Are you considering sending a boy to camp this summer but want to know more about what the campers do and why they should go?  Well, you’re in luck.  This post about last summer’s camp is for you.  *UPDATE*  A link to the registration form has been added to the bottom of this post.

“The whole point of boys’ camp is to show them that they can have fun and still be good Catholics,” explained Fr. Timothy Geckle, CMRI.  “We want them to see that being Catholic is not only about ‘No, you can’t do this or that!’”

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Every day was packed with activities dear to most boys’ hearts, but the scavenger hunt stood out as one of the most challenging and thrilling of all.  It was comprised of numerous trials to earn the next “clue” which involved answering a catechism question.  Whether it was shooting a balloon out of the air with an Airsoft gun to drop the question down to earth, or squirming through a dark pipe to retrieve it, or diving into a pool to snatch it from the bottom, each challenge kindled the Catholic imagination as well as involved the whole body.  Bravo!

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Fr. Geckle and Fr. Philip took a small group of boys to set up an ambush on the airsoft course while the other boys were swimming.

“We had a great group this year—not a bad apple in the bunch,” Fr. Geckle said of the 2018 campers.  “We got compliments on them everywhere we went.  This was the first time we rented a swimming pool, and afterward the manager said that our boys were so well-behaved, they were welcome to come back anytime.”

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War broke out, and the boys were issued Airsoft guns and rigorous rules of engagement.

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Singing around the campfire was followed by a talk from one of the dads, then night prayers.
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Setting up forts

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Campers attended daily Mass and had lots of opportunities for Confession.

 

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Fathers Borja, Philip Marie, and Geckle planned and oversaw the camp that was hosted by the Mater Dei seminarians.

Registration is open for the 2019 camp which runs Monday, July 22, through Friday, July 26th.  To register, please fill out this registration form and mail it, along with the $100 registration fee, to the seminary by June 30 . Please make checks payable to: Mater Dei Seminary. 

Mater Dei Seminary

7745 Military Ave.
Omaha, NE 68134