God’s Path Saves!-GPS"
Father Tom gave everyone a compass at the beginning of the week and
taught us how to use it to find our way along God’s path. At the
end of the week we were asked how we plan to change our direction.
Here are some of the responses:
I’ll pray more.-6 responses
Attend church services more often.-6 responses
Read the Bible.-3 responses
Make the right decisions. -3 responses
I would like to attend Mass more than once a week.-2 responses
Adjust my attitude and move forward.
Let go and let God.
Listen so you won’t get lost and use your compass.
Talk to God before I go to sleep.
Put my family needs before my own.
By not doing all the bad stuff I was doing.
By staying on God’s path so I can take care of my family.
I plan to work hard in school so I can stay on the path of success.
Always look forward and never look back and always go north.
I will try to pay more attention in Mass.
I plan to trust more in God and continue going to church but not only physically
but internally. I plan also to internalize and pay more attention
to God’s instructions.
I plan to trust more and delay less. I will try not to let fear block
me.
I plan to become more patient and to not be entirely independent causing
others anger.
By not quitting and allowing myself to be who I am and encouraging others
to do the same.
To always use the compass because it will always show you the right way.
I have no idea. I just know that God will point me in the right direction.
Be a better friend.
Trust Him to get me through life instead of relying on myself.
Listen to Mom or Dad.
I plan to follow the ideas that were shown to me.
To ask myself whenever I’m doing something: Would God say good job,
or don’t do that?
Be more aware of the little details that sometimes we do not pay attention
to. Make some adjustments in the way that I address some issues.
Maybe try adoration.
Become a great person.
I hope to listen and watch for changes in direction and pay attention to
my friends and family.
Pray more and when I feel alone or in doubt I will know from being here
the Lord is with me and I can turn to Him.
Spend more time listening.
Wherever God goes, you go.
Maybe help out at Life teen.
I will not be controlled by interminable email but will appeal to people
to use the phone instead.
Help everyone with things like doing extra work.
To continue putting into practice what we learn, to persevere and increase
my faith.
I want to change all the things in my life that don’t please God in order
to become a better person toward my neighbor. I know that after 7
days at Camp Alabare a change in my life has begun. I had a spiritual session
with Father Tom about this and I thank God that he is here during the week.
Look around me and realize that only God can do this what I received this
week.
Helping those who need help.
I plan to take into account all of the attitudes like friendship, love,
gentleness, and sincerity into daily life in order to follow the path of
God.
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