Camp CAYOCA offers balance between educational, social and recreational activities

By RENEE WEBB, Globe editor
March 15, 2007

MANSON - Each year hundreds of students in third- to eighth-grade attend the Diocese of Sioux City's CAtholic YOuth CAmp that was dubbed years ago as Camp Cayoca.

According to Jessica La Fleur, director of youth and young adult ministry, this particular camp experience provides a balance between educational, social and recreational activities.

"The nice thing about camp is that we have an opportunity for young Catholics in our diocese to get together, share faith, learn about their faith and worship as a community of faith - then that same group of kids is out there playing soccer together or making a craft together," she said.

One change in this year's format will be that for students who have completed the seventh and eighth grade, they will participate in the traditional camp rather than the service camp that has been featured the past few years.

The dates of camp this year are as follows: June 1-4, grades 3-5 A; June 5-8, grades 6-8; June 9-12, grades 3-5 B; and June 13-16, grades 5-6.

Held at Twin Lakes Christian Center near Manson, this year's camp is based on the theme "All Things Through Christ." The theme, which was selected by the Camp CAYOCA Board, is from Phillippians 4:13: "I have strength for everything through him who empowers me."

"We intend to emphasize that Christ is everything and everything we do is connected to Christ," noted La Fleur. "All things through us, too, should be Christ."

Among other areas, the theme will be incorporated into workshops. Campers will attend about six workshops and other faith-based activities over the course of the four-day camp.

"Workshops on forgiveness and reconciliation lead to the sacrament of reconciliation; workshops on faith sharing and Scripture lead to prayer rotations and workshops on liturgy and service leads to Mass preparation," she explained. "These will all connect into 'All Things Through Christ.'"

Campers will also have the opportunity to participate in daily Mass as well as other prayer opportunities such as morning prayer outside by the flagpole.

Each afternoon students have a few hours of free time where they can participate in a wide variety of recreational activities. With the camp located on the west shore of North Twin Lake, numerous water activities are among the offerings - swimming, waterslide, paddleboards, pontoon and more. Some campers may want to try archery, mini-golf, wall climbing or creating a candle or beaded bracelet in the Craft Corner.

In addition, each evening there are large group activities and games as well as a campfire sing-along.

If people are interested in sending their children to camp, they should first contact their parish DRE or pastor for more information. Should there be additional questions, they may call Judy Forrest at (712) 233-7520 or e-mail her at judyf@scdiocese.org. La Fleur may be reached at jessical@scdiocese.org.

In about a week, Twin Lakes Christian Center will have its Web site up and running. This will allow campers to register and pay on-line at www.twinlakescc.com.

Adults are also needed to serve as small group leaders. If adults are interested in this they may register on-line or can let their parish know.

Cost of the camp is $180, if paid after April 1. If full payment is made prior to April 1, the cost of the camp is $170. This year the camp will be open to students from other dioceses because some do not offer this type of camp.