Camp Guadalupe was our first program of cultural education and a wonderful way to honor the Mexican heritage of our adopted Latino children. After many years, this week-long camp has also become an exciting Catholic experience for local school children. Our theme for 2009 was “Virtues: Climbing the Mountain.” Our 2010 theme will be: “It’s All About Jesus.” We plan to invite children from Mision Santa Maria and other Latin-American communities as guests to two locations for Camp Guadalupe at St. Francis of Assisi Parish and Malvern Retreat House. This exciting mix of faith, fun and Catholic culture has been given great reviews by local media, church leaders and families. One DRE called Camp Guadalupe the most authentic Catholic camp for children she had ever seen. The exciting story of Our Lady of Guadalupe is woven through the fabric of this camp. Along with camp activities, original music and broad parish involvement – we now have ongoing Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament for campers, adults and teen volunteers. We call our teen helpers – “prayer warriors.” They are living up to their name. Recent camps have been blessed with the Missionary Image of Our Lady of Guadalupe from the Basilica in Mexico City
