A popular summer camp for girls is proving how growth in Christian virtues can be a lot of fun.
Between 19-22 January, 80 campers and leaders from all over the North Island gathered on the shores of Lake Taupo for the annual summer camp. This year, the activities had a medieval theme. The girls were welcomed to the MiCamp site with the sound of lutes playing over Bluetooth speakers and the smiles of enthusiastic leaders.
On the surface, the activity-filled timetable might not look too different from your usual fun in the sun. There was archery, a water slide, ropes courses, scavenger hunts and a Burma trail, to name a few. All activities were accompanied by screams of delight, pounding music, the sound of frantic running feet and leaders dutifully fretting over health and safety.
But on this camp, the girls would not be earning points by scoring bull’s eyes at archery.
“The magic happens when you are on time and tidy, when you play fair, when you persevere without complaining, when you encourage the girls around you, when you are kind,” camp organiser Marcy Helbano reminded everyone.
They were encouraged to enjoy themselves, but also to help each of their fellow campers have the best summer experience they could. How? By living the Camp Code, a list of active statements each focusing on a virtue such as patience, generosity, charity and honesty.
The best part is that following the Camp Code leads to an effect that is just as advertised: magic.
Campers coming home described their experience in positive superlatives like, “Awesome!”, “Amazing!”. One girl even called it “the best camp EVER!”
The camp was organised by volunteers from Fernhall Study Centre and Rimbrook Study Centre. Campers were invited to attend daily Mass and to pray the Rosary each evening. The sacrament of reconciliation was also available each day.
