By Sheila Kun, Salesian Cooperator
This morning, it is 50 degrees at the beautiful Salesian campsite in Aptos, California, 15 minutes from our Watsonville Mary Help of Christian Parish. Most of you would think of a summer camp as a hot and humid place. Not so at Camp St. Francis. The temperature could range from 50 to 78 degrees, all in one day. Just like its cool climate, this campsite is coolin many ways.
Aptos is a beautiful neighbor; the site nestles at the hilltop with 14 acres of lush plants and trees. Its private beach offers a safe place for the campers to explore the ocean and its inhabitants: sand bugs, crabs, jellyfish, and giant kelps with seagulls sliding around the blue sky. The campers designed sand castles portraying, for example, New York City using feathers, grasses, wildflowers, sea shells, barks, and kelps as part of the ecological design. This activity brings out the imagination and creativity of the campers. It is also an opportunity for the campers to practice doing presentations on their projects. The end product portrays teamwork and artistic talent.
It would be hard to imagine any of us old folks being leaders and cabin counselors at this camp. Keeping up with 7 – 14-year-old children is a very demanding job. It requires the energy level of a superman, in my opinion. The activities begin in the morning and last until 9 p.m. Kids love sports, archery, campfires, talent shows, Mass, Catechism, and arts and crafts.
The camp planners are very creative; yesterday, we had a DYI Vietnamese dinner, beginning with egg roll wrapping in rice wrap, followed by a French stew and the dessert Chi Thai that the kids loved. Even those who tried it for the first time immediately returned for more! Some campers said they never eat vegetables at home. And now, with the opportunity to try different menus and dishes, they began to like vegetables. Thanks to Bro. Al, every meal is well received. There are no leftovers!
Personally, I am so impressed by how well-organized the camp is. From the registration process, with meticulous attention to explaining the program, to focusing on the campers’ health and safety issues, the camp runs like a well-oiled machine. The activities are not just games or fun stuff; the Salesian youth leaders use every opportunity to bring this as an encounter with Our Lord. The ultimate mission is not just a camping experience for kids but an opportunity for children to learn about having fun and being good. The Salesian spirituality permeates this program 24/7. An excellent camping program like this is under the leadership of many: Fr. Vien Nguyen as the Camp Director, Bro. Reegan Ledet – Program Coordinator, and Bro. Quang Nguyen – the Economer. The summer program could not be as successful as it is without the support of the Cooperators from the Rosemead Area, the Salesian Pre-Novitiates from the East, and many young people.
Campers have come from far and near. Arrangements can be made to be picked up at the airport as well. Having witnessed this camping program firsthand, I would not hesitate to recommend it to youngsters 7 – 13. It could be a life-changing experience!
Email campstfrancis@gmail.com or call 562 – 925 – 2250 ext. 203 for information.
