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THANK YOU!

Sr. Krista von Borstel Leave a comment

Thank you to all who contacted me this past week offering help to evacuate if needed.  That was so kind of you.  We know we have a lot of friends who would come at a moments notice and that is pretty special.  We are all touched at your thoughtfulness.

While we are grateful that we were very fortunate in this situation, there were many people who suffered great losses and our thoughts and prayers go out to them.  We also look across the country to our brothers and sisters affected by the massive hurricanes.  We pray for them as they undergo these tremendous forces of nature.

With gratitude,

Sr. Krista and the entire CYO/Camp Howard Staff

Camp Staff Tackle End of Season Projects

Sr. Krista von Borstel Leave a comment

CAMP HOWARD SEPTEMBER 2017

Several summer camp staff members stayed on with Camp Howard to tackle  projects for maintenance.  Each year one of the units of cabins is selected to work on in a scheduled sequence to keep the buildings in good repair. This year, the two original units, Fircrest and Greenwood were pressure washed, stained and trimmed.  The roofs were cleaned, boards were replaced as needed and the buildings were readied for another 6 years of service.  That is the number of years it generally takes to get back to the unit for another spruce up o the exterior.  Other projects are also taken on by the crew to get the camp ready for another year.  The staff always do a spectacular job and it is a joy to work with them.

Unfortunately this years work party was cut short due to the Gorge Fire.  Hopefully a few more days of work time will be available before everyone heads back to school.

BELOW: Emma Wycoff scrubs on the metal bowl used in the giant wok.

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Anna O’Boyle learns to operate the lift for pressure washing and painting.

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Emma Wycoff also learns to operate the lift as the two girls take on some major responsibilities during the summer work sessions.

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Football Back to the Basics!

Sr. Krista von Borstel Leave a comment

SEPTEMBER 7, 2017 CYO/CH OFFICE

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Above: CYO Football and Cheer Director, Scott Kneefel shows off the uniform for 3/4 flag football.

In 1999 CYO brought back the Football program with tackle for 5th through 8th grade.  The next year we added 3rd and 4th grade and dressed them in full uniform but played flag. We had no idea how cutting edge we were at the time.  We played this way for about 12 years until a few Dads demanded we change 3rd and 4th grade to tackle football.  We took a survey and found that most people wanted it to be tackle.  Biggest mistake we made in football – we changed to tackle.  The most aggressive Dads who wanted it to move to tackle couldn’t field teams because after all, Moms are in charge of who plays football in the family at that age!

With the culture shift in football over the years, CYO has made a lot of adjustments including moving away from our old “region” model and joining the PYFL football league.  Given the evidence of appropriate play for 3rd and 4th graders, CYO and the PYFL has moved back to CYO’s original model of Full uniform flag football!

 

Images of Camp Howard

Sr. Krista von Borstel 2 Comments

SEPTEMBER 7,2017 CAMP HOWARD

The Gorge Fire of 2017 will be remembered for many years into the future.  Camp Howard was affected with loss of rentals, a halt to the end of season work detail and a fear that the fire would make it’s way up the Bull Run toward the camp.  A thick hazy smoke engulfed the camp and the smell of burnt wood permeated the air.

BELOW: Heavy sprinkling of water around the dining hall with the big gun sprinkler settles the dust and cools the trees.

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The big gun sprinkler doubles as a first line of defense in the event of a fire at camp.  The hose and nozzle accompany the sprinkling unit.IMG_6471

Property Director, Karen von Borstel waters Camp Howard Road then back to water the rhododendrons.

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Smoke lingers throughout the camp.

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The hills beyond the Bull Run River are generally a crisp green blanket.  The smoke masks the view entirely.

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The trail between Gimpl Dining Hall and Sparpole unit gives evidence of the lingering smoke around the camp.

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Camp Howard and the Columbia Gorge Fire

Sr. Krista von Borstel 4 Comments

SEPT. 5, 2017 CAMP HOWARD

I know many of you are wondering about Camp Howard and how we are faring in light of the fire in the Columbia River Gorge.  Thank you for your care and concern.  It means a great deal to us and we realize the camp is a treasure of the children and those who have been campers and staff in the past!

The fire is burning further North of Camp Howard and we have fortunately not been in the path as of yet.  The direction and power of the wind is the big factor in where the fire goes.  We have put together a contingency plan in the event we needed to evacuate the camp.  As you can imagine it would involve removing all of our vehicles and as much of our camp supplies as possible.

            You may be interested to know that in 2011, the Oregon Dept. of Forestry offered to remove the flammable material under the trees and create a 100’ defensible corridor above the Bull Run on camp property.  We accepted their invitation and they worked on it for four years to create this space.  We have worked to maintain this area over the past several years.  We have also created green spaces around our buildings to help in the defense of fire.  Additionally, we have set up a fire line through the camp that allows us to hook a large water gun for watering vast areas.  God willing, these measures might pay off!  We will prepare for the worst and pray for the best!

Please pray for our year around camp staff as some have evacuated from the Corbett area where they live.

I have attached a map for you to see the location of Camp Howard in regard to the Columbia River and the Gorge.  You can see we are South of the fire area at this point and the fire has been burning West from Cascade Locks.  East Corbett and Springdale have evacuated.

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      Again, we greatly appreciate your outpouring of concern around the camp.  It is heartening to say the least!  Follow my blog to stay posted with what is going on at Camp Howard.

The entire CYO/Camp Howard Staff and I thank you for your prayers!  We will keep you posted.

Sr. Krista

“Join me for an Evening of Camaraderie and Philanthropy”

Sr. Krista von Borstel Leave a comment

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CYO/Camp Howard Champions of Faith Benefit Dinner October 17, 2017

“Join me for an Evening of Camaraderie and Philanthropy”

CYO/Camp Howard needs your support for our annual fundraising dinner! I invite you to experience a fun-filled evening of camaraderie and philanthropy:

  • Visit with friends, sport coaches and community leaders
  • Meet the Portland Catholic Community
  • Enjoy an inspiring keynote speech by Nick Robertson, a true sports icon
  • Collectively fund scholarships to ensure our youth can participate in CYO and Camp Howard Programs

Register Now!

To register, sponsor or donate, visit our website. View our 15 second commercial or video that illustrates how the Dinner funds help families in our community. See our dinner flyer for a quick overview.

 

Blessings to you!

Sister Krista

girls at zip on log

A Preview of CYO and Camp Howard 2017-18

Sr. Krista von Borstel Leave a comment

Please check out our new CYO Brochure

I am delighted to share our  new CYO Brochure with you! We are celebrating our 70th year of offering CYO sports to youth in our community. Opportunities are available for youth in K-8th grades, depending on the sport. This fall season, youth may choose from cheer, swimming, hot shots basketball, football or girls’ volleyball. We are excited to bring back flag football for K-4th grades.

CYO Sports help youth evolve in faith and prayer: teaching sportsmanship, teamwork, and respect for others. CYO has minimum playing time requirements and leagues that are both competitive and fun. CYO is based on Christian principles that strengthen values and build self-esteem and confidence. We are supported by a wonderful volunteer staff of coaches, athletic directors and event personnel who are parents and parishioners just like you.

Scholarships for our CYO Sports programs are funded by our annual Champions of Faith Benefit Dinner. Please join us for an evening of camaraderie and philanthropy on October 17th at the Oregon Convention Center.

I invite you to take a few moments to peruse the CYO Brochure for an overview of our CYO Sports, Dances, and Camp Howard programs. For more information on all of our programs visitcyocamphoward.org.

May God Bless You!

 

Sister Krista

Adventure Zip Line at Camp Howard

Sr. Krista von Borstel Leave a comment

The second phase of the zip line was added at Camp Howard this past year to add to the experience of 13 and 14 year olds.  This phase added two zip features and a bridge extending the total length of the zip line to approximately 500 feet.  A third phase is expected to be added in 2018 as the camp works toward four total phases to the line.

The camp makes the zip line available to outside rental groups and several have taken advantage of the opportunity.

A New Sister of St Mary of Oregon! Sr. Thanh Pham

Sr. Krista von Borstel Leave a comment

Sr. Thanh Pham, asked to join our religious community this summer after discerning this decision for a year.  Sr. Thanh Asked the Sisters this morning to help her and teach her as she learns to live religious life.  During the ceremony Sr. Thanh received the white novice veil and added “Sister” to her name!  It was a joyous occasion for the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon!

sr Charlene Herinckx, superior general of the community, welcomed Sr. Thanh to the novitiate.

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Camp Howard Preps for New Construction

Sr. Krista von Borstel Leave a comment

Camp Howard will begin construction of a new dining hall this fall replacing the old 1953 building that has been a workhorse.  The tired old Gimpl Hall has served well over a million meals and been a source of rest and comfort for many a camper over the years.  The facility has had it’s day and is ready for retirement.

Surveyors are laying out the footprint for the new building while excavators are removing stumps.  The view from the new building will be spectacular overlooking the Bull Run.

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