Winter at Camp

Just like the rest of the northwest Hamilton is really feeling the effects of winter. It is ranging from the teens down into the single digits here. The pond is completely frozen now, as well as a lot of the ground. It almost feels like we have permafrost. The lake is also starting to form a thin layer of ice on the top. The staff are still braving the cold to work on the high ropes course. I'm however, holed up in the camp office with the heat on working on staff training. It was so pretty this morning when I drove in that I snapped these pictures with my camera phone. Hope you're all staying warm!

Camp Gallagher 2010

Neon sunsets, soft guitar chords and overnight adventures may seem far away during these dark winter days, but at the CYO office, we have been talking a lot about the upcoming summer season. One thing we all agree upon is how special these summer days are, especially at a place like Gallagher. We want to make sure even more campers get to experience its beauty this upcoming summer season.

So as we release the summer 2010 schedule for Gallagher, you may notice some changes. We have extended a special session to graduating seniors, giving more campers one more opportunity to find ways to “Live it up, and live it out” at camp and beyond. For campers who have a busy schedule or limited funds, you can come experience a 6-day Gallagher session. For the first time in years, we are also offering an 11-day session, for even more time at this place we all love so much.

These changes may be surprising to some, but in a changing world, we feel it is important to make sure everyone has an opportunity to come to Gallagher. While Gallagher is a sacred place, where forest meets sea and tradition lives strong, it is also a spirit. It something we live out, carrying God’s love into the world and finding ways to be ourselves in a world trying to make us someone else. So as we dream of summer days, we hope this new Gallagher schedule will bring this spirit to even more campers. Any questions? Just ask! Wa-Wa-Wakikia. See you this summer!

Bradshaw High Ropes Course

We have lost a dear member of our family this summer. U.S. Army 1st Lt. Brian N. Bradshaw, died June 25 when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle in Kheyl, Afghanistan. Brian joined the CYO family in 2001 working as a dishwasher at Camp Don Bosco. He worked at Bosco the next summer then moved on to Hamilton until 2006. Brian was loud, caring, adventurous and notorious for his impressive mopping skills. He mopped out the Longhouse like no other! Brian's spirit and love for camp showed as he led campers on adventures through the woods as the mountain bike specialist while at Hamilton. He will be deeply missed by the CYO community and will forever be in our circle of friendship, family, and support.

Brian's family decided to support one of Brian's favorite camp activities at Hamilton, the High Ropes Course. With their help we've begun construction on a new course. This course will help campers conquer fears, set goals, and really live out Brian's adventurous spirit. This week we began installation of the poles that will be holding the course. I'll be trying to post updates and photos as the construction process continues.

There's Still Time for Environmental Education 2010

We still have a few spots left for your school group this spring. Hurry and register for a spot in the only outdoor education program with a Catholic identity in the Northwest!

Also, registration for Environmental Ed next fall has already begun. With temperature averages in the upper 60's and 70's, and days full of sunshine, there's no better time of year to be in an outdoor classroom! Plus, the class unity developed while at camp is a great way to start your school year.

Contact the Environmental Education director, Sarah Humlie for more details about registering.

sarah.humlie@seattlearch.org.

We'll see you outside!

Sneak Peak

We're all getting very excited for summer 2010 at CYO. Here is a promotional video we made that will be shown at Convention this weekend. The song in the video "Free of Charge" was written and preformed by Gallagher camper Hannah Bergam.

CYO HIGH SCHOOL CAMPS

As the Leaves Fall...

Immaculate Conception Regional School and Assumption recently enjoyed our last session of Environmental Education for the year. Amidst a rainbow of fall colors and falling leaves, the students tramped through the forest to complete their studies of our local wetlands, wildlife, and forest ecosystem. Students were undeterred by periods of rain, and came well prepared to brave the weather. Fortunately, the rain was punctuated by bursts of sunshine and blue skies, allowing for the chance to canoe across the lake to catch a glimpse of a beaver at work or a fish leaping for its dinner.

