CRAZY MONTH!
Whew, has it been a busy month here at Camp Gray. It was all really fun and exciting, but I'm happy to be able to slow down and catch my breath. Here's a summary of everything that's happened:
Over New Years we had a celebration and reunion with the staff from this past summer. It was great to have everyone here, playing snow football and basketball, staying up a little too late and enjoying lots of meals together. We also had some great prayer time as a group!
After that it was full steam ahead to our VISION college retreat. It was a great success with a mix of returning participants and people here for the retreat for the first time. Everyone, the staff here were able to relax and enjoy the retreat for themselves as well. The talks and discussions were enlightening and the community was fruitful for all.
Next it was on to a ski race. This didn't exactly affect all the staff, but it sure made my schedule a bit more crazy.
Finally, it was time for the March for Life. A group of 7 year round and summer staff flew out to Washington, DC for the event. We were able to attend two awesome rallies, be inspired by all the Catholic people there, including the many Priests, Seminarians and Religious Sisters we saw and talked to. We also had a beautiful and relaxing visit to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. We were also able to meet up with some other summer staff who went with different groups.
Most importantly, however, we were able to March in the March for Life. This was truly a great opportunity to represent Camp Gray in defending the right to life for all people. It was a great experience to be there with everyone else and really stand up for what we believe it. As we reflected, we all agreed that it was very powerful to see so many people there who feel as strongly as we do about this, and about their faith. It made us think about how many people must feel the same as we do, even though they couldn't make the trip.
Are you tired yet? Because we were! And right after we got back from that, it was time for our annual volunteer retreat. This was a time for us to get away and grow closer together as a group, just like many of you get to do when you come on our retreats! We really enjoyed the bonding as well as the sharing and prayer time we had.
Now, we are busy getting ready for the Resurrection Rally to be held at Chula Vista Resort this coming weekend. We are looking forward to getting pumped up for our faith along with about 250 other teens and youth ministers. We will be sure to keep you updated on how it goes.
Enjoy this snowy afternoon!
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Musings by Mo-T
Question: What does Frosty the Snowman say when he comes to life?
Even baby Andrew made it out for the big game!!!
Answer: Happy Birthday!
A friend of mine, actually my brother (some of you might know him as Bro-T) asked me this question when I was home for Christmas. I was convinced that Frosty actually said, "Happy New Year!" He doesn't, but Happy New Year to all of you anyway!
Our New Year's celebrations were fantastic, with much of the '09 summer staff able to return for a little reunion. There was much jocularity to be had, including, but not limited to, football, basketball, prayer, eating, praise and worship, skiiing, and staying up a little bit too late...
We had a great time playing football in the snow, but we were pretty exhausted afterwards.
Luckily we had a fire to keep us warm. We all agreed that we looked like a JC Penney catalogue.
Even baby Andrew made it out for the big game!!!
But alas, it is time to get back to serving the Lord! All the volunteers are back and we are getting ready for our college retreat tomorrow, and two travel retreats this weekend!
Until next year, er... month... week?
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Musings by Mo-T
Welcome to Post Blizzard Wednesday. Though I usually post on Mondays (every other Monday, of course) the impending snow had me scurrying around coaching basketball and doing homework for grad school. Besides, I knew you would want to hold out for some video footage of the winter wonderland. As you can see, it's kind of hard to ski in 15 inches of snow...but it sure is beautiful out there!
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Are you guys cold?
By: Jeff Hoeben
Camp Co-Director
In the Madison area each year they participate in the nation wide vigil called 40 Days for Life Our shift was from 6am to 10am on Monday morning. Chris and I left the house at ten 'till five. It is eery pulling up to Planned Parenthood in the dark. Just looking at the building and knowing of what goes on inside is troubling and so very sad. As we stood outside quietly praying, a car pulled up and rolled down his window. He politely asked, "are you guys cold?" We replied, with a "good morning"and before we could give an answer about our condition he responded, "it's faith that keeps you warm." It's faith that keeps us warm, what a beautiful thought. Certainly is was cold that morning. It's cold thinking about the reality of abortion. It's cold looking at the numbers of abortions performed at Planned Parenthood. The Life Issues Institude has some staggering numbers posted...It's all so cold. Just as the stranger said, faith does keep us warm. It is such a good reminder to pray and turn our efforts over to God.
