The week of summer camp from August 1-5 opened with a beautiful ceremony in which the camp was consecrated to the Blessed Mother. For five days the Wisconsin forest was transformed into a school of sanctity where cheerful girls pray, work, and play together. It is a wonderful experience for young hearts to learn how to love God and neighbor in a concrete way. The Institute's devotion to the Blessed Mother and her maternal guardianship over us were represented by a candle which stayed lit for the duration of the camp. Three priests, one seminarian, one oblate, eight young adults and twelve ladies from the St. Mary's Oratory's (Wausau, WI) Altar and Rosary Society and other mothers from U.S. apostolates of the Institute supervised a week of rigorous physical activities and spiritual growth for almost one hundred campers, aged 10 through 18. For adults the days were very demanding with overseeing these energetic young people; but how wonderful it is to see young ladies working together as they grow in their love of God and neighbor.
This year formation talks given by priests of the Institute focused on the motherly care of our Blessed Mother for us her children and upon the spiritual fruits and joys of devotion to Mary. The message could be summarized in this beautiful prayer to Our Lady of Guadalupe. "I am a merciful mother to you and to all people who love me and trust in me and invoke my help. I listen to their lamentations and comfort them in all their sorrows and their sufferings." May Our Lady of Guadalupe and Our Lady of Akita guide and protect us!
Under the protection of Our Lady and countless guardian angels, the daily routine of summer camp included praying and playing: daily Mass, confessions, Rosary processions, Capture the Flag, scavenger hunt, Olympics, and the favorite, Cooking Contest. The American spirit of challenge is never ending—all capped with a presentation of award certificates on the last day.
During the closing ceremonies of the camp the Marian hymn Salve Regina was sung by the young ladies, the entire staff of this girls' camp, and by the parents who came to be present. As the camp candle was extinguished, the campers departed with the light of Christ, the love of the Blessed Mother, and the prayers of the saints in their minds and hearts.