Camp Maccabee July 26-30  to help teen boys become leaders

By Father Bill Peckman

Hiking through stunning trails, visiting such geological marvels as Elephant Rocks, the Johnson Shut-ins and Taum Sauk Mountain, canoeing, campfires and plenty of other outdoor activities will be part of the diocese's inaugural Camp Maccabee experience. The camp will be held July 26-30 at Eaglehurst Ranch, about 15 miles southeast of Steelville in the southeast corner of the diocese. This location was picked because of its facilities and its proximity to many outdoor activities the teens will experience.

Each day of the camp will begin with time for prayer and Mass, followed by an outdoor activity. During the evenings, there will be talks, campfires, times for prayer, and time to relax. All meals are provided. There will be an element of "roughing it" and "unplugging it," as no electronic media devices will be allowed.

The camp's purpose is to help young men learn what it means to become masculine Catholic adults. For many teenage males growing up in this time, there are avenues to be challenged to live up to some image of being a man. For example, those who are in the Boy Scouts are continually challenged to be men. Many teens who engage in team sports are exhorted by their coaches to be men on the field of play. Many also hear it from their parents. However, many of those same teens are not hearing the message from their Church, although the Church certainly does expect her male teens to grow into truly masculine and truly Catholic adults.

The Church needs young men to become leaders within their parishes. The Church needs good masculine men to be husbands and dads and needs good masculine men to be priests. Camp Maccabee is designed to help teens learn the meaning of these expectations. Participants will be challenged and given the tools and underpinnings to mature from adolescence into adulthood and to successfully carry out their particular vocations as they grow.

All throughout the camp, the teens will be held to high standards, including: showing respect to all parties involved in the camp, and exhibiting a positive attitude to all aspects of the camp, especially the times of prayer. In the process, participants will be shown an excellent time they will always remember.

Eaglehurst Ranch also has horses for riding, but this is an extra cost for the teen not covered in the $150 fee for the camp. Participation is limited to 40 teenage boys who are in high school during the 2008-09 school year. All necessary parental permission, insurance information, and medical information will be required.More information about this camp is available through Pat Reinkemeyer in the diocesan Family Life Office at (573) 635-9127, ext. 240, or by contacting your local parish. Camp Maccabee is co-sponsored by the diocesan Youth Ministry, Family Life and Vocation offices. All offices are committed to helping boys become men in the Catholic Church.

Fr. Peckman is pastor of Sacred Heart parish in Rich Fountain.