Camp Co-Director
In the Madison area each year they participate in the nation wide vigil called 40 Days for Life Our shift was from 6am to 10am on Monday morning. Chris and I left the house at ten 'till five. It is eery pulling up to Planned Parenthood in the dark. Just looking at the building and knowing of what goes on inside is troubling and so very sad. As we stood outside quietly praying, a car pulled up and rolled down his window. He politely asked, "are you guys cold?" We replied, with a "good morning"and before we could give an answer about our condition he responded, "it's faith that keeps you warm." It's faith that keeps us warm, what a beautiful thought. Certainly is was cold that morning. It's cold thinking about the reality of abortion. It's cold looking at the numbers of abortions performed at Planned Parenthood. The Life Issues Institude has some staggering numbers posted...It's all so cold. Just as the stranger said, faith does keep us warm. It is such a good reminder to pray and turn our efforts over to God.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Musings by Mo-T
By: Mo-T Theresa Wilks
Quack...Quack...Quack...
That may sound like a flock of geese flying overhead in a perfect V formation, heading south for the winter. But it is not. In fact, I do believe that all the geese have decided to stick around for this nice weather. I mean, would you really walk all the way to Florida when there is sunny, 60 degree weather here? It's basically the same thing.
Actually, that is the sound of the Camp Gray outdoor ministry team walking around camp in the "Flying V". They recently got the idea from watching all three movies of the Mighty Ducks trilogy (on DVD). For those of you who are too young to know what these movies are, please rent them sometime and watch.
The Mighty Ducks is a timeless tale of a hockey team that starts playing together as a peewee club (District 5, to be exact). With a cranky lawyer-turned peewee coach, this group of misfits quickly (in one practice) turns into the best peewee club in country (or Minnesota). Just like all the other classic, Disney, wonderful sports movies.
We really learned a lot about teamwork, miracles, and forgiveness from these movies. It seemed only natural to try to practice these same attributes in our retreat work here at camp. So, today they get to try out the new attitude with the eighth graders from St. James School in Madison. And that, my friends, is why you will hear the sounds of spontaneous, simultaneous quacking here at Camp Gray.
Have a great week friends, and remember, no matter the weather, ducks fly together!
Quack...Quack...Quack...
That may sound like a flock of geese flying overhead in a perfect V formation, heading south for the winter. But it is not. In fact, I do believe that all the geese have decided to stick around for this nice weather. I mean, would you really walk all the way to Florida when there is sunny, 60 degree weather here? It's basically the same thing.
Actually, that is the sound of the Camp Gray outdoor ministry team walking around camp in the "Flying V". They recently got the idea from watching all three movies of the Mighty Ducks trilogy (on DVD). For those of you who are too young to know what these movies are, please rent them sometime and watch.
The Mighty Ducks is a timeless tale of a hockey team that starts playing together as a peewee club (District 5, to be exact). With a cranky lawyer-turned peewee coach, this group of misfits quickly (in one practice) turns into the best peewee club in country (or Minnesota). Just like all the other classic, Disney, wonderful sports movies.
We really learned a lot about teamwork, miracles, and forgiveness from these movies. It seemed only natural to try to practice these same attributes in our retreat work here at camp. So, today they get to try out the new attitude with the eighth graders from St. James School in Madison. And that, my friends, is why you will hear the sounds of spontaneous, simultaneous quacking here at Camp Gray.
Have a great week friends, and remember, no matter the weather, ducks fly together!
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Musings by Mo-T
By Mo-Theresa Wilks
Weather Update:
Cold and rainy.
For those of you who live near Camp Gray, you may not be all that surprised at this weather report, for two reasons.
1) You are currently experiencing the same weather
2) It has been like this for about a month
Granted, we have had a few nice, sunny, moderately warm days. But it seems as if most of this month has been cold and rainy. Rain isn’t so bad. It’s even necessary. It also helps us to appreciate more the dry, sunny days. But when it’s in the 30s or 40s, it’s just uncomfortable. Some might even call it “bone chilling”. I hear that it makes some people just want to curl up inside with a nice mug of hot cocoa and a snuggie? (Yes, I intended that question mark.) Personally, I most strongly dislike this weather because if it is going to be this cold anyway, it might as well just snow. Snow is clearly way better than rain (at least if you are trying to ski…)
So this is what we have been dealing with at Camp recently. But the staff here and all the groups who have visited have been taking it in stride. Everyone gets on their rain gear and heads on outside. That’s because the truth is, Camp is beautiful and a gift from God, whether you’re looking at it through rain, fog, snow or sunglasses. And, even despite less than ideal weather, it’s still such a blessing to have the opportunity to be outside exploring our 225 acres. Besides, we wouldn’t want to miss the beautiful fall colors all around us, would we?
So onward we press, working with all our ESP, teambuilding and Confirmation groups. And yes, onward we look – to some different weather. But we still won’t forget to thank God for all the blessings that we are experience right now, and take full advantage of them.
Weather Update:
Cold and rainy.
