Thursday, 17 May 2012 11:14

By Kyle Martens
Jesus says in Mark 9:29, “This kind can only come through prayer.”
My time at Camp Totus Tuus left me with a greater understanding of this message that Christ spoke to his disciples in Mark’s Gospel. This awareness wasn’t something I fully appreciated at first, but when I reflected on all the memories I made from my experience I realized that none of this could come about by human means alone.
The message is deeply imbedded in the history of Totus Tuus. What started out as a simple catechesis program has spread to 30 other dioceses in 16 states across the United States, with some programs given in Japan and Guam. It has been a true testament, not to the power of man, but to the work of the Holy Spirit through the Living Word.
Camp Totus Tuus teaches young people that prayer is alive and thriving – a prayer that starts in the head, but then trickles down to a surge of the heart; a prayer that is a lifestyle, imitating that of the first Christians; being of one heart and mind, bearing witness to the Resurrection of the Lord Jesus.
When campers leave Camp Totus Tuus with shaken hearts on fire with love, it compels them to follow in the footsteps of the first Christians and Saints – Anthony, Augustine, Francis, and Ignatius to name a few. Just as importantly, they follow in the footsteps of the counselors, chaplains, and fellow campers, who daily provide a living witness by their example in the smallest acts of charity.
There is something at work at Camp Totus Tuus. It is something that stirs the soul of anyone who comes out for a week of camp. It’s not something I can easily convey to you, just ask anyone who has been before, and they’ll tell you the same. To fully realize what I’m talking about, you’ll have to come out and see for yourself. If you do, you’ll have a truly unique experience, the kind that can only come through prayer.
Martens, a seminarian for the Diocese of Wichita, was a 2011 Camp counselor and will be a 2012 parish team member.

Want to attend a Totus Tuus?
For more information about a Totus Tuus event, contact the Office of Faith Formation at (316) 269-3940, or email, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .