Category Inspiration

Seattle & Portland CYO and Camp Staffs Meet at Camp Howard

Sr. Krista von Borstel 2 Comments

Group visits Fircrest Cabins under renovation by Karen and Candy at Camp Howard

Group visits Fircrest Cabins under renovation by Karen and Candy at Camp Howard

Portland and Seattle Staffs shown in picture by Sr. Krista at Champions Hall

Portland and Seattle Staffs shown in picture by Sr. Krista at Champions Hall

Bill Fogarty, Camp Howard summer Camp Director meets with Megan and Sean from Seattle CYO Camps

Bill Fogarty, Camp Howard summer Camp Director meets with Megan and Sean from Seattle CYO Camps

Seattle and Portland Staffs compare sport notes at Camp Howard

Seattle and Portland Staffs compare sport notes at Camp Howard

The Portland CYO/Camp Howard Staff and the Seattle CYO and Camp Staffs gathered at Camp Howard on April 29th for the third meeting between the groups.  The purpose of the meetings is to compare notes on various topics, to find better ways to accomplish tasks, learn from one another and build relationship.

Some outcomes from these meetings have been the introduction of paintball in the Seattle camps and Camp Howard plans to introduce horses at Camp Howard in 2014.  There is much similarity between the two groups and a lot to be learned from one another.  The Portland staff will travel to Seattle in the fall of 2013 after the camp season concludes and fall sports are underway.

Installation of Archbishop Alexander King Sample

Sr. Krista von Borstel 1 Comment

Archbishop Alexander Sample AB Sample Bows on Entrance Through him and with him and in him This is the chalice of my Blood This is the chalice of my Blood close up Proclamation of Gospel AKS install 2Apr13 Fr Michael Entrance Procession Priests 2 AKS install 2Apr13 Entrance Procession Priests 1 AKS install 2Apr13 Entrance Procession I EOHS AKS install 2Apr13 Entrance Procession Bishops 2 AKS install 2Apr13 Entrance Procession Bishops 1 AKS install 2Apr13 Cathedra Awaits AB Vlazny Recognition 15 Years Service AKS install 2Apr13

I had the privilege of serving on the Installation Committee for our new Archbishop this year.  The event took a lot of pre-planing behind the scenes and it was a great experience to be a part of.  I worked with some wonderful people and came away with a real appreciation for people who give service to the Church.  It was an awesome experience.

My assignment was to work on the seating for the event.  There were several committees as you can imagine ranging from moving all of the furniture from the sanctuary of the Cathedral to the Chiles Center to providing security in parking lots at the various areas where people parked for the events, luncheons, banquets, providing transportation, volunteer coordination, transportation, hospitality, and many other details. It was a magnificent effort!

The event itself was truly exceptional.  We had over 3000 people in attendance from all over Oregon.  The Knights of Columbus in all their regalia, Knights and Ladies of the Holy Sepulcher, Cultural representation from various parts of Oregon, Official Greeters, and many other groups and individuals.  It was spectacular!

This was the first Installation Mass for an Archbishop that I have ever been a part of or attended.  I have to say it is an event every Catholic should make an effort to experience if at all possible.  It made me proud of the Church, proud of the people I work with and appreciative of all of God’s people!  It was a faith experience for me.

Celebrating Catholic Schools Week

Sr. Krista von Borstel 1 Comment

http://ncea.informz.net/InformzDataService/OnlineVersion/Individual?mailingInstanceId=2085399&subscriberId=773201055

Cinderella’s Glass Slipper Tea Huge Success!

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Marian Hall at St. Joseph’s Parish in Vancouver was the site of the highly publicized Glass Slipper Tea, an event crafted to draw attention to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Prep’s first ever musical drama production which will take place February 22 & 23 at 7:00 pm and Sunday the 24th at 2:00 in the afternoon.  The Royal Durst Theater on Main Street in downtown Vancouver is the site of the presentation.  Tickets are available through the school and will be available at the door.

Several grade school girls, dressed in their favorite Cinderella costume, attended the tea with mothers, aunts and grandmothers.  Photo opportunities were available for the youth to pose with the “REAL” Cinderella and Prince Charming.  A delightful afternoon of tea, desserts, photos, dancing, silent auction,

The volunteer laden effort has been spearheaded by a few volunteers intent on thanking the first frosh through senior class at the school for making Seton Catholic their choice and foregoing a few of the programs available at more established schools.  The offerings at Seton have grown considerably in the past four years since it was established in 2009, but a musical drama is proving to be a popular event for the school.

The title role of Cinderella is being played by Senior, Madeline Hunter who hopes to embark on a career in drama.  The role of Prince Charming, is being played by Senior, John Tomassi.

Senior, Cheyenne Cunning has designed all of the sets which have been assembled and ready for paint.  Cunning hopes to make use of her exceptional artistic talent in the future with plans of studying a related field in college next year.  Cunning will also play the role of the Wicket Step-Mother!

