Fr. Jason McClure, the chaplain for Gasper River Catholic Youth Camp and Retreat Center, celebrates Mass during Expedition 2 Camp (for fifth and sixth graders), on July 2, 2024. RILEY GREIF | WKC
Another amazing summer at Gasper River Catholic Youth Camp
BY BEN WARRELL, GASPER RIVER CATHOLIC YOUTH CAMP AND RETREAT CENTER
The 17th summer at Gasper River Catholic Youth Camp and Retreat Center was beautiful and amazing in so many ways. It was our biggest summer ever with almost 500 campers over the eight weeks of camp. It was wonderful seeing so many returning campers and how each week, they would welcome the new campers into the Gasper family. We had campers coming from all over the state and surrounding states and even as far as Virginia and Texas!
The theme for the summer was Bread of Life and we focused all summer on the Eucharist. Before daily Mass, chaplain Fr. Jason McClure would break down the parts of the Mass to help the campers better understand the greatest prayer we have as Catholics. We discussed in-depth the authority Jesus spoke with in saying, “This is my Body” and “take and eat.” We also shared about the history of the Mass and how it relates to the Passover meal and Jesus being the Lamb of God in the New Covenant.
The Eucharist sustaining us and giving us life was our focus on Wednesday and Thursday, as we taught about how we are to serve and look at the world through the eyes of Jesus Christ. We were also blessed to have the Southern Route pilgrims from the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage stay with us on their journey to Indianapolis. They led a Eucharistic procession into camp and shared about their experiences on the road. They also were able to get some much-needed rest and share in several of the camp activities.
Carol Staples, summer staff member at Gasper, assists an Expedition 2 camper who is getting ready to climb Tower #68 on July 2, 2024. ELIZABETH WONG BARNSTEAD | WKC
The feedback from camper evaluations was overwhelmingly positive as well: “I’ve never felt the love of Jesus like I did at camp.” “I want to go to Mass more!” “I learned so much about the Mass, I can’t wait to share with my family and friends.” “I can’t wait to come back to camp!” “Jesus touched my heart at Adoration and I’ll never be the same.”
The new road into camp was a huge hit with camp families. Over the winter, the road into camp was widened and chip-sealed. Each week, parents would comment about how great the new road and parking lots were and how much it has added to camp.
The summer staff did an amazing job this summer. These young people gave up 10 weeks of their lives to serve the young Church of western Kentucky. They led small groups, led all the activities at camp, and joyfully shared their faith with the campers week after week.
Our deepest thanks go out to all of you from this amazing diocese who pray for and support the ministry at Gasper River Catholic Youth Camp. Great things are happening here and it is incredibly humbling to be a part of this ministry and see God work miracles in young people’s lives right before your eyes.
We’re already rolling into retreat season so bring your parish, youth group, men’s or women’s group, business or school out to camp for a retreat! Pray for us and be assured of our prayers for you!
Ben Warrell is the director of Gasper River Catholic Youth Camp and Retreat Center in Bowling Green. Learn more at www.gasperriverretreatcenter.org.
Campers participate in a low elements activity during Expedition 2 Camp on July 2, 2024 at Gasper River Catholic Youth Camp and Retreat Center. RILEY GREIF | WKC
Originally printed in the September 2024 issue of The Western Kentucky Catholic.