The evenings were dry, and underneath starry skies the two schools enjoyed a fascinating night hike and laughter around the campfire. Parents and teachers drove away with the defrost units working overtime, but camp songs could be heard echoing from the students in the back seats of the vehicles! As Environmental Ed comes to a close for the winter, we look forward to an exciting spring with new students and new schools.

American Camp Association Accredidation

CYO Summer Camps are proud to be accredited by the American Camp Association. This is a voluntary process that involves hundreds of standards ranging from Health and Safety to Transportation and Program Development.


Not only are our sites accredited Jamie and I are both site visitors. This means that a few days during the summer we visit other local camps to insure that they are providing the best possible programming and level of excellence.


If you want more information on the American Camp Association visit their website at http://www.acacamps.org/parents/.

Attention High School Campers!

The Catholic Youth Convention for high school students is quickly approaching and we encourage all of you to go to our events page and check out their brochure.

Youth Convention

Camp in the Fall

You might not know it, but camp doesn't really end when the last campers and staff leave camp:

Summer Camp 2010

We are already hard at work planning for next summer. Check back in the next month for our dates and program offerings. Our theme for next summer is Care of God's Creation and we are in the excited with the possibilities this theme offers.

Fall Environmental Education 2009

This fall we have been very excited to offer Fall Environmental Education at Camp Hamilton. The Overlake School in Redmond, St. George from Seattle, and St. Pius from Beaverton, Oregon have already joined us to learn more about creation. We look forward to hosting Immaculate Conception Regional School from Mount Vernon, and Assumption School in Bellingham. If you or your school is interested in more information contact Sarah Humlie at sarah.humlie@seattlearch.org.

Rent One of Our Camps

Camp Don Bosco and Camp Hamilton are great facilities for retreats and leadership development. We still have space available this fall and spring for your non-profit to have a peace filled experience. Cabins are comfortable with heat and electricity and meals are prepared family style. For more information contact Bridget Harris at bridget.harris@seattlearch.org.

Final Words from Hamilton Summer 2009

The community of believers was of one heart and mind, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they had everything in common. With great power the apostles bore witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great favor was accorded them all.

-Acts 5:32-33

We created a special place this summer where campers and staff alike grew and changed together. We worked toward common goals and lived out Christ's example in Christian community. Every member of the community was valued for his or her unique gifts and challenged to use them in service at camp and back in the greater world.

Thanks for a great Summer!

Megan

Camp Hamilton Director

Theme Night and Overnights

We had a really great outerspace theme night last night. All of the kids dressed up and played games. Today the campers are leaving for their overnights. The weather forcast looks like it will be a great night for star gazing and sunset evening reflections at our lookouts.

6th Session at Hamilton

6th Session is going great! The sun is shining and the lake is warm. We've been working on getting to know each other and living as a community. This week is off to a great start!

Last Week of CYO Summer Camp 2009

As hard as it is to believe we are looking at the last sessions of CYO Summer Camp 2009. It's been a great summer and many thanks to all you parents who choice to send your campers to Bosco, Hamilton, Gallagher or Nanamakee. We strive to be one of the finest camping programs in the Pacific Northwest and according to the comments I've received this summer, we are doing just that.

Now onto the important information for Gallagher Session 5, Hamilton Session 6, Day Camp Session 7 and Nanamakee Mad Lake Horse Trip.

Camp Gallagher Session 5 starts Saturday, August 15th.

If you are dropping your camper off at Camp Gallagher: camp drop off starts at 11:30 AM.

Buses for Camp Gallagher will be leaving the Northgate Parking Ride (the one behind the Target Store just NORTH of Northgate)at 9:30am and Kennedy High School at 10:00am. Please arrive at least 15 minutes early so we can process all that dreaded paperwork.

Camp Hamilton Session 6 starts Monday, August 17th.

If you are dropping your camper off at Camp Hamilton: camp drop off starts at 10:30am.