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An Unexpected Religious Experience Touched me to the Core

Sr. Krista von Borstel 6 Comments

I spent the past three days on the campus of the Mercy Sisters in Burlingame, California where Religious leaders and Vocation Directors from 55 religious communities around the country gathered to talk about religious life.

I was not expecting the “touched to the core” experience I came away with after spending a few days working together listening, sharing, experiencing, visiting, praying, joining in the Eucharist, morning and evening prayer, and looking to the future of religious life.

The event was planned and executed by the National Religious Vocation Conference under the Direction of Executive Director Brother Paul Bednarczyk C.S.C.

I know that the entire group was moved by the experience and recognized that we have some work ahead of us to prepare the way for the future of religious life.

Why was I touched to the core?  I have tried to sift that out these past several hours having returned home and these are the reasons I found it to be life-giving:

  • Religious women from very diverse walks of life entered into the experience in a positive, life-giving manner giving a wonderful witness to what it is we are called to be
  • Together we listened as Sr. Mary Johnson spoke to us about her work in the Church as it relates to Religious Life and pointed out trends and possibilities.
  • As a group, we prayed, shared, offered ideas, worked with one another for the good of all and genuinely affirmed one another.
  • Through the experience, I found hope that religious communities could  lead the way in healing a polarized nation beginning with ourselves.

While it would be impossible for me to infuse you with the deep feelings, experiences, joy and hope I experienced during these days, I am happy to share that it was an exciting experience for us and one that I believe will be life changing for all of the communities involved.  A second, similar event will be held on the East Coast for those unable to attend this one.

I am including a short 3 minute clip from the “sending out” ceremony from the Chapel of the Sisters of Mercy (which I filmed with my iPhone) as we ended the three-day experience.

Local Catholic School Girl Set to Marry Prince in February!

Sr. Krista von Borstel 3 Comments

Seton Catholic High School is presenting their very first musical production CINDERELLA February 22,23,24th at the Royal Durst Theater in Vancouver, Washington!  My niece, Cheyenne Cunning, will be playing the wicked step-mother!  I would like to ask YOU to join me at one of the performances and help this new school by attending and lending the support of your good nature!

I will be helping at all three performances as a volunteer working on the production.  I have to tell you, it is not easy starting a new school.  Things we take for granted at our established schools are hardships for students in a new school without a theater for example.  The entire production is being produced by volunteer efforts including the rental of the local theater.

Madeleine Hunter, a senior at the school, with hopes of pursuing drama as a career choice following high school, will be playing the title role of Cinderella in this exciting musical production!  Prince Charming will be played by John Tomassi, also a talented actor and founding member, along with Hunter,  of the popular “Setonotes” a school a cappella  singing group.

You are in for a treat as this talented group of young people lend their talents to the production of the play.

Tickets are $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for students.  Your attendance and generosity are most appreciated!

cinderella poster pink

NAIA Nationals in Vancouver and Local Runner Qualifies as a Frosh at Carroll College!

Sr. Krista von Borstel 1 Comment

Connor Garcia to run in NAIA National Championships in Vancouver Saturday!

Connor Garcia is a freshman at Carroll College in Montana.  He did something special this fall…he qualified for the NAIA National Championships in Cross Country.  Connor, a CYO participant,  graduated from Valley Catholic High School this past June, was a counselor at Camp Howard during the summer and left for college this fall.  What an amazing accomplishment!  Read about his amazing race here:

http://helenair.com/sports/college/carroll-college/cross-country/carroll-cross-country-shocks-with-sweep-of-frontier-team-titles/article_6e18484e-257f-11e2-aa33-001a4bcf887a.html#.UJV184GZmHs.email

This Saturday, November 17th – Connor and the Carroll Saints Men’s XC Team will be running in the 57th Annual NAIA Men’s Cross Country National Championships. The race is being held at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, Vancouver, WA.  The race starts at 11:45 AM (PST). The team will be competing against 32 other teams as well 105 individual qualifiers.
Come cheer on Connor and the Carroll Saints!

Scheduling CYO Championship Games is a science at CYO

Sr. Krista von Borstel Leave a comment

Scheduling Championship tournaments is much more than what it looks like to the person picking up their child’s schedule only to wonder what CYO was thinking!  Some of the issues we face each year include the following:

  • Gym availability – was the gym given that particular night?
  • Is the gym the right size for the grade playing?
  • Is the gym conducive to volleyball?  (How low is the ceiling?)
  • Are the teams playing at a location close enough in ability that the same official can do both games?
  • Where are the teams coming from who are playing in the game?
  • Is the home team opening the gym? Closing the gym?  (Maybe round one if at all possible)
  • Do games have to be played on Sunday?????
  • We worked very hard not to have championship games played on Sunday this year but the trade off was late nights for some kids during the week which we have already heard about….We will have to play on Sunday during basketball to get all the games in.
  • Can you work around our school auction? (this is very very hard to do especially since we don’t know who will win or lose!)
  • Can you work around our SAT score tests? Can you work around our placement tests?

CYO is always looking out for the best interests of the teams.  This is always our intention.

