Camp attendees brave the snow on the first day of Catholic Junior High Camp in June. (Courtesy Photo/Andrew Furphy)
By Andrew Furphy
Youth and Young Adult
This summer, the Diocese of Boise witnessed an outpouring of faith and fellowship through our two youth camps: Catholic Junior High Camp and Camp RIM. These camps provided our young people with enriching experiences that combined spiritual growth with the joys of community and adventure.
Catholic Junior High Camp: A Journey of Faith and Friendship
While you don’t plan for snow on the first day of summer camp, it set the tone for the week so that we were flexible and willing to change as needed. Junior High is a time in life with much uncertainty and confusion, so we set out on the voyage to make it clear that prayer is of the utmost importance for each of us as we follow Jesus.
Held from June 17–21 at Camp Perkins (near Stanley), the Catholic Junior High Camp welcomed over 100 students from across the Diocese. This year’s theme, “The Voyage” guided campers through a week filled with faith-based activities designed to deepen their relationship with God and foster lasting friendships.
The camp, led by high school volunteers, youth ministers, lay volunteers, and Father Emmanuel Chindedu, SMMM, featured daily Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, and engaging discussions. Their dedication and service inspired us all as each day we focused on prayer, testimonies, the lives of the saints, team-building games, many camp activities, and camp-wide games.
This camp’s goal is to provide our youth with a fun and memorable experience and to strengthen their spiritual lives. We want them to leave with renewed faith and a deeper understanding of their relationship with Christ.
Junior high campers paddle around Stanley Lake. (Courtesy Photo/Andrew Furphy)
Camp RIM: Embracing the Spirit of Adventure
Camp RIM, which took place from July 14–18, is for high schoolers. It was created to bring practical religious formation to their day-to-day lives. The “R” in RIM is for Relationship with Jesus. In the prologue to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, we read, “At every time and in every place, God draws close to man. He calls man to seek him, to know him, to love him with all his strength.” The “I” is for Identity as a Catholic Christian who is created out of love, for love and is destined to flourish. The “M” is for Mission as Christ’s disciples called to bear witness to the Good News of the Gospel in word and deed.
One of the highlights of Camp RIM was the personal benedictions that each camper received, blessings that affirmed they are His. The teens were also encouraged to ask the Lord for their mission in their day-to-day lives. Many went on to serve at vacation Bible schools throughout the Treasure Valley after returning home from Camp RIM.
On the last day of camp, we invited the teens to share something that stood out to them, and say how their lives would change. Prioritizing prayer, experiencing God’s love, and focusing on community were only a few of the great responses from the campers.
Looking Forward
As school is in full swing, the Diocese of Boise looks back with gratitude for the success of these camps. They provided joyful experiences, lasting memories and deepened the spiritual lives of our young parishioners. Camps will return next year, but before that, we have multiple opportunities to grow during the school year:
September 21– Northern Idaho Junior High Rally ‘Run the Race’
October 3 – Jason Evert Double Feature in Boise
October 13 – Holy Fire Boise (Junior High students)
October 27 – Jason Evert Double Feature in Idaho Falls
November 2 – Eastern Idaho Junior High Rally ‘Chosen’
March 7 - 9, 2025 – ICYC
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