CAYOCA campers experience 'All Things Through Christ'

By KATIE LEFEBVRE, Globe staff reporter
June 28, 2007

TWIN LAKES - Close to 500 students from throughout the Diocese of Sioux City participated in one of four sessions of Camp CAYOCA this year held at Twin Lakes Christian Center (TLCC) near Manson.

This was the 21st year that Camp CAYOCA was held at TLCC. The theme of camp was "All things through Christ." This is from the Scripture passage Philippians 4:13, "I have strength for everything through him who empowers me."

"It (camp) is serving all of the campers who come together across the diocese," said Jessica La Fleur Malm, director of youth and young adult ministry for the diocese. "They have the opportunity to learn about their faith, participate in activities where they share their faith and it all comes together when we celebrate Mass every day. It gives them a chance to extend what they do during the school year - religious education or Catholic school."

Throughout the four sessions of camp, there were over 600 people who participated as campers, group leaders, leader team members or program assistants.

The first and third sessions of camp, June 1-4 and June 9-12, were held for grades third through fifth. The second session was held June 5-8 for sixth through eighth graders. The fourth session for fifth and sixth graders was held June 13-16.

During the sessions, the campers attended six workshops including reconciliation, forgiveness, Scripture, faith sharing, liturgy and service. The reconciliation and forgiveness workshops then came together to receive the sacrament of reconciliation. Scripture and faith sharing came together for a prayer experience and liturgy and service joined in Mass preparation.

Afternoons at camp were spent participating in many recreational activities provided by TLCC such as the 150-foot cable ride, wall climbing, craft corner, mini-golf, swimming, paddleboats and many more.

Mass was celebrated each day and all students had the chance to actively participate in the liturgy - as song leaders, gift bearers, lectors and in other ways.

The spiritual leaders for camp were Father Tim Johnson (session 1), Father Matt Hewitt (session 2), Father Tom Hart (session 3) and Father Terry Roder (session 4). Father Tim Fitzgerald helped at camp several days as well, noted La Fleur.

Bishop R. Walker Nickless presided at the first Mass of the last session of camp.

During the homily, the bishop asked the campers questions about the readings and what they knew about the role of bishop.

"My parish is the whole Diocese of Sioux City," said Bishop Nickless. "I have come to be a pastor and a shepherd to all of the people here. That is what a bishop is - the major teacher of the diocese, the major liturgist of the diocese and the father or shepherd to all of you. You are all my children."

Bishop Nickless asked the campers why they came to camp. Their answers varied from making new friends to learning about God.

"It is fun to learn about God," said the bishop. "There are times to be serious and times to have a good time. What you are here for is to learn about loving God and loving your neighbor."

Following Mass, Bishop Nickless visited with campers during the evening meal.

Two Le Mars Gehlen students, Hannah Kessenich and Sara Roder, attended the last session of camp. They both just finished fifth grade and had a lot of fun at camp.

Kessenich, a parishioner at St. Joseph Parish in Struble, mentioned that she decided to come to camp because she enjoyed it last year.

"I liked meeting new people," said Roder, a parishioner at St. James in Le Mars. "We've learned about reconciliation and what to say."

Jessica Perreault, a recent Sioux City Bishop Heelan graduate, was a group leader at the last session of camp. This was her second year helping and she attended camp from fourth through sixth grade.

"I really like working with the kids. I got a lot out of it when I was younger," said Perreault. "I want to give back what was given to me."

Maria Valen, a parishioner from St. Patrick's in Estherville, was the program leader for the fourth session. She has been involved at camp for about 12 years. She started as a camper and has been a program assistant, a group leader and a program leader.

"I love Camp CAYOCA," said Valen. "It is a lot of fun and a great chance to work with the youth of different ages. It is great to see them open up and have a great faith experience."

Kyle Kennedy, a parishioner from St. Joseph in Jefferson, just finished sixth grade and attended the last session of camp.

"I learned that God always forgives you even if you sin a lot," said Kennedy.

Camp coordinator for session 4 was Anita Gaspers, a parishioner at St. Mary's in Danbury. She has been volunteering at camp for about 18 to 20 years and has served in each of the leadership roles as well as a group leader.

"No matter how much I give while I am here I get it back," said Gaspers. "Camp is my own spiritual renewal for the year. The kids are awesome. They know their stuff. They know their faith and to see that and be a part of that is a great experience."

Jamie Sitzmann, a parishioner at St. Michael's in Kingsley, helped as a group leader during the first session. His two sons attended that session so he decided to experience camp as well. He enjoyed seeing the campers learn and was spiritually uplifted.

"They get to meet all the other Catholic kids in our area and interact with them. They get to be more open with their religion," said Sitzmann. "It is uplifting and upbeat at all times."

Jaylynn Peters from Wall Lake just finished fourth grade and attended the first session of camp this year. She liked free time at camp and being able to go swimming. She commented that she learned about God and made friends at camp.