Buses for summer camp at Camp Hamilton will be leaving St. Marks, Shoreline (this is right off 15th Ave not the church on the top of Capitol Hill) at 9:30am and Kennedy High School at 10:00am. Please arrive at least 15 minutes early so we can process all that dreaded paperwork.

On Monday, August 10th at Camp Don Bosco - Day Camp Session 7 begins:

If you are dropping your camper off at Camp Don Bosco: Day Camp campers should be at camp between 8:00am and 8:30am.

All Day Camp (St Joseph, Sea, St. Madeleine Sophie, Bellevue & St. Anthony, Renton) pickups are at 7:30am - with the drop off being around 5pm each day.

Remember to pack for anything since this is the Pacific Northwest and enjoy the best part of summer in Washington - September :-)

Debbie~

It's Mario Week!

Session 5 is going great! We had some rain yesterday and this morning, but we're all dry and still having a blast. There was a lot of boating and ultimate frisbee to be played. This week is Mario week and we are having a Mario themed party tonight. Check out the costumes!

What People Are Saying...

Hi Megan: As an ex-CYO camper and and ex-CYO Staff member, I was really nervous dropping my son off for his first camp experience at Camp Hamilton on July 31. I have so many wonderful memories of camp, I was hoping and wanting the same experiences for my son. My fears disappeared the moment we drove into camp. The staff were so wonderful greeting us at the car and checking us in. I was truely impressed with that first experience. It was difficult to drive away because I wanted to stay and play, however, it was easy to drive away knowing my son was left in good care... ...Thank you for continuing the exceptional experience that is CYO camping. --4th session parent

Dear Megan,
Thank you for taking care of me and watching over me at camp. I really had a great time this year. You made me feel safe. I hope you have a wonderful summer, and maybe I could come back to Hamilton next summer. Take care of yourself. I loved going to church with you. --3rd session camper

Another Busy Weekend for CYO Camping

The next three days are extremely busy for CYO camps. Camp Don Bosco Session 5 ends tomorrow, Saturday, August 8th. The pick up time for parents picking up campers at the camp is between 10am and 11am. The bus should roll into Kennedy High School at around 11:30am and then St. Marks at around noon.

Camp Hamilton Session 6 starts Sunday, August 9th.

If you are dropping your camper off at Camp Hamilton: camp drop off starts at 10:30am.

Buses for summer camp at Camp Hamilton will be leaving St. Marks, Shoreline (this is right off 15th Ave not the church on the top of Capitol Hill) at 9:30am and Kennedy High School at 10:00am. Please arrive at least 15 minutes early so we can process all that dreaded paperwork.

On Monday, August 10th at Camp Don Bosco

If you are dropping your camper off at Camp Don Bosco: Camp Don Bosco Resident camp drop off starts at 10:00 and Day Camp campers should be at camp between 8:00am and 8:30am.

Buses for resident summer camp at Camp Don Bosco will be leaving St. Marks, Shoreline (this is right off 15th Ave not the church on the top of Capitol Hill) at 9:30am and Kennedy High School at 10:00am. Please arrive at least 15 minutes early so we can process all that dreaded paperwork.

All Day Camp (St Joseph, Sea, St. Madeleine Sophie, Bellevue & St. Anthony, Renton) pickups are at 7:30am - with the drop off being around 5pm each day.

Hope everyone is enjoying the cooler weather - and remember to pack for anything since this is the Pacific Northwest!

Session 4 at Hamilton

Hi Everyone! Hamilton is in full swing and we are very excited about the session. Our theme for the day is Servant Leadership and living the example Jesus set for us to follow.

We also are very excited for our first Tatanka Expedition! They leave tomorrow to explore the Wildsky Wilderness.

Busy Weekend for CYO Camping

The next three days are extremely busy for CYO camps. Camp Hamilton Session 4 starts today, Camp Gallagher and Nanamakee Session 4 starts on Sunday, August 2nd and Camp Don Bosco session 5 starts on Monday along with our 5th session of Day Camp.

