Working alongside the adult men, the boys helped prepare the camp site, and watched as the tractor evened out the ground. The bigger boys chopped wood: enough for their camp, and some left over for the girls' camp which would use the same campground two weeks later. Then the tents went up, including the largest one which would house the Altar for the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, celebrated everyday during camp.

Thus began the 2010 St. Michael's Patrol Boys' Camp, from July 19 to 23. Led by four priests of the Institute, two seminarians, three oblates, and assisted by men from the Holy Name Society, sixty-eight boys shared a week-long community life consecrated to the Blessed Mother and St. Michael, and centered on Christ.

In rain or shine, the daily routine began with Holy Mass, breakfast, clean-up, spiritual conference given by one of the priests, then energetic team activities. Four teams, each composed of boys varying in age from 10 to 18, and each headed by a team captain, studied the lives of saints together, worked together in friendship, and plunged into competitive play of all kinds. A chaplain was available for each team to provide spiritual guidance throughout the day.

By assisting at Holy Mass everyday, going to confession, minding the saints, obeying the priests and their elders, working with diligence, and playing hard and fairly at their games,   the young men learned something important: namely that the Altar is the source of leadership, virtues, and Christian living.

When evening came and the healthy appetites had been satisfied at dinner, the campers turned their attention to building the bonfire and preparing to share the lives of their patron saints in skits. Before turning in to their respective tents for a good night's sleep, one of the priests closed the evening with a benediction.

Camp ended with everyone participating in the Stations of the Cross, an award ceremony, and extinguishing the candle which had been lit throughout the duration of the camp. Perhaps in a less articulated but equally tangible way, they also took with them the basics of laying an eternal fire in their hearts, because the placement of the spiritual foundations matter too.