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Camp Koinonia is not-for-profit organization (click here for info on the history of Camp)

Click here to read testimonials from Family Campers!

Hi Father Paul,

I wanted to share this newsletter to give you a little more information about Camp Koinonia , and about the Family Camp we attended there this past summer. Family Camp is a week-long, Catholic family retreat which includes daily Mass (or a Communion service, in the event that a priest is unavailable), morning prayer and a related activity or meditation (led by married-couple spiritual directors), and family reconciliation, in a traditional summer camp framework that includes swimming, hiking, crafts, games, and FUN for all ages. Families are assigned a Teen Staff member to assist with small children, doing everything from helping them get dressed and ready for breakfast in the morning, to walking out with toddlers during Mass, if necessary, to babysitting for a few hours, free of charge, every night so that the parents can enjoy an adults-only social hour down at the Camp Store. Teens attending the camp (as opposed to Teen Staff members) participate in their own evening social hour, usually in the lodge. Three hot meals per day are provided in the dining hall, and ice cream and snacks can be purchased from the Camp Store during afternoon free time. The meditation and activities after morning prayer are age-based, similar to the way religious ed classes are conducted.

Although this pretty much covers the nuts-and-bolts, what impressed me most about Family Camp was the way I walked away feeling like this was as close to the Kingdom of God on earth as one might get. It's a place where families come together, united in their desire to know God more fully, and open to learning from each other along the way. It's a place of peace and comfort, where defenses come down, where we are free to be Catholics without the necessity of having to explain or defend that to our friends and co-workers. It's an oasis of spiritual refreshment, where God is plainly present among us, in the Sacraments and in ourselves.

There are a few things Family Camp is not, as well. It's not fancy. There's no air conditioning, there are bugs, the cabins are small, with electricity, but no running water -- there are bathroom and shower facilities located in separate buildings from the cabins. There's not a lot of privacy; two families share each cabin, with a sliding divider in between the two halves. But when I look back on these minor inconveniences, they seem so trivial in comparison with the deep and lasting benefits which we gained from our week at camp. Most families, if not all, attend once and are hooked for life. They return each summer to relax, re-connect with old friends, and renew themselves spiritually. And yet new families, as we were last summer, catch the spirit of the camp so quickly that there's no awkwardness, no feeling out of place.

I have so many fond memories of our week at Family Camp, but one in particular stands out. We'd finished breakfast in the dining hall, and I was anxiously scanning the crowd for the face of my 5-year-old daughter, who had left my side. When I found her, hand-in-hand with one of the Teen Staff, I told her how worried I'd been that she left without telling me where she was going. She replied, "Mom, you don't need to worry about me! I'm just going to morning prayer!," As if it were the most natural thing in the world, something she did every day. I realized in that moment that that is what I want for my children. I want them to be happy, strong, and excited about their faith. So often in our daily lives, that doesn't happen, and the pressures of the world weigh down on us. But for one week each summer, I want to give my children the gift of happiness, peace, freedom, and joy that comes from drawing close to God, and living in harmony with other people.

Father, if you would please consider coming to camp as Chaplain for a week this summer, it would be great! They really need at least one other priest to celebrate daily Mass, since camp runs for three 1-week sessions and I believe they only have two priests who are able to attend. Although most of the families tend to come from across New York state, our spiritual directors last summer were also from Boston , so you wouldn't be the only Bruins fan there! :-) I would also appreciate the opportunity to either (a) put some brochures for the camp at the back of the church this winter, as families start making their plans for the summer, or even (b) tell people a little about the camp at the announcements during Mass one Sunday.

Please let me know what you think.

11/2008 -  Julie S

At Family Camp there is something that suits everyone’s interests. If you’re into art then there is an arts and crafts cabin. If you are into sports then there is a swimming pool, hiking up the falls, and at least one sporting event each day that the teen staff organizes. Many people also bring their own instruments to play at mass, campfires or just during free time. There are many old traditions like a square-dancing night and an opening and closing campfire, but you can bring in new traditions. The church that they have there is my most favorite church that I’ve been to because it’s always full of music and dancing. Hope to see you there!

12/2006 ---Teresa, age 13

Ever since I was 6 years old I’ve looked forward to coming to Family Camp every summer for at least a week with my family. The last two years I have stayed a second week and have been teen staff as well. It is my favorite place on earth. I think what I love the most about it is being able to be myself. And not being judged by anyone. I can talk to kids my age who are going through the same things as I am and who have the same problems as I do. The friends I make there are different. They help me to connect to the church in a different, more real way. I talk to them all year round even though many of them live as far as 8 hours away. Camp has helped me to become my own person. Growing up knowing that there is a place I can call my home away from home is something really special that will always stay with me. I would urge any parent who wishes faith to be a part of their child’s life to bring their family to family camp and give them what my friends, family and I have: a home away from home.

12/2006 ---Bridget, age 16