The camp I attended was small. Since it was a mixed religious and cultural camp, many of the same people came year after year. The bonds formed quickly while attending the camp, especially since we were all in such close quarters. Every day for two weeks was spent with the same people. However, there was the opportunity to get to know others in the camp through each night’s activities.

From mystery nights to sports days, the camp became like a family and that certainly carried over year after year.

Learning about myself was also an important aspect to camp. Throughout those years at camp, I learned not only how to co-operate with others, but how capable I am. When I didn’t think I could take on the task of caring for four eight-year-olds for two weeks, I managed to persevere and see it through to the end. I took care of them and ensured they were happy and healthy. I also learned many lessons along the way, which I have managed to incorporate into my life. 

But, ultimately, being at the camp for 11 years allowed me to form a stronger bond with God. Every week, we would have Mass, before and after every meal we would pray and some of the songs we sang had religious themes. All were able to help me form this relationship because each in its own way is a form of connecting with God. 

But the biggest event throughout the two weeks of camp was a reflection night. One night during the final week of camp, the oldest campers would be split into groups and from there, we would sit around a campfire and hear people’s stories about significant events in their lives. We would hear stories about the deaths of close family members or someone’s faith journey. We would then take in the meaning of these stories and how they could pertain to our own lives.

Camps provide an outdoor setting, which is another way to connect to God because of the nature that surrounds you. Mine was spent in virtual isolation for two weeks of the year in northern Ontario.

But that experience gave me a greater appreciation for God because I saw His beauty day after day.

Religious camps can be a great way to not only make new friends and discover more about yourself, but also to better contemplate your faith journey.

(Dziengo, 21, is a recent graduate of the media studies and journalism program at the University of Guelph-Humber.)