By Sheila Kun, Salesian Cooperator
(Aptos, California) – No one will argue with you that Camp St. Francis has one of the prettiest camp sites in town. The morning breeze, the ocean waves, the mesmerizing sunset and the fragrant flowers and trees offer all the amenities of a perfect summer camp site. There is something more than what meets the eyes that attract so many campers returning to this camp year after year. My three tales below will convince you that there is something magical about St. Francis.
Mateo Roland – The Compassionate Friend
Mateo is a 13 year-old going to be an eighth grader this fall. He returns to the camp every year to join in the fun. Instead of just being a camper, Mateo was called to be the special friend to a younger camper who was home-sick and in absolute distraught. Mateo offered to reach out to him and in shortly one week, a small miracle happened. The grieving camper started with crying for his family ad lib to gradually able to come out of his comfort zone to participate in the camping activities. On the last day, in the talent show, he portrayed his character with joy and enthusiasm. I asked Mateo how did he do it. Here is what Mateo has to say:
“To start, when working with someone who is home sick, you have to relate to yourself. I relate my past experiences of being home sick, then share the thoughts and strategies that I use to calm myself down.
Second, I wanted to get to know the person; you don’t have to have a long conversation and it can be as little as your name and a hug, depending on the type of person. Also you don’t want to force them into doing something they don’t want.
Ethan Truong – The “Gritty” Senior Counselor
The overall goal is to make the home sick person trust and feel comfortable with you.”
The beach day is something that all campers look forward to. But for the counselors, this day comes in with a lot of responsibility to ensure the campers are safe in the water. One strategy is to form a human barrier in the ocean so the campers stay within the limits of these watchful eyes. Invariable, you would see Ethan Truong, an 18 years-old senior counselor sign up and supervise the kids in spite of the cold and wavy currents. I called him gritty because he has the drive to do things that are difficult, in spite of the discomforts they present, and being able to see challenging tasks through in full no matter what it takes. “Somebody has to do it, and that is me.” That was his response when I asked him why he was always the first one to volunteer. Words fail to describe my admiration for his determination and dedication in caring for the youngsters.
Dr. Paul Tran – The Ultimate Animator!
Paul roared through the dining hall every morning as he advertised for his activity – the physical fitness program. A 35 years-old emergency doctor from Milwaukee, he brought with him the energy of a twenty years old. His young campers kept him busy all day. But he always had a big smile painted on his face. When I asked him why he decided to take time off to serve as a counselor, he fondly remembered his camping experience in 1999 at Camp Pala Rey (near San Diego). “I was sick on the day when we were supposed to go to the Sea World, and Doris and Herbie (Cooperators from St. Joseph, Rosemead) took care of me.” It seems like it is a calling to share the wonderful experience he had as a young camper. Paul is married with a young family. He took time off from his busy life to share his talent. He is the ultimate animator and great model for all the counselors.
Looking back at our Camp St. Francis 2025 experience, it was not just the tranquility, the beautiful camp ground that entice the kids to come back every year. It is a welcoming place where we can immerse ourselves in our Salesian spirituality. I can feel loving kindness permeating in the air!