7th Grade Campout – not only did we live, we were filled with life. There is a scene from an old John Bosco movie where the boys in his school/care were out for the day in the country playing and enjoying the great outdoors and one another. In the movie there was “playful” music in the background and it almost looked like a scene from heaven. Now, I don’t want to get carried away, but this was as close as I have come for three days in a row to such goodness. Joy proper to youth exuded frequently for children and adults alike.
When we arrived, after they had found their cabins and changed their clothes, we had a short meeting. Early in that meeting Sister Mary Gabriel (who used to teach here), gave the kids a ferverino on being open to trying new things, even if they were a little scary.  It set the tone for the many new experiences.
I was going to describe a few of them, but then I read the “newspaper” the kids created in one of the sessions. You should read it in their words, so it is attached. There were so many great opportunities! None of the stories were excluded or edited so read at your own risk.
I do need to comment on the “Creek Exploration”. I took Miss Hums to the creek to get a few pictures and to observe. Miss Hums ended up in the creek, and I thoroughly enjoyed the event safely up on the bank. Every half a minute or so you heard a girl scream. Mrs. Shanahan appeared deaf to the screams. As near as I could tell they were due to one of the following: cold water, mud, bugs, snakes, shells, flying mud, playful nudges, a small drop off in the creek bottom or getting stuck in the mud. I do have to admit when Elise came toward me with a snake and asked me if I wanted to hold it, I was glad there was a steep bank between her and me, so I hardly even had to say, “No, thank you.”
Another one of my favorite events was building a huge fire and helping/watching the children cook their campfire meals which they assembled. Building a good fire is one thing, seeing it used through to the end is yet another. Also to be noted, for the second fire, it was the first time I lit a fire with no matches. Flint and a striker caused the ignition.  
Thank you, Lord for the goodness of the event, and Your blessing on all. May the fruit of the experience show itself into the indefinite future.
(Parent assistance was exceptional.  We hope to continue the event provided such involvement continues.)

Sister Mary Michael, C.K.