REEDSBURG — Camp Gray is a place where campers and staff alike come to experience awe and wonder in all that the Creator does, and has done for us.
The summer of 2020 did not begin like anyone could’ve ever imagined.
Our mission of providing an encounter in a faith filled, vibrant community seemed to be next to impossible given the regulations set in place by the government and the American Camp Association.
We made the tough decision to put our normally scheduled summer program on hold.
We did this, while at the same time, putting our trust in the Lord that he would provide new opportunities for Camp Gray.
He has not disappointed us, as the Lord provided a new and special way to spread the Gospel message this summer.
New guests at Camp
During this summer, two priests parked their black vehicles outside the health center where the camp nurse would be parked on a typical summer day.
Both broadcasted positive, truthful messages for all the world to see from their license plates.
One proclaimed, “GODLVSYA” and the other called to attention Our Lady by simply naming her, “BVMARY.”
Father Luke and Father Matt, the formators for the 12 seminarians from St. Francis de Sales Seminary in Milwaukee, who called Camp Gray home for two months this summer, lived in the health center.
When their plans to spend the summer at the Omaha Institute for Priestly Formation were thwarted they found their way to Camp Gray.
Plans of sharing the Gospel with over 1,300 youth in a vibrant, Catholic community were thwarted, too, but God provides.
Tim Chaptman, Camp Gray camp director, said it best, “Camp is better with people.”
Yes, we are saddened that the youth of our diocese (and beyond) this summer cannot experience camp, but we are so glad that God provided a home for these seminarians.
They are here for what they are calling a spirituality summer. Just as many of our campers may call it a spirituality week during a “normal” year, they are here to grow and discover God more fully.
The look of Camp in 2020
For those of us at Camp, it meant Mass was offered daily. It was a gift to have added time for prayer during this abnormal summer.
The sounds of laughter and bouncing basketballs were heard across camp as an audible reminder of the joyful noise that is synonymous with a typical summer here at Camp Gray.
Classes were offered for the guys each day, and one focus of study was from Dietrich Von Hildebrand, a 20th century Catholic philosopher.
Imagine 12 guys in a room talking about the affectivity of the heart.
Von Hildebrand calls us to give proper attention to the stirrings of the heart.
We must be in tune to the object of our feelings, and this attention allows us to be in closer union with our Lord.
Camp Gray continued to play a necessary role in the formation of souls.
These men grew closer in community with one another and grew closer to the Lord.
People still discovered Christ in a more intimate way by spending time in this wonderful place.
Please know that our mission has not changed. It took on a new look temporarily.
Camp Gray has also opened its grounds to families to come and enjoy the fresh air and God’s beauty on a sign-up basis.
Opportunities for families will continue throughout the fall to stay overnight to enjoy this great place.
Check our website for more details at https://campgray.com
In the meantime, look for the areas where God has provided for you in your life and take a moment to offer gratitude.
Thanks for reading everyone.
Make it a great day.
Jeff Hoeben is the executive director of Camp Gray Catholic Camp in Reedsburg.