July 24, 2005
Pope Benedict the XVI comes to Pro Sanctity's Camp Fun and Faith 2005!

Camp Fun and Faith is nestled in the crux of a little valley five miles north of Elkhorn on Highway 31, just finished 14 years of fun and faith camping. Teresa Monaghen, Pro Sanctity National Director describes the camp by saying, "We boast that we are the only all girls Catholic camp in the area." She went on to say, "This year over 350 girls from preschool to 8th grade spread over five weeks attended the camp. Since the camp is already in its teenage years, many of the counselors and helpers are former campers grown up! As many as 30 volunteers per week and over 100 volunteers throughout the summer gave of their time and service during the summer." The camp season of six sessions, two day camp sessions and four overnight sessions ended on Friday, July 22, 2005.

Every year, Camp Fun and Faith has a theme and this year it took the theme of World Youth Day - soon to happen in mid August, "We have come to worship Him." Jessi Kary, Camp Director described the summer theme.

"We created our activity center (an 1800 square foot barn) into a German countryside, complete with one whole wall painted in remembrance of Pope John Paul II. All the painting and decorating of the Center was planned and executed by the Patten family: Karen, Mary, Joan, Teresa and their brother Dan. Two of the girls are counselors for the camp. It was a long and detailed project with great results. The walls and interior areas were decorated with mountains and German cathedrals and castles. (See picture). At the beginning of each week, Pope Benedict XVI made a visit to speak with and bless the children -see the picture if you don't believe us! We wanted the children to experience the thrill of meeting the Pope and celebrating their faith with other young people. Throughout the week, we have songs, crafts, swimming, prayer, Mass and lots of singing. On Friday of each camp week, we go out to share our joy at the local Senior Care Center. This is truly the highlight of the weak. What the children experience is something deep and profound and they know instinctively that it has to be shared! That is the nature of our faith."

Jessi Kary, Apostolic Oblate and a group of young adult Pro Sanctity members will actually be traveling to World Youth Day in August, but in reality they have already experienced the joy and the presence of the Church so alive, in Elkhorn, Nebraska, at Camp Fun and Faith 2005!

Members of the Institute of the Apostolic Oblates and the Pro Sanctity Movement are the sponsors of the Camp. For future information about next year's camp, write psm@prosanctity.org or call 402-289-2670.