Conversion and Camaraderie: Latino Youth need a Catholic summer!

“It was incredible! I have been sharing about Jesus all his life. I guess he needed to hear from other young people!” said Gisela Buenrostro, Sacred-Heart Guadalupe parish, when recounting her son Eddie’s experience at Camp Savio in 2023. Eddie, she says, came home with a stronger faith. “He’s not the same boy,” Gisela happily relates, “Camp changed him for the better.”

Through the generosity of a grant from the St. Francis Xavier/Visitation Catholic Communities, my office has been able to send Hispanic/Latino Catholic kids to summer camp for the last two years. Our diocesan camps offer a unique opportunity for young Latinos to deepen their faith, build lasting friendships, and connect with their religious heritage. Through a combination of religious teachings, recreational activities, and fellowship, Catholic summer camps play a vital role in shaping the identity and values of Latino youth.

Often part of mixed-status families, Hispanic/Latino youth can be particularly vulnerable to crises of identity. They need opportunities to be affirmed in their primary identity as sons and daughters of God.

“[M]y son attended [the diocesan] summer camp...when I went to pick him up...he [was] excited to share that he had an encounter with Christ, which changed his life forever,” Carmina Bernal shared about her son’s experiences at camp.

The Church has long recognized the need to engage and support Latino youth, acknowledging their unique cultural background and the challenges they face today. In his apostolic exhortation, Cristus Vivit, Pope Francis emphasizes the importance of this ministry, stating that “young people are the 'now' of God” and calling for a renewed focus on empowering and guiding young individuals in their faith journey.

One of the key findings of the V Encuentro process, a process that engaged Hispanic pastoral leaders nationwide, found that “If the Catholic community in the United States wants to have a vibrant and fruitful future during the rest of this century, we must turn our attention and resources immediately to serve and accompany Hispanic youth and young adults. This is not an option but an imperative, given the size of this population within the Church.”

Catholic summer camps provide a sense of community and belonging for Latino youth, many of whom may feel marginalized or disconnected from their cultural roots in mainstream society. The camps create a space where young Latinos can fellowship with youth from all over the diocese. This communal aspect is particularly significant for Latino youth, as it instills a sense of pride in their religious heritage and fosters a supportive network of peers who understand and affirm their Catholic identity.

In addition to spiritual and communal benefits, Catholic summer camps offer a range of activities that promote personal growth and leadership development, much needed among Latino youth. From team-building exercises to service projects, these camps provide opportunities for participants to develop essential life skills, such as communication, collaboration, and empathy. Through these experiences, young Latinos can cultivate a sense of responsibility and service to others, aligning with the core values of the Catholic faith and preparing them to be active and engaged members of their communities.

The significance of Catholic summer camps for Latino youth is further underscored by the positive impact they have on the overall well-being of participants. Research has shown that engaging in faith-based activities and community involvement can contribute to greater resilience, improved mental health, and a sense of purpose among youth.

As Pope Francis affirms, investing in young people’s spiritual formation and well-being is essential. Catholic summer camps are a beacon of hope and empowerment for Latino youth as they embrace their faith heritage.