Tag 2026

Bringing our Best Selves to Camp Howard

Sr. Krista von Borstel 1 Comment

Catholic youth camp is such a joyful and unforgettable experience because it brings young people together in a place filled with faith, friendship, and fun. From the moment camp begins, there is a sense of excitement in the air as everyone joins in games, songs, prayer, and shared adventures. The laughter around the campfire, the energy of team activities, and the peace of time spent in reflection all combine to create memories that last a lifetime. It is a place where campers can be fully themselves while also discovering the beauty of being part of a loving community centered on Christ.

More than just being fun, Camp Howard calls us to become our better selves. In the middle of all the excitement, we are reminded to grow in kindness, courage, and faith. Through prayer, worship, and conversations with others, we are encouraged to listen more deeply to God’s voice and to think about the person He is calling us to be. Camp inspires us to return home not only with happy memories, but with a stronger desire to live with purpose, serve others with love, and reflect Christ in everything we do.

Enjoy these photos taken Wednesday July 29, 2026 at Camp Howard:

Bringing our best selves to camp can be by inspiration or invitation.

Trap Shooting, Campfire & Fun

Sr. Krista von Borstel Leave a comment

CIT’s or Counselors in Training have a light moment at Camp Howard during Camp Store visit.

It was another fun filled day at Camp Howard with a plethora of activities going on around the camp including a specialty camp, Trap Shooting, this week. Each week we have a specialty camp that campers can sign up for during that week such as fishing, paintball, survival, basketball, volleyball and trap shooting.

Three times a week we end the day with a campfire, Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday. Campfires are one of my favorite activities and I begin each one with prayer and very short campfire talk on God Moments and becoming our best selves. Chloe May, Camp Howard Program Director takes over and announces the campers who have signed up to do an act like sing a song, lead us in a camp song, do a skit or some other fun performance.

Enjoy the attached photos of the day:

Campers at Camp Howard Session 4

God Moments and Cougar Awards

Sr. Krista von Borstel Leave a comment

God Moments have been a theme at Camp Howard this summer after a talk during staff training on the topic. Staff were challenged to find God Moments during the summer and what better place than outdoors in nature for young men and women to practice experiencing the presence of God in their lives.

God moments include a long list of encounters from profound alone moments to the great joy of friendship. Cougar awards, the 70 year tradition at Camp Howard of awarding the top camper in each cabin for their living out Christian values, is definitely a God Moment for those 30 some campers who receive the award. It is a moment in time when their good works are emphasized, celebrated and awarded.

First Time Cougar Award winners are pictured in the attached film.

Fifteen Cougar Awards were awarded to first time recipients. Another 15 earned their second, third and fourth year beads (not pictured)

2026 CYO 7th Grade Boys Basketball Championship Crosses State Lines

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2026 CYO 7th Grade Boys City Championship at Valley Catholic School

Sister Krista’s Blog Video Link to Game video: https://youtu.be/3tH_kA6Xa_g

Home Team: St. Joseph (Vancouver)

Coaches: Tyrone Miller, Elizabeth Kuzma, David Kuzma

Players: Christian, Logan, Grant, Reid, Bennett, Tyvin, Jack, Taft

Mascot: Cardinals

Visiting Team: St. Anthony (Tigard)

Coaches: Josh Paloma, Kevin Sailor, Sophia Sailor, David Schoppe

Players: Porter, Henry, Andrew, Nick, Vinny, Andrew, Harrison, Gavin, Rowe, Evan, Kason, Brolin, Colin, Jackson

Mascot: Hawks

Game Highlights:

Quarter 1: 12 – 15 St. Anthony

Quarter 2: 18 – 22 St. Anthony

Quarter 3:  34 – 30 St. Joseph (Vancouver)

Quarter 4:  38 – 51 – St. Anthony FINAL

St. Anthony came out to an early lead and lead by 10 at various points of the first and second half.  St. Joseph began to make a comeback in the second half and lead several times.  The score was tied toward the end of the game when St. Anthony put on the steam and finished the game 51 – 38. A great game to watch and enjoy – two great programs.