Catholic Family Camp 2024

JUNE 8 – 14 | JUNE 15 – 21 | June 29 - July 5 | JULY 6 - 12 | July 13-19 | July 27 - Aug. 2 | August 3 - 9
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Need financial assistance? Apply here before registering.

WHAT IT'S ALL ABOUT

In the busyness of daily family life, it can be so easy to push God to the side. What if there was a place to take your family away from the world for a few days, to reconnect with God and have fun—together? That’s why we created the Holy Family Fest. During this weeklong Catholic family camp vacation at Catholic Familyland®, each member of your family will be drawn to a life-changing encounter with Our Lord that makes the Faith come alive. So that your family can begin to experience the peace, joy, and unity of a balanced and God-centered family life, and then take that experience home.

This year, don’t leave God behind when you go on vacation. Instead, meet Him there.

Reconnect with

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Reconnect

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And Have Fun!​

AS A FAMILY​

The Best Catholic Family Vacation. Ever.

See What People Are Saying
  • Craig

    Craig, via Facebook

    Amazing, amazing, amazing! We just attended our first Catholic Family Land event. We will be back next year. Fun, holy and great friendships were formed! Much appreciation to all of the staff who puts their heart and soul into the programs.

  • Jessica

    Jessica, via Facebook

    Our family had an amazing time! The Holy Family Fest was a wonderful opportunity to grow in faith, build community with other Catholic families, and have fun. We are so grateful that a place like this exists and for the apostolate that makes it all possible!

  • Mikaela

    Mikaela, via Facebook

    I absolutely love AFC! My family goes to Catholic Familyland every year, and it's like a home away from home. I honestly think it's the best place in the whole world. I don't know where I would be in my Faith without AFC.

  • Kristin, via Facebook

    We love coming here to rekindle our Catholic Faith. It is a great place for families with children. The teenage programs are great. They have been a catalyst for our kids at that age.

  • Amanda

    Amanda, via Facebook

    Our family of eight has been spending a week at Catholic Familyland every summer for the past five summers. We pray, swim, go to Mass, dance, go to confession, make s'mores, pray the rosary, make friends, go to adoration, and listen to inspirational speakers all in one week! The teen program is twice a day and is dynamic. We all have a ton of fun while being filled up spiritually at the same time. They truly understand families.

  • Erin

    Erin, Via Facebook

    Wonderful place to increase your faith and find friends to help you on your journey! I met my husband here and couldn't ask for a better place to visit every year!

  • icon from Maryann's account

    Maryann, Via Google Review

    We have been coming to Familyland for the last 10 years. My daughter is on the Alumni Corp. this year. Best place ever! Body and soul are refreshed and renewed. This is the best place to go on vacation especially for teens. They have an amazing teen program! Mass is beautiful everyday, the talks are interesting and relevant, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament every day, the Rosary etc. Plus, volleyball, basketball, softball, pony rides, trail rides and the best snack shack ever! You must come and experience it!

Pray Together

On a Catholic family vacation

  • Fr. Klem elevating Jesus in the most Holy Eucharist at mass

    Holy Sacrifice of the Mass

    Offered each morning

  • Priest hearing confessions

    Sacrament of Reconciliation

    Available every afternoon

  • Jesus in the Monstrance

    Constant Access to Jesus in the Eucharist

    In several chapels around our property

  • A hand grasping a colorful rosary

    Holy Rosary & Divine Mercy Chaplet

    Recited daily


Play Together

On a Catholic family vacation

  • Kids celebrate at CFL as they get ready to ride the bus to the pool

    Morning: Inspiring Programming

    Break-out groups for all ages

  • Little kid waves from the pool

    Afternoon: Free Time to Relax

    Sports, swimming, and more

  • Marshmallow roast

    Evening: Fun Family Activities

    Bonfire & marshmallow roast, dance night, skits, and more

  • Teens in MARADs INN

    Program for Teens & Young Adults

    A place where they can be truly themselves


Adult Ministry Speakers for 2024

AT the Holy Family Fests
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Conor Gallagher

Speaking July 6-12
Conor Gallagher is the CEO of TAN Books. He is the Executive Director of the Benedict Leadership Institute at Belmont Abbey College, and also on the Board of Trustees for Belmont Abbey College. He is a Board Member at Saint Joseph College Seminary for the Diocese of Charlotte. He is the author of “If Aristotle’s Kid Had an iPod: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Parents”, “Still Amidst the Storm: A Family Man’s Search for Peace in an Anxious World”, “Parenting for Eternity”, and he has a series of shorter books coming out, including “You Are Never Too Busy” and “You Have Only One Problem”. He and his wife Ashley are the parents of fifteen children.

