August 30, 2023

By Darcy Fargo
Editor

It was another summer giving youth from around the diocese and beyond a chance to “hike, swim and praise” at Camp Guggenheim.

This year, camp kicked off with a new format for week one, three mini sessions for youth ages 11 to 13 to try out the sleep-away camp experience. If they enjoyed their mini-camp experience, the 12- and 13-year-old participants could then return for a full week of camp during weeks two through five, which were open to youth ages 12-15.

Week six is for campers ages 16 to 18.

Marissa Davison, who turned 14 just before the start of week five of camp, attended one of the mini sessions with her brother, James.

“If we liked it, we could determine if we came back,” said Davison, who lives in Chazy. “I was really happy I got to come back. I didn’t want to leave after the mini sessions.”

Davison said she attended the full week of camp by herself, not knowing any other youth attending week five.

“I’m making lots of friends,” she said. “My number one, favorite experience was wrist rosary making. I saw them on the counselors’ wrists, and I wanted to make them. If anybody is thinking about attending a camp, they should think about coming here. It’s a great experience.”

Anastazia Wojtaszek, 13, of Lyon Mountain, was attending camp for the second time.

“I like coming here with my friends, and I like meeting new people,” she said. “Last year, I came with someone I knew. This year, she and I went different weeks. A different friend came this week. It’s a whole new group of people. That’s my favorite part: meeting and interacting with new people.”

The teen said she also enjoys the athletic opportunities at Camp Guggenheim, especially volleyball and swimming. Mostly, though, she enjoys the atmosphere.

“It’s inclusive,” Wojtaszek said. “Everyone joins in, and no one is left out. And it’s fun.”

During the week, campers rotate through a variety of morning activities, including liturgy, waterfront, project adventure and arts and crafts. Camp evenings feature special events like camp games, bonfires, a dance and a reconciliation service.

For more information, visit https://www.rcdony.org/youth/camp.