Welcome to Lumenorus, a mythical realm populated by heroes and villains contesting for dominion over its several kingdoms, the most sought after being the Kingdom of Arcātheos.

While with students at a local park during a summer day camp for newcomers and their families, English as a Second Language (ESL) resource teacher Christine Ignas was handed a cell phone. It was the father from one of the families in the camp who wanted to speak with her. 

Catholic summer camp organizers are feeling a sense of renewal as day-to-day activities are set to operate in a manner akin to pre-pandemic times.

Jake Woodcroft has worn a few different hats throughout his lengthy association with the Catholic Youth Organization’s (CYO) Camp Marydale in Mount Hope, Ont., and Camp Brebeuf in Rockland, Ont.

While a murky forecast for the 2020 summer camping season was expected with the unknowns surrounding COVID-19, organizations that operate day and overnight camps for Ontario youth never thought a similar script would play out a year later.

The sun glistens across the calming blue water of Lake Erie. A bronze Mass bell rings loudly. Dozens of young girls soar out of cabins to enjoy a delicious pancake breakfast before engaging in hiking, drama, sports, crafts and, at the end of the day, a roaring campfire.

Learning about God’s profound love in seminars and small groups, experiencing Christ during eucharistic adoration and dancing to worship tunes are among the joys traditionally experienced at an Ignite Camp.

Discussions on how Camp Vincent would operate as this year of pandemic turned into summer became a moot point once the province of Ontario took the decision out of operators’ hands.

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Boys on the sideline of the football practice field at Cretin-Derham Hall High School this summer fell silent one afternoon as they waited for the football camp’s afternoon session to start.

There was one important lesson my friends Matthew Remedios and Monika Cyfko learned while volunteering at our parish’s summer camp — youth need this kind of bonding and faith experience all year round.

Amos Lee couldn’t get enough of summer camp.

It’s a family tradition.

When I was hired as a camp counsellor earlier this year I expected the job to come with great rewards and great challenges. I didn’t expect one of the challenges would force me to actually grow in my Christian life.

Summer camp is often considered a childhood rite of passage, but for many families the outdoor experience is unaffordable. Camp Ozanam for boys and Marygrove Camp for girls helps fill this void.

This summer children at Camp Vincent can cast off the shackles of life and spend a week living as superheroes.