1. Volunteering for St. Ann’s parish as a summer camp counselor was one of the most
unexpected decisions I have ever made, but I would say that it stands as one of the most
rewarding. At the end of May 2015 I found myself on a train to a place I had never been before
to live with people I had never met for the better part of two months.
My anticipation at the prospect of not knowing what my experience would be for two
months quickly dissipated when I arrived in the Turtle Mountains and met my fellow counselors
and the staff of St. Ann’s, because I soon saw what high calibre of people with which I would be
associating. It happens that the Turtle Mountains, and St. Ann’s parish especially, attracts very
special people from a wide variety of backgrounds and locales. From the moment I met Nick
Mercier and Dorothy Godines, the youth ministers during my stay, I knew that the friendships I
would be making were going to be lasting ones. Happily, I can say that fact still holds true. I
still stay in touch with everyone who ministered alongside me in the crazy weeks to come.
Crazy though they were, the weeks of the summer camp were packed with many
memories of faces and graces I do not expect to forget anytime soon. I spent time in just about
every role I could fill: as a station leader, leading the kids in activities; as a group leader,
working closely with a set group of kids; as a session co-leader, overseeing the entire camp, and
multiple times I served as a speaker for the kids.
It did not take long to appreciate how necessary St. Ann’s mission is for this area where
the kids are starving for a deeper connection not only with people around them, but with their
faith. I witnessed dozens of kids able to receive the Blessed Sacrament at daily mass during the
camp, when they would never have gotten the chance without St. Ann’s summer camp. As a
counselor, my favorite words to hear were “I love Mass,” and “When are we going to
adoration?” The degree of joy and excitement that came from camp days took me aback,

2. especially when it took place in the context of prayer, or confession, or praise and worship. I
believe that the kids in the Turtle Mountains understand more than most just how healing one
mass, or one afternoon with friends, or even one affirming word can be. Along with all the
spiritual guidance and the time spent in daily adoration, those children are what stay with me in
my thoughts and prayers.
If I could serve at St. Ann’s Summer Camp again, there would be no question as to my
response. The degree of fellowship, kindness, and clarity on the hill where St. Ann’s rests is
something unlike anything else I have experienced, and I would consider it a privilege to go
back.