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Michael Gormley

Speaking August 3-9
Married to his college sweetheart and father to four children, Mike balances his full-time parish work with speaking and traveling. In evangelization and discipleship training, his main task is bent toward unifying personal faith with a sacramental and biblical worldview. If Christ is truly present in the Eucharist of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, then that summit of Christian faith has to be found in every inch of Scripture. And it is. Leading parish missions, youth conferences, and diocesan events, Mike Gormley helps Catholics find Jesus Christ and make Him alone the Lord of their lives.

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Abby Johnson

Speaking June 8-14
All Abby Johnson ever wanted to do was help women. Her passion surrounding a woman’s right to choose even led her to become a spokesperson for Planned Parenthood, fighting to enact legislation for the cause she so deeply believed in. However, she experienced a "change of heart" while participating in an ultrasound-guided abortion procedure. Today, Abby travels across the globe sharing her story, educating the public on pro-life issues, advocating for the unborn, and reaching out to abortion clinic staff who still work in the industry. The media continues to be interested in Abby’s story as well as her continued efforts to advocate for the unborn and help clinic workers escape the abortion industry. She is a frequently requested guest on Fox News and a variety of other shows. She also the author of the nationally best-selling book, Unplanned, which chronicles both her experiences within Planned Parenthood and her dramatic exit. The movie adaption Unplanned the Movie was released in the spring of 2019.

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Dr. Ian Murphy

Speaking June 8-14, June 15-21, July 27-August 2, August 3-9
Dr. Ian Murphy left his Baptist church position as head pastor to enter the Catholic Church in 2004. A graduate of Carnegie Mellon, Ian also earned an M.A. in theology in Texas and completed the Ph.D. in systematic theology at Duquesne University, defending his dissertation on the New Evangelization in the United States. In addition to working as a full time professor at Rosemont College, Murphy has taught a range of courses in world religions, comparative religious studies, Catholic thought, Christian spirituality, and Biblical studies for Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Penn State, and Duquesne. He recently published both installments of a two-part series on Marian Consecration. Ian is the author of "Dying to Live," which shares the story of his conversion to Catholicism. 

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Patrick Novecosky

Speaking July 6-12
With more than 25 years’ experience in Catholic communications, Patrick Novecosky has assembled a team of experts to bring life to Catholic organizations’ communications efforts. Patrick founded NovaMedia in 2016 to meet a growing need for professional, high-quality marketing for Catholic leaders. As Legatus’ Publications Director for 12 years, he transformed the organization’s marketing, media relations, and PR efforts, achieving national media coverage for the now well-known membership organization for Catholic business leaders. As one of America’s most accomplished young Catholic communicators, he is the winner of more than two dozen awards from the Catholic Press Association of the United States. Patrick has written for some of America’s top Catholic publications, including the National Catholic Register, Fox News, Our Sunday Visitor, and Catholic Digest. His work has been published in five languages.

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Steve Weidenkopf

Speaking June 29-July 5, July 13-19
Steve Weidenkopf is a Lecturer in Church History at the Christendom College Graduate School of Theology in Alexandria, Virginia. He has given numerous presentations and seminars on Church History, marriage and family life, human sexuality, and theology throughout the U.S. and Canada. He served as the Director of the Office of Marriage & Family Life for the Archdiocese of Denver (2001 – 2004) and as an advisor to Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. and was an instructor at the Our Lady of the New Advent Catechetical Institute.

Youth Ministry Speakers for 2024

AT the Holy Family Fests
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Fr. Joseph Gill

Speaking July 6 - 12
Originally from Maryland, Fr. Joseph Gill was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Bridgeport, CT in 2013. He has served in parish ministry and as a high school chaplain. Since 2021, he has served as the Pastor of St. Jude Parish in Monroe, CT, and teaches theology at a classical Catholic School, the Cardinal Kung Academy, in Stamford, CT. A graduate of Franciscan University and Mount St. Mary's Seminary, Fr. Gill grew up attending Holy Family Fests at CFL and is overjoyed to be speaking at a Fest this year. He enjoys sports and the outdoors, and has a deep passion for helping young people encounter a relationship with the Lord Jesus through their Catholic Faith. He has published two novels (the latest one, "The Shores of Heaven", tells the story of four early-Church martyrs - available on Amazon.com) and four albums of Christian folk-rock music (available on iTunes and Spotify). Ad majorem Dei gloriam!

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Fr. Allen Hoffa

Speaking June 29 - July 5
Fr. Allen Joseph Hoffa was born June 4, 1983. Fr. Hoffa graduated from St. Catharine of Siena School, Reading, PA in 1997 and moved on to Reading Central Catholic High School. In High School Fr. Hoffa was a 3 sport athlete participating as a member of the Football, Basketball, and Track and Field Teams. Fr. Hoffa moved on to attend Albright College in the fall of 2001 and was a part of the 2001 Albright College Football Team. In the Fall of 2002 Fr Hoffa entered St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia for studies for the Roman Catholic Priesthood. Fr. Hoffa currently serves as Pastor of Holy Guardian Angels Parish in Reading after being appointed by Bishop Schert on June 15, 2021. Additionally, Fr. Hoffa serves as an Episcopal Master of Ceremonies and is the Chair of the Diocese of Allentown's Lumen Christi Commission, a ministry focused on the evil of pornography in the world. Fr. Hoffa also works in this same ministry on a national level with Integrity Restored.

