Winter storm warnings won’t be ending anytime soon, but with a loaded summer of events ahead for Catholics in Denver, it’s not too early to plan ahead.
Summer events in the lineup span various ages, from youth to college students, and a few, such as Steubenville of the Rockies, open registration this month.
“There are some really cool summertime opportunities for them to have fun while learning about Catholicism from teachers who are very sincere, faithful, and dynamic. I wish I grew up in Denver during high school and middle school!” said Mary McGeehan, events and outreach coordinator at the Archdiocese of Denver.
Here’s a list of conferences, camps and events coming to the archdiocese.
Steubenville of the Rockies
Steubenville of the Rockies is one of the most popular conferences for high schoolers and is coming back for its 20th year in Denver. The weekend is packed with Mass, confession, worship, talks from great speakers and a moving adoration experience. Last year’s event brought over 2,500 youth and expects another crowd this summer. This year’s theme is “Elevate,” based on Revelation 21:5, “Behold, I make all things new.” For more information, visit http://archden.org/steubenville. Registration is full.
Christ in the City
Christ in the City is a non-profit organization serving the homeless of Denver. A group of missionaries, volunteers, parishes and donors work to minister to the homeless relationally and help connect them to jobs, housing and other resources. Most importantly, through their ministry, they remind the homeless of their inherent dignity of human beings by simply befriending them. Families can help serve lunches every Wednesday and every second Saturday at noon, located at Lincoln Park. College students are invited to apply for their Summer of Service, which spans from June 2- June 30. For more information on a summer of service, email missiontrips@christinthecity.org or apply at http://christinthecity.co/summer/. Applications deadline is Monday, May 1.
Guppy Fest
Guppy Fest is a day-long youth retreat for sixth – eighth grades, held by St. Thomas More parish in Centennial, and this year, will be hosting its event for the 25th year. Last year’s event drew about 175 middle school-aged youth from 10 different parishes, but high school students are also invited to participate on the leadership team. The day includes talks, prayer, Mass, games, music and dancing. This year’s event is Wednesday, June 7, 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Cost to attend is $10 per participant, and they are asked to bring a sack lunch. Contact Yifat Shahrabani at 303-220-3388, ext. 4 for more information.
Catholic Day at Water World
All youth are welcome to Catholic Day at one of the largest water parks in the country. Youth and their chaperones can enjoy the slides, wave pools or slow down and lounge by one of the many pools in the park.
“When I was a youth minister, I loved this day, because it was about having fun and connecting to the youth,” said Kim Perez, coordinator of youth ministry at the Archdiocese of Denver.
This year’s day is Wednesday, July 19. For more information, contact Nick Eden at 303-973-3969.
Totus Tuus
Totus Tuus is a parish-based catechetical program for first – 12th graders across the country. The organization sends teams of college students and seminarians in teams of four to host events for youth to help them develop a relationship with Jesus Christ and to experience their faith from vibrant young adults.
“A handful of my friends have served as Totus Tuus teachers or attended when they were younger and loved it,” said McGeehan.
For more information, visit http://archden.org/totustuus/ or email TotusTuusDenver@gmail.com.
Camp Wojtyla
If your kids are outdoorsy, this summer camp is the way to go. Held in the mountains of Colorado in June and July, the program’s mission is to offer a spiritual experience in nature, inspired by St. John Paul II’s love of bringing young people to the mountains before his time as pope. There are several different programs offered on various dates, for both middle school and high school-aged youth.
Rachael Perez, freshman, attended a camp last summer and grew in both her faith and friendship with her peers.
“Camp Wojtyla impacted me and how I live my faith. We had Mass outside everyday so that we could fully see God in the world around us and before us. Everyone was pushed to their limits mentally, physically and spiritually…the faith and fellowship of Jesus was taught through it. At Wojtyla, I found a group of girls that have become my faith family. We still keep in touch and lift each other up daily. Camp was where I got to see God everywhere in everything, and everyone.”
Currently, most programs are accepting registrations for the waiting list. For more information, visit http://camp-w.com or call 303-586-1799.
JPII Outdoor Lab
JPII Outdoor Lab is an environmental education program that offers backpacking trips during the summer as well as other events throughout the year. High school and middle school students can go in groups of up to nine people to the Sangre de Cristos, Holy Cross Wilderness or a pilgrimage to El Santuario de Chimayo in New Mexico. For more information, go to: http://outdoorlab.jp2adventures.com.
Nazareth Middle School Summer Camp
Kids entering fifth – eighth grades for the 2017-2018 year are invited to a summer camp June 19-25 at Highlands Presbyterian Camp and Retreat Center. Focusing on the theme of what makes life meaningful, the camp will offer Mass, confession, adoration and the rosary daily. Other activities include hiking, challenge courses, canoeing, sports, campfires and more. The camp is run by the Priests and Brothers of the Disciples of the Hearts of Jesus and Mary and St. Mary’s Nazareth Middle School Youth Ministry. Register online at https://membership.faithdirect.net/events/details/565.
Prayer and Action
Prayer and Action is a mission trip program founded through the Diocese of Salina, Kansas by seminarians who wanted to offer a low-cost mission trip experience for people in their own communities. The name is taken from a quote about Mary from St. John Paul II that emphasized Mary’s dedication to both prayer and action. This will be the 6th year of Prayer in Action in the Archdiocese of Denver. Stay tuned for more information on this year’s trip at http://saintjohns.us/PandA/ or contact Elisabeth Krick (St. Joan of Arc) at 303-420-1232, ext. 203, or Tyler Eberle (St. John the Evangelist Parish) at 970-635-5817.
FOCUS Summer Project: YMCA of the Rockies
The Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS) is offering college-aged students the opportunity to work at the YMCA of the Rockies from May 26-August 4. Students will work during the day, and in the evenings and weekends, have the opportunity to receive formation in their faith and have fun with other students. Students will be given various jobs, so the sooner applications are received, the better the chance of getting the job of choice. Possible jobs include activities facilitator, horseback riding instructor, food service, housekeeping and more. The YMCA will provide pay for the job as well as room and board. Areas of faith formation include virtue, prayer, Catholic worldview and evangelization. For more information, or to apply, visit http://focusoncampus.org/summer-project.
Did we miss your event? Let us know! Visit http://archden.org/eflm.