Enter Ted, one of our counselors who come to CSM to make an impact on the lives of our youth. "As a counselor, I take free time very seriously," Ted said. "It gives us a chance to get to know the kids personally."
When Daniel asked Ted what he should do, Ted handed him a box of chalk and said, "The world's your canvas." Daniel took Ted's words to heart and created a chalk mosaic on the sidewalk. When Wally, our waterfront director, asked Daniel what he was working on, he replied, "Ted said the world is my canvas."
In that moment, Ted was reminded of the importance of setting a good Christian example for our campers. 24/7. "Our time with the campers helps form them," said Ted. "What we say and do and how we react. They absorb everything."
Children do, indeed, absorb everything. And that's why the mission of CSM is more critical than ever.
Children need a reprieve from the noise and distractions of daily life. A place where they don't need to worry about how many likes or views they have or keeping up their streaks on social media. At CSM, they have the opportunity to reset and get away for a week or two from any stress or pressures they may face and simply have fun! You make this opportunity possible by your generosity!
CSM offers children
the chance to build relationships that will last a lifetime. They also find themselves in an environment that fosters growth in their relationship with God--where they experience His love in a profound way. In fact, time and time again, campers express how one of their favorite parts of Camp is Mass, adoration, or night prayer! Because of your support, CSM is able to provide those precious moments!
We repeatedly hear from parents how important CSM is to their family and we do not take lightly the fact that they choose to entrust their children to us.
One parent shared, "I wish you could have been there to hear my children share all the stories of their week at Camp. They just kept sharing story after story. They had such a great time and it was really good for them to be there."
A mother mentioned how the cost of CSM is worth every penny because she considers it part of her child's faith formation, due to the wonderful example set by the counselors and the opportunity for prayer and growth in the faith.
These are a few of the many blessings children experience while at CSM because their parents choose to entrust them to us. In a way, they're entrusting their kids to you, as well, because it is only with your generous donations that we can provide these kids the wonderful opportunities CSM offers.
With so many changes in our society, children today face challenges that you and I never had to face. But the youth who attend CSM face those challenges guided by their faith--faith nurtured in them at CSM. It is a great privilege and responsibility to care for each child who comes through the gates of CSM. But we know that we're making a difference in their lives, thanks to you!
In time, these young people will no longer be campers but will be our co-workers, employees, mechanics, doctors, electricians, artists, bosses, nurses, priests, religious sisters, and teachers. They'll be raising and caring for the next generation of young people and instilling in them the TKO lessons they've learned at CSM: Trying Hard, Being Kind, and Being Obedient. They'll be changing lives by passing on the qualities taught and reinforced at CSM. Qualities that are so important and that we all value.
When you assist Camp Sancta Maria with a donation and become part of the CSM family, you make a difference in the lives of hundreds of kids each year by providing an opportunity of both faith and fun.
And thanks to a generous benefactor, your donation will be doubled!
Thank you for your financial and prayerful support! It is only because of your generosity that together we can continue to change lives.
Here are some of the projects we hope to complete in 2020, with your help:
- Replace the zip line and a few other elements of our Ropes Course so that safety is kept at the highest standard.
- Replace three exterior doors in the bathroom and shower facility.
- Replace the roof of the modular building, which is used to house CSM staff and volunteers.
- Replace the roof of the classic Rec cabin, and repoint the chimney and chinking between the wall logs.
- Repair and refresh the Camp road with gravel so that the grading of the road is much more effective.
- Replace the tired fencing of the riding rings at the corral.
Would you prayerfully consider being especially generous today in your support of CSM through this year-end appeal?
Please visit our website today to make a donation online by clicking below.