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Art Bamert, Jr.

Speaking July 13-19, August 3-9
Art Bamert, Jr. has worked with young people since 1990 in various capacities as a volunteer and paid Catholic youth minister. Art has authored numerous articles, ministry materials, and prayers for Catholic youth.  Art speaks to youth and adults on a variety of topics as well as planning and running retreats. In 2019 he founded Pierced Heart Productions, his very own film company dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary and hopes to work on projects to help tell the stories of our beautiful Catholic faith. Art has been married for over 32 years to his wife Donna, a Pediatric Oncology nurse. They have two adult children and reside in the beautiful bucolic Borough of Elizabethtown, PA.

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Henry Cordonnier

Speaking July 13-19
Henry Cordonnier is an author and speaker from the small town Russia in midwest Ohio. Henry spent several decades as a high school theology teacher at Lehman Catholic high school. Henry's book My Gospel recounts his conversion story, while his book More Gospel shares stories of faith and Scripture. Henry is passionate about the truth of the Catholic Church and shares his love for the faith through his Youtube channel, his books, and his speaking.

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Maggie Craig

Speaking June 29 - July 5, July 6-12
Maggie Craig graduated from Franciscan University of Steubenville cum laude with her M.A. in Theology and her B.A. in Catechetics. Equipped with humorous personal stories and dynamic authenticity, Maggie delights in bringing the message of the joys of the Gospel to parishes, schools, youth groups, and college campuses around the country.

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Nathan Crankfield

Speaking June 15 – 21
Nathan Crankfield converted to Catholicism at the age of 13, becoming the first Catholic in his entire family. After graduating from Mount St. Mary's University, he was commissioned as an Infantry Officer in the US Army. Nathan served as a ranger-qualified platoon leader in the 82nd Airborne Division for four years, including one combat deployment to Afghanistan. After the Army, Nathan has worked for the Church in several different roles in parish and young adult ministry. He is now a Partnership Executive at Hallow and the host of his podcast, Seeking Excellence with Nathan Crankfield. Nathan lives in Denver with his wife, Emily, and their son, Jordan.

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John Kinuthia

Speaking July 6 - 12
John Kinuthia is a Catholic Speaker who grew up in Kenya, with his parents and 6 siblings. John is passionate about sharing the Joy of Christ and telling the story of what God has done in his life. His inspiring and engaging talks are filled with stories from his home country and wisdom learned from his mother and grandfather. John conveys a message of awakening the saint within, cultivating a deeper personal relationship with Jesus, and sharing the Joy of Christ. John and his wife Katie live in the Philadelphia area with their 5 children. He loves reading the wisdom of the saints, hiking with his family, and playing & coaching volleyball. Learn more about John at www.JohnKinuthia.com

Brian Kissinger

Brian Kissinger

Speaking June 8-14, July 13-19, August 3-9
After over a decade in parish youth ministry and seven years working abroad with Franciscan University's Austrian Program, Brian Kissinger and his family now live in Steubenville. Brian has a passion for sharing the Gospel, emphasizing a message of hope in a culture that has lost its sense of purpose.

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David & Noelle McHugh

Speaking June 8-14, June 15-21, August 3-9
Noelle and David have worked in ministry for twenty years. They have served youth, adults, and families. Recently they even started a ministry for families that meets in their Garage! Noelle serves as the Director of Programs for EQSaints. David owns his own company - Percoustix. They live in Oklahoma City and homeschool their six children.

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MarySarah Menkhaus

Speaking July 13-19
MarySarah was born and raised in a family of 10 in Cleveland, Ohio and some of her favorite and earliest memories are of attending Holy Family Fests!  As a young girl she knew God was calling her to spend her life spreading the Gospel. She credits her time spent serving at CFL on Service Corps in 2013 and Alumni Corps in 2016 to helping train and prepare her for that mission. After graduating from college MarySarah completed the two-year missionary program with the apostolate Damascus. MarySarah now works full-time with them as Worship Coordinator.