For those of you who live near Camp Gray, you may not be all that surprised at this weather report, for two reasons.
1) You are currently experiencing the same weather
2) It has been like this for about a month
Granted, we have had a few nice, sunny, moderately warm days. But it seems as if most of this month has been cold and rainy. Rain isn’t so bad. It’s even necessary. It also helps us to appreciate more the dry, sunny days. But when it’s in the 30s or 40s, it’s just uncomfortable. Some might even call it “bone chilling”. I hear that it makes some people just want to curl up inside with a nice mug of hot cocoa and a snuggie? (Yes, I intended that question mark.) Personally, I most strongly dislike this weather because if it is going to be this cold anyway, it might as well just snow. Snow is clearly way better than rain (at least if you are trying to ski…)
So this is what we have been dealing with at Camp recently. But the staff here and all the groups who have visited have been taking it in stride. Everyone gets on their rain gear and heads on outside. That’s because the truth is, Camp is beautiful and a gift from God, whether you’re looking at it through rain, fog, snow or sunglasses. And, even despite less than ideal weather, it’s still such a blessing to have the opportunity to be outside exploring our 225 acres. Besides, we wouldn’t want to miss the beautiful fall colors all around us, would we?
So onward we press, working with all our ESP, teambuilding and Confirmation groups. And yes, onward we look – to some different weather. But we still won’t forget to thank God for all the blessings that we are experience right now, and take full advantage of them.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Musings by Mo-T
By Mo Theresa Wilks
October 12, 2009, a day that will live in infamy. Well, maybe not, but it is my half birthday! I will be celebrating another 6 months of life by doing what I do most Mondays…working in the Camp Gray office.
My job here as weekend retreat coordinator is pretty cool. I work with the volunteers in planning and running all the, you guessed it, weekend retreats. This happens to be mostly spiritual retreats. When I am not working on those, I spend my time researching topics within the faith we want to learn more about, thinking of new programs/ideas for retreats, or helping out around camp in many other ways.
Everything I do during the year though, does not make me forget about the awesome things we also do during the summer! While we don’t typically do anything special for half birthdays here at camp, if you are here your birthday you are in for a treat!
Traditionally, especially during a session of summer camp, the birthday boy or girl gets the privilege of sitting on a stool in the middle of the pavilion, being sung to (very loudly and boisterously) and getting a special birthday dessert. It is truly a great way to celebrate.
Having a springtime birthday, though, I have never had the pleasure of experiencing this. This saddens me greatly, but I figure I can make up for it by celebrating my half birthday as well…
October 12, 2009, a day that will live in infamy. Well, maybe not, but it is my half birthday! I will be celebrating another 6 months of life by doing what I do most Mondays…working in the Camp Gray office.
My job here as weekend retreat coordinator is pretty cool. I work with the volunteers in planning and running all the, you guessed it, weekend retreats. This happens to be mostly spiritual retreats. When I am not working on those, I spend my time researching topics within the faith we want to learn more about, thinking of new programs/ideas for retreats, or helping out around camp in many other ways.
Everything I do during the year though, does not make me forget about the awesome things we also do during the summer! While we don’t typically do anything special for half birthdays here at camp, if you are here your birthday you are in for a treat!
Traditionally, especially during a session of summer camp, the birthday boy or girl gets the privilege of sitting on a stool in the middle of the pavilion, being sung to (very loudly and boisterously) and getting a special birthday dessert. It is truly a great way to celebrate.
Having a springtime birthday, though, I have never had the pleasure of experiencing this. This saddens me greatly, but I figure I can make up for it by celebrating my half birthday as well…
Inaugural Camp Gray Alumni Softball Game
By: Skip Carlson
Camp Gray Sports Writer
After players warmed up, and caught up (late 90's staff members Brian Spader and Shaun Crumb made the trek back to this humble camp - meaning there was a lot of time needed to catch up!), teams were chosen. Those staff that have at least 4 years of experience serving at Camp Gray were placed on one team (affectionately known as the Geriatrics - or Jerrys for short), while those that are bit more green to the Camp Gray staff were placed on the other team (known simply as the Domin-8-ters).
The Jerrys won the pregame coin toss, and so were awarded with the home-field honors, which seemed appropriate as the Jerry's had nearly 60 years of combined staff experience.
After two innings, the Jerrys had a commanding 6-1 lead, which had the mostly pro-Jerry crowd in an absolute tizzy! Before long, however, the Domin-8-tors settled in, and came storming back with 10 runs over the next 3 innings. After five innings, the score was 11-10, in favor of the Jerrys, but the Domin-8-tors weren't backing down.
