Camp Veritas...On Fire for God

One week is not a tremendous amount of time in the course of a person's lifetime, while one's lifetime is only a mere blip when it comes to eternity. However, depending upon how a week is spent, it most certainly can be life changing and extremely meaningful. About a week ago, I left Camp Veritas, a Catholic Camp for youth in the greater Central New York area, on fire for God. In terms of my faith and celebrating it with my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, I have had no experience that is like what I had at Camp Veritas. Veritas is Latin for TRUTH. The name of the camp is fitting because it challenges us as Christians to live by the truth and to continuously strive to follow our Lord Jesus Christ who is the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE. Unfortunately, we live in a day and age where power, wealth, sex, and fame is what is valued by the culture in our country. The importance of Religion is fading away more and more in the minds and hearts of those who live in this 21st Century. It is vital to realize that whether or not people wish to acknowledge God, He is as present as He has ever been! Camp Veritas provides one the opportunity and environment to take time away from "the World" and to spend quality time with God as well as hundreds of other fired up Catholics who wish to rekindle their faith.
Furthermore, it is so important to emphasize that although we live in a culture of death and sin, there are many people doing good, living through service of their fellow brothers and sisters, and ultimately living a life of LOVE. The Catholic faith is so important and the Church will always exist. During this age where Churches are closing and their is a lack of people accepting a call to religious life, we are challenged. Although it might seem a tough task or a big mountain to climb when we have to go against the grain of society on a daily basis, let us always remember that Jesus started with just twelve. Where two or three are gathered in His name, there He is with us. God will provide us the strength as long as we band together and do not give up. Camp Veritas is about encouraging youth to get to know Jesus on a personal basis, to live a life of love for the Church-the body of Christ, and to fully participate in the life, death, and resurrection of our Lord through the celebration of daily Mass and Adoration of the blessed Sacrament. Camp Veritas offers young people a chance to come together as ONE, to express there Faith, share it with others, and challenge themselves to go out into the world to make it a better place. Daily activities such as morning prayer, teachings and saying of the Rosary, music which includes praise and worship, help one come closer to God and grow in their desire to live for the Lord. This is what I experienced a Camp Veritas. Along with these great spiritual activities and testamonies each night, Camp Veritas is committed to also fostering the growth of the body through fun filled sports such as basketball, soccer, baseball, swimming, hockey, football, in addition to games and go-carts, rockwall, and a beautiful lake. What a way to spend a week, to take time out of life's business in order to grow closer to God and others who desire to do not their own will, but the will of the one who created them. Overall, Camp Veritas is about realizing that there is a God, and "I am not Him." As a result of living in a culture that tells us we can do whatever we please, whenever we please, our youth need a place where they can learn more about the Catholic faith and the Church which their blessed Mother protects. Through the love and committment of the YOUNG family, Camp Veritas is a place where the Holy Spirit is working and present, where youth come together to set their hearts of FIRE for GOD!