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