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Karen Reflects on Outdoor School as they Conclude another Session at Camp Howard

Sr. Krista von Borstel 11 Comments

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One of the best parts about Outdoor School is tradition.  This program has been running for almost 50 years.  It has been a ground breaking pilot program for environmental literacy in the state and nationwide.  What makes Outdoor School special at Camp Howard is that this is the original site, and has been hosting Outdoor School the entire time.

Since 1966, 6th graders have loaded up on big yellow busses and spent a few days exploring the forest and splashing in the pond.  They have had opportunities to get to know students from other schools, to learn outside of the classroom, and in many cases, have been able to simply have their basic needs met, like three balanced meals and a warm place to sleep for the first time.  Outdoor School serves most of Multnomah county, and most schools include it as not only a rite of passage for their students, but an essential part of teaching their 6th grade science curriculum.

Something I have noticed is the sense of community that is felt when Outdoor School lives at camp.  I can hear it in the endless songs that kids sing from place to place, I can see it during mealtimes, when students use table manners, help with chores and show appreciation to not only each other, but to the cooking staff as well.  As kids leave with their arms reaching out the bus windows, promising to return in four years to be a high school student leader.

There are always things I hear or see in passing when running around site.  This week for example, we have a student whose father was on staff when Coho, the Site Supervisor currently, was a high school leader.  And Coho herself was a 6th grade student here at Howard.  Last week there was an exchange student from Indonesia able to be a high school leader that “ just appreciated that everyone here is so positive”.  A student whose “favorite part of Outdoor School was being able to get away from problems at home”.  Students that are not normally successful in classrooms find that being taught in the Outdoors they can be successful.  Every week students plant a tree to commemorate their week, Camp Howard has the very first tree planted by 6th graders for Outdoor School, it lives strong and tall at the far end of the main field near the sand pit over looking the bluff.   All of this happens at beautiful Camp Howard.

Outdoor School can be a transformative process for students and their memories reside here at Howard.  Ask almost anyone that grew up in Portland and they can recall their Outdoor School experience.  They remember their high school student and the place they attended.  Howard lives on in their memories.

It is special to have Outdoor School roam our trails and sit at our campfires.  Outdoor School is a part of Oregon’s history.  Parents, and in some cases now, grandparents, have sent their children off to Outdoor School for the past 50 years, and they have been coming to Howard the entire time. The stories that these cabins could tell! It is so wonderful to have such a rich history continue on here at our site.  My hope is that Outdoor School can live on for many, many more years to come and students can enjoy the benefits of community and education, the splendor of Oregon, and Camp Howard.

Emma Wycoff Receives her Unique Bead on Her Cougar Award at Camp Howard

Sr. Krista von Borstel 10 Comments

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Emma Wycoff received her “Unique” bead this summer at Camp Howard.  It is the final and most difficult bead to acquire and puts her in the category of legends such as Joey Harrington and Rev. Paul Grubb SJ both of whom received all of the beads over the years at camp.

The beads are part of an award known as the “Cougar Award”, given weekly to generally one camper per cabin per week during the summer.  The award is given to those who best exemplify good conduct, Christian values, camper assistance and good old fashion goodness, all week at camp.

The last night of camp features the Cougar Campfire which, after the songs are sung, the Cougar Award ceremony begins with counselors talking about their award winners and why they selected the person they selected.  The camper stands with their counselor and glows with pride as as the counselor waxes on about their wonderful qualities.

Generally a new cougar award is given in each cabin (as long as a worthy candidate is identified) and later in the ceremony, a second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth bead may be given if deserved!

What is this Cougar Award?  After research, I was able to come up with the historical meaning of each of the beads as established in the early 60’s by Fr. Gimpl.  The original Cougar Award was a leather fob with a Cougar image stamped in foil on the leather.  It was later replaced in the late 80’s with a round plastic cougar stamped with foil.  In 1998, we were able to restore the award back to leather and had a stamp made to impress the image of the cougar with the words “Cougar Award” into the leather.

The first bead given today is the red bead which signifies FIRE and has it ties to the Holy Spirit and the fire the Spirit ignites in our being to example the gifts of the Holy Spirit in our daily lives.

The second bead is the green bead, reminding us of the EARTH, and the value of the gift of creation which we have been charged to care for.

The third bead is the YELLOW bead, which reminds us of the SUN and the life-giving qualities produced by the sun which takes us to the

Fourth bead, BLACK in color which signifies DEATH and that through the dying process we enter into new LIFE = the fifth bead, WHITE in color.

The final bead is the UNIQUE bead which inspires us as unique individuals to be faithful to our Christian values in the way God has intended for us to live them.

So you see, the Cougar Award is filled with significant meaning. Congratulations to Emma Wycoff and her cougar accomplishments.

If YOU received a Cougar Award at Camp Howard, please respond to this post, let us know when you received it and how many beads you received! Continue reading “Emma Wycoff Receives her Unique Bead on Her Cougar Award at Camp Howard” →