“The power lies in the Eucharist:” God speaks at Camp Summit

Middle school students and the high school service team gathered at Red Willow Bible Camp near Binford July 14–18 for Camp Summit. The mission of Camp Summit is to provide a space where Catholic youth from across the diocese can come together for prayer, fellowship, and community. 

While the week was filled with small group sessions, games, talks, testimonies, praise and worship, Mass, Adoration, Confession, and time to experience God in the beauty of nature and friendship, it was adoration that won the attention of those who attended.

When asked what they wanted others to know about camp, campers responded: 
“First, it's really fun, and adoration is truly an amazing experience if you let Jesus into your heart.” –Ava Bitz, Napoleon

“Adoration was very powerful for me. I've never felt Jesus before and I did for the first time here. I just really recommend this camp to others.” –Hope Gross, Napoleon

“Adoration was an amazing experience for me. I felt like I can finally be myself around others and not be afraid to show who I really am.” –Brooklyn Schneider, Napoloen

“There's some things I've been worrying about recently. When I came to this camp last year, I felt the Holy Spirit. And again this year, he just fixes all of my problems every year and I feel so much better after I leave, and I want to share Jesus with all of my friends.” –Olivia Pllatzki, Fargo

“It was really just a great experience coming here and growing deeper in faith.” –Gracyn Feist, Napoleon

“The power of this camp lies in the Eucharist,” said Brady Borslien, youth and young adult director for the Diocese of Fargo. “We celebrate Mass each day and conclude our nights with Adoration and worship music. For some that attend, this may be the first time that they have encountered Jesus, and it radically changes their lives. Along with that, Summit is successful because of the staff and high school students who give of their time to share what the Lord has done for them to the middle school youth.” 

It wasn’t just middle school students who experienced the grace of camp, but the high school service team who led small groups, shared testimonies, and helped the camp to run smoothly.

“I don’t have the experience of being a camper, but I have grown immensely in my relationship with God through being able to minister to those here,” said Sanna Kritzberger, service team member from Hillsboro. “If I could summarize Camp Summit in one word, it would be ‘growth.’ I am lucky enough to know some of the campers previous to meeting them here. Seeing them grow from children into young men and women of God has been so beautiful to see.”