On Sunday, August 2nd for Gallagher/Nanamakee Session 4:

If you are dropping your camper off at Camp Gallagher on Sunday, drop off starts at 11:00am.

Buses for Camp Gallagher will be leaving St. Marks, Shoreline (this is right off 15th Ave not the church on the top of Capitol Hill) at 9:30am, Kennedy High School at 10:00am and Bellarmine Prep at around 10:30am. Please arrive at least 15 minutes early so we can process all that dreaded paperwork.

On Monday, August 3rd at Camp Don Bosco

If you are dropping your camper off at Camp Don Bosco: Camp Don Bosco Resident camp drop off starts at 10:00 and Day Camp campers should be at camp between 8:00am and 8:30am.

Buses for resident summer camp at Camp Don Bosco will be leaving St. Marks, Shoreline (this is right off 15th Ave not the church on the top of Capitol Hill) at 9:30am and Kennedy High School at 10:00am. Please arrive at least 15 minutes early so we can process all that dreaded paperwork.

All Day Camp (St Joseph, Sea, St. Madeleine Sophie, Bellevue & St. Anthony, Renton) pickups are at 7:30am - with the drop off being around 5pm each day.

Enjoy the weekend and have fun packing for camp!

Swim Across the Lake!

It is pretty hot here at Hamilton and we are all being very mindful to drink lots of water and wear sunscreen. Here's a photo of the first Swim Across the Lake of the summer. We're having tons of fun and we'll see you tomorrow!

The Sun is Shining on Hamilton

Hello from Camp Hamilton!

The sun has finally broken through the clouds and the campers are enjoying the great weather. We've been hiking, boating, swimming and also doing a service project today. We're looking forward to a Peter Pan based theme night tonight.

Yesterday we went through our American Camp Association accreditation site visit. This is a day were the site visitors tour our camp facilities and check that we follow national camping standards. We had an excellent visit and are proud to be affiliated with the American Camp Association. www.acacamps.org

Camp Don Bosco - Session 4 Starts on Monday!

As hard as it is to believe we are already on looking at the 4th week of camp for Camp Don Bosco to start on Monday, July 27th.

If you are dropping your camper off at Camp Don Bosco: Camp Don Bosco Resident camp drop off starts at 10:00 and Day Camp campers should be at camp between 8:00am and 8:30am.

Buses for resident summer camp at Camp Don Bosco will be leaving St. Marks, Shoreline (this is right off 15th Ave not the church on the top of Capitol Hill) at 9:30am and Kennedy High School at 10:00am. Please arrive at least 15 minutes early so we can process all that dreaded paperwork.

All Day Camp (St Joseph, Sea, St. Madeleine Sophie, Bellevue & St. Anthony, Renton) pickups are at 7:30am - with the drop off being around 5pm each day.

Enjoy the weekend and have fun packing for camp!

Fun, Sunshine, and Humble Service

Greetings from Camp Hamilton on this beautiful sunny morning. This has been a busy session so far with ministry hikes, horseback riding, plenty of time swimming and boating in the lake, and lots of other activities. This session we're talking about what it means to be a "humble servant" and how to live that our in our lives here at camp and at home. With the weather so nice all the campers and staff are looking forward some time on the climbing wall, a little archery, and maybe a hike up to the Hobbit House. Check back soon to see what other fun things the campers and staff at Hamilton are up to.

Camp at Hamilton has been Amazing!

So I apologize for not posting the last few days. The internet at camp is not always very fast, so I couldn't get a picture to load. Anyway camp is going really well.

We had an epic game of sticks (like capture the flag). The campers defeated the staff 3:0. They worked well together as a team.

We didn't get any rain on the overnight and the campers had a blast making smores and building forts.

We have had some powerful faith sharing sessions focusing on gifts and how to use our gifts to serve others.

