Camp St. Louis will be commemorating 30 years of serving the community on the path of faith.
Located within the diocese of St. Paul, the Catholic summer camp encourages people of all faith to attend. Camp St. Louis is solely dedicated to strengthening a person’s relationship with God while simultaneously focusing on mutual bonding and enjoyment.
“It’s a matter of always seeking a balance between faith, fun, and friendship,” said Ryan Sales, executive director of youth camp.
St. Louis Parish has managed the camp for the last 27 years, before it was transferred in 2016 to the Diocese of St. Paul.
“The event is branded as the St. Louis Parish appreciation barbecue, which coincides with their 30th anniversary,” noted Sales.
He added, “We thank the Parish for basically carrying the camp for the first 27 years.”
The camp is focused on providing a quality experience to campers. Until last year, students could stay at the camp for one week only, which was changed up to three weeks.
“Each week is different. We try to respond to the ages of the kids so that our staff is flexible and we do try to maintain that balance,” explained Sales.
The camp runs from July 2 until Aug. 25, with each week from Sunday evening through to Friday morning.
“It’s just been an amazing experience when you talk to people who have attended the camp. They speak about how it’s bit about fun and friendship, but ultimately, the most important part is really strengthen the relationship with God,” noted Amanda Wildman, CTS coordinator for LCSD.
The camp has opportunities for students to act as facilitators and run the camp, welcoming participants from all over the area, and sometimes from outside the province.
Wildman said, “We’re expecting the camp will be an amazing experience, not only for our students, but for participants that come from near and far.”
Last year, there was a 37 percent increase in registrations, and organizers are expecting a high turnout again this summer.
Camp St. Louis accommodates up to 60 campers in addition to the counsellors. Registration is open, however it’s first-come, first serve.
