Catholic Summer Camps

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by Snape75

by Snape75

Hi there everyone!

First, I'd like to thank you all again for all the comments you have made previously. You have no idea how much helpful it is to me and I am really grateful for your participation!

Obviously, there's no obligation to help and you can disregard these posts if you want to keep his story as a surprise. I'm afraid I can't avoid a few spoilers with asking questions but I'm trying my best to keep the details secret enough.

In any case, I won't bother you for much longer as it mostly concerns the first 15 chapters of book 1 and then Aaron will drop off his religion anyway. But I really like interacting with readers so if some of you are willing to help here, I'll appreciate greatly. It's incredible the number of ideas you've given me already, so thank you for that! I'll try to organize the next questions by themes so that I can find your answers more easily when I edit :) I'm going to post 5 different parts today.

Here's a new theme I'd like to broach: catholic summer camps.

In August 2002, Aaron will go on a Catholic summer camp for a few weeks, only for boys, and I don't know if the link will work but here's one I found on the internet:

http://www.otyokwah.org/who-we-are.html

I'm not going to use them namely of course because like I said, it remains a fiction and I don't want my stories to be associated with real associations or organizations as much as possible.

I was wondering if any of you had heard about such summer camps, or been to one?

Has anyone been to a YMCA summer camp?

Are they less strict than what a "retreat" would be (because in Aaron's case, it's more like a retreat than a real summer camp)?

Below are a few excerpts from chapter 4 which is when Aaron learns he will go there. Let me know if it doesn't sound coherent especially regarding the YMCA camps which (I believe) are maybe less strict. I'm about to start writing chapters 8 and 9, which cover this summer camp, so that's why I'm posting this now.

Passage 1 (chap4): Mark and Aaron are working at a table in Mark's parents' restaurant.

"Aaron's parents informed him yesterday that they have enrolled him for a Catholic summer camp in August, Mom..." Mark interferes but I just let him.

I am still too astounded by the revelation I got from my father yesterday evening before dinner. I was joining everyone in the dining room when he took me aside and announced I was going to go away on a three-week summer camp in Ohio this coming August, with other boys from various parishes. As usual, he used his most authoritative voice, the one that leaves no place for argument. I still tried a bit, saying I would rather stay here and look for a job to make some money, but his answer was firm and final.

There is no arguing, Aaron. They have a very interesting program with plenty of activities and you will enjoy yourself. This is obviously very Christ-centered, you will also have classes with bible studying. Of course, this is only for boys, so don't expect any temptation from young ladies. I believe this is going to be a life-changing experience for you, Son. It will help you to personally grow while connecting with God, which should do you some good before you start your last year in high school.

Passage 2 (chap4): A bit later in the conversation.

"Mom, did you miss the part where I said it's a Catholic camp?" Mark insists.

"Oh, yes, I heard that, Mister Murray Junior," Sophia replies playfully. "But some of these camps are quite modern in thought and still fun!" she then encourages me kindly.

Mark's mother is really the best. Aside from the fact that she bakes the most delicious cakes and is someone you can easily confide in, she is always sweet and kind with everyone, especially when they are Mark's friends. She also knows how much tension there is between my family and me, and how I don't share their faith in religion.

"Unfortunately, this is not one of those YMCA camps that are a bit more fun," I grumble. "This one is bible-centered and some sort of strict retreat to commune with God..."