The game continued on in this back-and-forth fashion all the way until the top of the 9th, when the Domin-8-tors came to the plate looking to extend their two-run lead, because due up in the bottom of the 9th was the top of the order for the Jerrys: "The Big 3" of Jeff, Shaun, and Brian.
The Jerry's defense came up big in the top of the 9th with several clutch plays, and were able to keep the Domin-8-tors from scoring any runs, however, the Jerrys were only able to score 2-runs in the bottom half of the 9th, knotting the score at 16.
Not unlike the 2002 MLB All Star game, this game ended in a tie, not because the players didn't want to continue, but because the annual fall community picnic at Camp Gray was on-deck (pun entirely and excitedly intended!), meaning hundreds of local folks would be arriving at camp anytime to take in the celebration of Mass, a delicious meal, and fellowship with the staff and volunteers of Camp Gray.
While the decision to end in a tie was difficult, it adds fuel to this young rivalry, and will make future alumni softball games at Camp Gray even more exciting. Won't you join us next year? Thanks to all those that made the first-ever Camp Gray alumni softball game such a huge success.
There's no DH at Camp Gray.
Jerry's starting pitcher Brian Spader crushes this pitch to left-center.
The Domin-8-ters
left-to-right: Emily, Chris, Amanda, Kevin C., Meghan, Pat, Sean, Emilio, Kevin E., Kate
THE JERRYs
front row, l-to-r: Rebecca, Mo-T, Nicky, Lindsay, Jenna, Sara
back row, l-to-r: Topher, Gus, Shaun, Jeff, Brian
A soft grounder is easily collected by Domin-8-ers shortstop Kate Earleywine, which she effortlessly turned into a double play.
Once again, the Fr. Cassidy Athletic Field played host to a real nail-biter.
Camp Gray Sports Writer
In what turned out to be a perfectly marvelous afternoon, dozens of Camp Gray staff alumni past and present recently gathered at the Fr. Cassidy Athletic Field at Camp Gray for the Inaugural Camp Gray Alumni Softball Game.
After players warmed up, and caught up (late 90's staff members Brian Spader and Shaun Crumb made the trek back to this humble camp - meaning there was a lot of time needed to catch up!), teams were chosen. Those staff that have at least 4 years of experience serving at Camp Gray were placed on one team (affectionately known as the Geriatrics - or Jerrys for short), while those that are bit more green to the Camp Gray staff were placed on the other team (known simply as the Domin-8-ters).
The Jerrys won the pregame coin toss, and so were awarded with the home-field honors, which seemed appropriate as the Jerry's had nearly 60 years of combined staff experience.
After two innings, the Jerrys had a commanding 6-1 lead, which had the mostly pro-Jerry crowd in an absolute tizzy! Before long, however, the Domin-8-tors settled in, and came storming back with 10 runs over the next 3 innings. After five innings, the score was 11-10, in favor of the Jerrys, but the Domin-8-tors weren't backing down.
The game continued on in this back-and-forth fashion all the way until the top of the 9th, when the Domin-8-tors came to the plate looking to extend their two-run lead, because due up in the bottom of the 9th was the top of the order for the Jerrys: "The Big 3" of Jeff, Shaun, and Brian.
The Jerry's defense came up big in the top of the 9th with several clutch plays, and were able to keep the Domin-8-tors from scoring any runs, however, the Jerrys were only able to score 2-runs in the bottom half of the 9th, knotting the score at 16.
Not unlike the 2002 MLB All Star game, this game ended in a tie, not because the players didn't want to continue, but because the annual fall community picnic at Camp Gray was on-deck (pun entirely and excitedly intended!), meaning hundreds of local folks would be arriving at camp anytime to take in the celebration of Mass, a delicious meal, and fellowship with the staff and volunteers of Camp Gray.
While the decision to end in a tie was difficult, it adds fuel to this young rivalry, and will make future alumni softball games at Camp Gray even more exciting. Won't you join us next year? Thanks to all those that made the first-ever Camp Gray alumni softball game such a huge success.
There's no DH at Camp Gray. Jerry's starting pitcher Brian Spader crushes this pitch to left-center.
The Domin-8-tersleft-to-right: Emily, Chris, Amanda, Kevin C., Meghan, Pat, Sean, Emilio, Kevin E., Kate
THE JERRYsfront row, l-to-r: Rebecca, Mo-T, Nicky, Lindsay, Jenna, Sara
back row, l-to-r: Topher, Gus, Shaun, Jeff, Brian
A soft grounder is easily collected by Domin-8-ers shortstop Kate Earleywine, which she effortlessly turned into a double play. 
Jerry's "BIG 3": Jeff, Shaun, Brian
Once again, the Fr. Cassidy Athletic Field played host to a real nail-biter.
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