By Lisa Marcotte – Executive Director Camp Monahan
This summer Camp Monahan celebrates its 75th summer of camping. Founded in 1945 and named after Archbishop Monahan, Camp Monahan serves the Archdiocese of Regina by providing a residential camping experience for the children of the Catholic community from the ages of 7-16.
Situated in the scenic Qu’Appelle valley, on the south side Katepwa Lake, campers have had the opportunity to experience the Wonder and Awe of creation, build lasting friendships and create memories that last a lifetime. There truly is something magical that happens when you bring together a group of children to share their faith in an outdoor environment. In exploring Gods creation, celebrating their faith with other children and staff, campers learn in a way that no classroom can alone provide.
Camp Monahan has touched the lives of thousands of campers and staff alike and has created friendships, strengthened faith, and built leaders in our community. Past campers have moved on to become parishioners, Deacons, Sisters, and Priests. They are members of the Catholic Women’s League, Knights of Columbus and many other church groups. They sit beside you at mass, they sing with you and most importantly they share their faith with others.
A day at camp begins with Morning Prayer, breakfast and then on to programs. The day is broken up into sections; each morning children will rotate through two of our programs before lunch and then three more programs in the afternoon before prayer and supper. In these programs children will have the opportunity to discover their creativity in Arts and Crafts, build confidence in our pool during Swimming, explore the waterfront in Canoeing, celebrate nature in Outdoor Education, and share their Faith in our Discovery program.
Every evening we gather the entire camp for a massive game that we like to call F.A.S.T (fun after supper time) and the best part is that we close every day in song and prayer at our campfire pit. There is no experience like hearing dozens of children singing some in unison, some in key, some in neither, but everyone gathered together and everyone having fun.
These experiences would not be possible without the generous support of our community members who have served as staff, board members, volunteers, and donors. As we celebrate our 75th season of camping, we would like to thank you, the Catholic community of the Archdiocese of Regina, who have provided thousands of children with the opportunity to experience the wonder that is Camp Monahan.
To all our past and future campers thank you for making camp a special place to be. As we go forth we are excited with the opportunities to build on 75 years of faith and tradition before us. Thank you again for your support, please visit us at www.campmonahan.ca and hopefully, we will see you with your favorite camper at Monahan this summer!
