What is St. Philomena Academy Youth Camp?
- WHAT: 3-Day / 2-Night Weekend Retreat
- WHEN:
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Check-In @ 5:00 pm Friday, August 9thCheck-Out @ 3:30 pm Sunday, August 11th
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- WHERE: Holy Family Catholic Church, Davenport, IA
*Times listed are approximate & may change. Be sure to review your registration materials, as well as any & all email correspondence you may receive following registration for the latest information and schedules. Programs & activities will take place on the campuses of Holy Family/All Saints Catholic School.
St. Philomena Academy Youth Camp (SPAYC) is a Catholic ministry initiated in 2023 by St. Alphonsus and Holy Family parishes to reach middle school & high school students in the Davenport Diocese and surrounding communities. It is open to ALL students 6th-12th grade in the Quad-City Area (Iowa & Illinois) who seek to know themselves as children of God and be loved by Him. In knowing themselves, they discover God who cares about them always.
Our inaugural camp, hosted at St. Alphonsus, attracted nearly 70 area youth ranging in age from 11-17, who represented 18 schools & 10+ parishes throughout the Iowa/Illinois Quad-City Area, as well as countless volunteers from numerous parishes near & far, all contributing to the tremendous success of the weekend. We look forward to welcoming even more campers & volunteers at Holy Family this year to join us in this very important mission.
Registration opens April 1, 2024 until August 1, 2024.
What to Expect?
- Campers will be introduced to St. Philomena, a 13-year-old Virgin Martyr who lived in the 3rd century. Nicknamed “the Wonder-Worker” because of the many healings and miracles attributed to her intercession, St. Philomena has been venerated by many great saints and popes throughout history, including Pope St. Pius X, St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, St. John Vianney, and St. Pio of Pietrelcina.
- Talks & activities will revolve around the current year’s theme and include discussions about vocation discernment, as well as an age-appropriate introduction to Saint Pope John Paul II's Theology of the Body.
- Campers will be introduced to & encouraged to participate in traditional forms of Catholic prayer and worship, participate at daily Holy Mass, pray the rosary, spend time in Holy Adoration, among other Christ-focused activities.
- Fruitful days will conclude with time to create lasting memories and relationships with other Christian peers & mentors through team-building games, arts & crafts, music, s’mores around the campfire, and a favorite activity from last year - ping pong.
- We pray that each camper will depart with the knowledge & tools necessary to navigate this often confusing & negative culture with a Biblical worldview, and leave the weekend knowing that life is a gift from God and that they are worthy of His love.
FAQs
