As told by one of the camp counselors.
"Who shall find a valiant woman? Far and from the uttermost coast is the price of her." Proverbs 31
It is no secret that the quest to find a valiant woman begins with the formation of virtuous girls. This task seems rather daunting when one considers the culture in which we live. But every year in the beautiful countryside of Wisconsin, the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest provides a camp where girls from ages 10-17 come from all over the world to participate in a weeklong experience of Catholic girlhood formation. At camp, participants experience the wholesome pleasures of youth, fortified by the Holy Sacraments and spiritual formation, with unique opportunities to cultivate and practice Catholic virtue the in camaraderie of like-minded girls.
This year's camp was certainly no exception, with over 90 girls in attendance. Each morning began with Holy Mass, accompanied by the hearing of Confessions and the call to sainthood in the sermons of one of the three Canons in attendance. This call was kept close in mind by the patronage of various woman saints from countries all over the world, assigned to the girls by teams at the beginning of camp. Various talks and discussions amid the activities of camp, such as a talk given by Mrs. Sarah Ryan on Modesty, called the girls to value the dignity of womanhood and the need to preserve, guard, and defend it's treasures. The end of each day would find the entire camp in rosary procession under the setting sun, with Our Lady's statue and saints' banners held high, and young voices proclaiming the Angelic Salutation.
Far from being, "all prayer and no play," games, activities, and even chores brought the Catholic spirit of camp to life in wholehearted fun. Relay races and competitive games gave girls the occasion to work together as a team, exercise leadership qualities, encourage others, and taste the victory that comes with both winning and losing with charity. With horseback riding, swimming, volleyball, capture the flag, crafting, campfires, there was never a dull moment. Whether preparing a three-course meal in the famous cooking contest, rehearsing skits and songs for the evening campfires, or doing dishes and collecting firewood, the girls were never without an opportunity to collaborate with like-mined souls and make new friends in the process!
Over 30 girls formed a choir and string ensemble that accompanied the closing Mass with hymns and chants of the Church at St. Mary's Oratory in Wausau at the end of the week. Their innocent voices, and musicianship perfectly portrayed the joy reflected on every face in the church; a joy not to be chased away by fatigue, a dreary rainstorm, or the ever-lurking jackalope. There was a sense of contentment in the living of St. Francis de Sales counsel, "Be who you are, and be it well." Inspired by the examples of Our Lady, the saints, and their fellow campers throughout the week, the girls departed camp with uplifted hearts, renewed fervor in practicing virtue, and new-formed friendships, thus forming girlhood gems into jewels of valiant women.
Mary Serafino, Camp Counselor