The sun finally came out today and we are all looking forward to swimming!

I hope you've had a great week like we have and we look forward to seeing you all at pick up tomorrow.

Camp Hamilton

Good Morning from Camp Hamilton!

Camp is underway at Hamilton and things are going great. It was raining off and on yesterday, but we still had a rocking campfire and some great games.

We had our first sunrise activities of the summer. At Hamilton Campers can chose to wake up early and do some choice activities, like a polar bear swim, a morning jog, or singing on the porch. Check out the picture of our first polar bear swim!

Camps Don Bosco, Hamilton & Day Camp Starts!

Summer truely is here with the 4th of July right around the corner and the first sessions at Camp Don Bosco, Hamilton and Day Camp starting on Monday, July 6th.

If you are dropping your camper off at Camp Hamilton please make sure to be there between 10:30am and 11:30am. Camp Don Bosco Resident camp drop off starts at 10:00 and Day Camp campers should be at camp between 8:00am and 8:30am.

Buses for resident summer camp at Camp Don Bosco & Camp Hamilton will be leaving St. Marks, Shoreline at 9:30am and Kennedy High School at 10:00am. Please arrive at least 15 minutes early so we can process all that dreaded paperwork.

All Day Camp (St Joseph, Sea, St. Madeleine Sophie, Bellevue & St. Anthony, Renton) pickups are at 7:30am - with the drop off being around 5pm each day.

Enjoy the 4th of July and hope to see you out at camp this summer :-)

Camp Gallagher Starts On July 2nd!!

As the summer really starts to take form our first group of campers will be heading off to camp tomorrow, Thursday, July 2nd. The weather should be great for the first session of the summer.

If you are dropping a child off at Camp Gallagher please have them there between 11 and 11:30am. The buses will be leaving St. Mark's at 9:30am, Kennedy High School at 10:00am and Bellarmine Prep at 10:30am. Please allow some extra time before the departure time so we may process the dreaded paperwork :-)

Bon Voyage Gallagher Campers!

We need you!

Reaching New Heights Campaign Extended to July 15th
Camp Hamilton's old high ropes course, which is a vital part of our programming, will not be useable this summer. We've already raised $2,255 toward the new course as of June 15th. We need of your help to fundraise the additional $1,800 for a new Vertical Playpen Element. $5, $10, $15, or $50 any amount helps! Over 500 campers will experience the new element this summer alone. This element will help teach campers cooperation, goal setting, and problem solving. The highest fundraising team or page will get to name the new element. Anyone who donates over $100 will get recognized on a plaque at the course.

Welcome EE Schools!

Welcome to a beautiful week at EE St. Charles, Assumption, St. Anthony Tigard, and Evergreen!

Welcome EE Schools!

Thanks for a great week All Saints Puyallup, St Rose, St. Michaels Olympia, and Holy Family Auburn! A special shout out to St. Rose, my alma mater!

Work Parties!

Come help get camp ready for summer. Camp Gallagher and Camp Hamilton will be having their work parties Saturday May 30th at 10am. Please RSVP to sarah.casaletto@seattlearch.org for the Gallagher work party and megan.raymond@seattlearch.org for the Hamilton work party. It will be tons of fun. promise.

Check out Hamilton's evite for the party.
http://www.evite.com/pages/invite/viewInvite.jsp?inviteId=VUCWYDTIRTNQZTSFWTMD&li=iq&src=email&trk=aei6

Welcome EE Schools!

Welcome Holy Family Kirkland, St. Louise, and Sacred Heart Bellevue. Also a big welcome back to former CYO staff Gena McReynolds, Paula Patterson, and Jeff Glasser.

Because of Camp

I developed lasting friendships...
I learned self-esteem...
I became a team player...
I learned how to care...
I became a counselor...
We Went to Camp. Shouldn't You?

