Holy Family Camp ‘buddies’ fulfill a work of mercy while having a lot of fun
By Andy Beugelsdijk
I decided to volunteer for a Holy Family Camp because a friend who said it had a big impact on his whole life perspective encouraged me to do so. During my time as a Camp Buddy in June of 2015, I realized what he meant, I would also highly recommend it to anyone.
The experience I had being a Camp Buddy and helping out one of the campers with disabilities throughout the week was very rewarding and a lot of fun. Some of the fun activities included swimming, archery, a talent show, and a dance.
Part of the fun is getting to know the other campers and volunteers there. It’s the week of the year the campers look forward to the most, and it was great sharing that joy with them and helping make the week possible.
It was a week of growing spiritually as well. We lived our faith going to Mass each day and had lessons on the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy. What stuck with me the most, though, was knowing that in helping, serving, and being with these campers, Jesus was giving me the opportunity to help, serve, and be with Him in them.
The camp challenged me to grow in love and to help others with whom I didn’t have any experience helping, but the challenge was worth it seeing the joy on the campers’ faces and knowing it was done for the Lord.
The camp was a great reminder of all the blessings I have in my life and was a way to give back in gratitude. If you’re interested, it’s a good summer opportunity when school is out, but it would be great even if you’re out of school and think you’re “too old” for it.
I enjoyed working with some volunteers who had 10 years of experience and some who were taking the week off from work to start for the first time. I would encourage anyone who wants to have a fun week helping others who really appreciate it and to grow in your faith to consider volunteering in the future.
Beugelsdijk is a first year theology seminarian and a member of Holy Cross Parish in Hutchinson.
Interested in being a Camp Buddy?
Those interested in being a Camp Buddy may contact Christina Streeter at streeterc@CatholicDioceseOfWichita.org or Tom Racunas at racunast@ CatholicDioceseOfWichita.org. Holy Family Camp begins Sunday, June 12, with Camp Buddy arrival and training, and ends on Friday, June 17.