In June we had our 8th Annual Family Camp in the beautiful Ponderosa Pines in the mountains near Prescott, Arizona. It was our largest ever with over 130 people. It was primarily families, but couples and even singles joined in the fun. The goal of this weekend experience is to have some quality family and community time in a relaxed environment with a loose schedule. We start off on Friday afternoon just getting to the camp and getting settled in. For dinner we have a potluck that is delicious with all the variety of food. Then its "Family Introductions" and general housekeeping info. My husband Glenn, also asks each family to write down a word they would like him to include in the poem he will write about family camp to be read the next day. Then we head out to the bonfire to roast marshmallows and make Smore's. Saturday breakfast is prepared by the "early risers" (there is always a few in every group). After breakfast we get a "group picture". Then we head down to the large statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe for a family rosary. The huge rosary is made of rope and large beads so we are all praying with the same rosary. Then its free time until lunch, to explore the grounds, play on the basketball or sports court or visit with others. Lunch is cooked by the guys. Hamburgers and hot dogs on the grill is always a popular meal. In the mid afternoon, its time for the Kids vs. Adults kickball game in the south field. Whether you play or cheer on the sidelines, its a great way to spend an afternoon. A delicious spaghetti dinner is cooked by the women. Then a little later we celebrate a vigil Mass in the outdoor amphitheater with the pines in the background. When you live in a desert, you can't get enough of the beautiful green pine trees! After Mass, its time for ice cream with all the trimmings. BINGO with prizes follows and the adults usually end up singing Karaoke before the night is over. Sunday morning we eat another hot breakfast and then begin to pack up, clean up and get ready to leave this beautiful environment. But before we leave, we gather together one last time to pray and share what we enjoyed most about camp this year. We have grown a little every year so that now so we need to use both sides of the camp. This has worked out well and we hope there will be more new people to join us next year. Registration for Family Camp 2011 begins in February.
Our dates for next year is June 10 - 12, 2011
View video below for a few words from our pastor, Fr. Steve Kunkel