Emma Roberts, Hill Harper, Lisa Loeb, Kerri Strug, Michael DeLorenzo, Justin Chambers, Paul Adelstein, James Pickens, Blair Underwood, Sharon Lawrence, Frank Sesno, Glynn Turman, Ashlan Gorse, and Lisa Raye share how their lives have changed Because of Camp…™.

Camp provides children with the opportunity to connect with nature, to participate in human powered activities, and to benefit from personal and primary relationships. Because of Camp...™ so much is possible.

This PSA Campaign is made possible, in part, by generous funding from the Legacy Fund sponsored by the Association of Independent Camps and the Lilly Endowment Inc.

Welcome EE Schools!

Welcome St. Thomas More, St. Joesph Vancouver, Holy Family Lacey, and St. Thomas More - 7th Grade.

Welcome EE Schools!

Welcome St. Joseph Snoqualmie 7th grade!

Welcome EE Schools!

Welcome St. Philomena, St. Johns and St. Patricks.
Jamie would like to give a special shout out to her old 6th grade teacher Skip Butler from St. Pats: "Have fun playing capture the flag!"

Reaching New Heights Campaign

www.firstgiving.com/cyo

Camp Hamilton's old high ropes course, which is a vital part of our programming, will not be useable this summer. We are in need of your help to fundraise $20,000 to replace it with a new Vertical Playpen Element and to update our challenge equipment. Over 500 campers will experience the new element this summer alone. This element will help teach campers cooperation, goal setting, and problem solving. The highest fundraising team or page will get to name the new element. Anyone who donates over $100 will get recognized on a plaque at the course.

Open Houses at Camp Don Bosco & Camp Hamilton

Wondering what the camp looks like? Want to meet the directors? Do you have questions regarding what your child will be doing during their time at camp? Then come to one of our Open Houses at either Camp Don Bosco or Camp Hamilton. The dates this year are Sunday, May 31st from 10 AM to 4 PM and Saturday, June 27th from 1 - 4 PM. This is a great way for you and your child to see the camp together and get the answers to the questions you may have. No need to RSVP - just show up with good walking shoes. See you there!

Summer Camp Job Openings

Camp Don Bosco is still looking for a few dynamic people to work at camp this summer! Open positions include: challenge course facilitator, cabin leader, lifeguard, office, and lodge leader. If you or anyone you know would be a great fit at camp see our website www.seattlearch.org/cyo for an application. See you this summer!

New Calendar

We are excited about our new calendar at the bottom of the blog. This will enable us to give you daily updates about CYO Outdoor Ministry. It has the most up to date information about our spring and summer programs including grades, programs offered, and if there are still spots available.

Welcome EE School!

Camp Hamilotn welcomes Visitation, St Benedicts, Holy Rosary Tacoma, St. Joe Chehalis and ICRS schools to our Environmental Education program this week. Have fun!!

Hello from CYO!

Summer camp is right around the corner and we are getting camp ready for the hundreds of campers that will play in the pool, swim in the lake, and sail on the Puget Sound! This blog will be regularly updated with information, and resources. Our hope is to be able to communicate the most accurate information to you as quickly as possible. As you follow links through this blog you will find most or all of our programs represented and easily located.Because this is is still in the early stages of development we ask everyone to help us make this an effective tool. If you find something not working, or have suggestions for how to improve the page, please e-mail them to cyo@seattlearch.org. Although the blog is mostly up, we will have a few pages with errors and inactive links until all the content is developed.As this site develops, we hope it helps everyone find the information they need here and on the main Archdiocese website. We will move more content to this as time goes on, so be sure to use www.seattleoyyam.org as your new first stop for updated information from CYO.

UNDER INTENSE CONSTRUCTION :)

Hello!

We are just writing to let you know that our blog is under intense construction and will hopefully be finished soon! We are excited to be able to update and reach everyone in our community through this wonderful new site. Until the completion of this site is finished, please visit our main Archdiocesan site at: http://www.seattlearch.org/CYO

Thank you for your patience and we hope to see you soon!