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Megan Murphy

Speaking June 8 – 14,  June 15 – 21, June 29 - July 5
Megan Murphy is a dynamic Catholic speaker, teacher, and evangelist engaging audiences of all ages in the New Evangelization. She is featured nationally at women's conferences, retreats, seminaries, universities, and youth and young adult events. She serves her home parish as the Youth Minister. Megan teaches Theology of the Body, and has been instructing couples in St. John Paul II’s teaching since 2006. She has been a certified Natural Family Planning instructor for over twenty five years. She hails from Dunmore, Pa where she lives with her husband Neal. They have four beautiful daughters. You can find her on Facebook at Megan Murphy Ministries or on her website at www.meganmurphyministries.com

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Taylor Scroll

Speaking June 8-14, July 27 - Aug. 2
Taylor Schroll is the President of the evangelization and media ministry, Forte Catholic. He is a highly regarded speaker, worship leader, podcaster and producer. He has traveled the country the share the joy of the gospel through his speaking and worship leading for retreats, diocesan conferences and more. He hosts one of the top Catholic podcasts in the world and has helped over 20 other creators launch their podcasts to share the good news online. He lives in Bryan, Tx with his lovely wife Sam and their three children. You can listen to his podcast wherever you enjoy listening and check out his videos on the Forte Catholic YouTube channel.

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Kim Zember

Speaking July 27-August 2, August 3-9
Kim Zember is the founder of Overcome Ministries. She is a dynamic speaker and mentor for young adults and adults struggling with same-sex attraction. Through her book, "Restless Hearts: My Struggle with Life & Sexuality" Kim offers encouragement to those seeking peace and joy for their own restless hearts. Kim is passionate about sharing the Good News of the Father's love for us and our identity in Christ as His children.

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Children of Mary Sisters

July 6-12 Children's Ministry
The Children of Mary Sisters are based in Newark and Cincinnati, Ohio. A semi-contemplative community, the sisters spend their lives adoring Jesus enthroned on the altar, and continuing our adoration of Jesus with acts of love as we work in household duties, outdoor chores, or apostolic work.

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School Sisters of Christ the King

Children's Ministry June 15-21
The School Sisters of Christ the King are based out of Lincoln, Nebraska. They are a community of contemplative/active women religious who belong totally to Jesus Christ the King. The spirit of their community is joyful fidelity to Christ the King. Their charism is manifest in their particular love for the Holy Eucharist and for the priesthood, where Jesus is made present to us both in sacrament and in the person of the priest. They hold a special devotion to Mary our Queen and to the Passion of Christ, our Crucified King, in the spirit of St. Alphonsus Ligouri. The Sisters primarily serve in the Catholic schools in the Diocese of Lincoln as principals, full-time classroom teachers, spiritual life and sacramental preparation coordinators, and in other school roles. The goal of their teaching is to prepare the students to be disciples of Christ the King in this world and saints in the Kingdom to come.

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Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration

Children's Ministry June 8-14
The Sisters of St Francis of Perpetual Adoration are based out of Mishawaka, Indiana. Through their charism of perpetual adoration, the sisters adore the Sacred Heart of Jesus in the Eucharist, finding there Love and comfort, as well as the source of joy and strength for apostolic service. The Sisters strive to combine the contemplative life with the active through perpetual adoration and the works of mercy in education, healthcare, and other ecclesial ministries.

Practical Information

You Probably Want To Know

The Holy Family Fests happen at Catholic Familyland®—a place set apart for families and home of the Holy Family of Fatima Prayer Site.  Some like to describe this 803-acre property, formerly a seminary, as “a piece of Heaven on earth.” It’s a place full of natural beauty and peace.

But there are also enough activities at to keep even the most restless members of your family busy. Everyone is sure to find something they like on this Catholic family vacation!

Catholic Familyland is:

  • About 20 minutes from Franciscan University of Steubenville
  • Only 45 minutes from Pittsburgh International Airport

Our address:
3375 County Rd. 36
Bloomingdale, OH 43910

You’ll start seeing colorful flags and signs for Catholic Familyland when you are about 3 miles away! Once you arrive on the property, please follow the signs directing you to the appropriate check-in location.

You may choose to use Google Maps, but we recommend these directions in order to avoid windy, narrow, gravel roads. If you prefer Google Maps, see here.

Lodging Information

Everywhere You Can stay

When you come for a Holy Family Fest, we encourage you to stay at Catholic Familyland® in one of our family cabins or campsites. Staying on the property will give you the fullest experience of the unique God-centered environment that the Holy Family Fest offers and more opportunities to connect with other families on this Catholic family camp vacation. Lodging for the Holy Family Fests is located in two main areas of our property:

• St. James Field—72 wooden cabins and 2 bathhouses (Click here for a map)

• Holy Family Park—4 wooden cabins, 11 cinder block cabins, 60 campsites, and 2 bathhouses (Click here for a map)

If you plan to stay in a cabin, please be aware that none of our cabins include running water, toilets, or sinks. However, nearby bathhouses and drinking water spigots will be available for your use throughout the event.

Third-Party RV Rentals:

You will need to reserve a campsite when you register and then contact a third-party company to rent an RV. Possible options for renting RVs:

Catholic Familyland has no connection with these companies and takes no responsibility for your experience with them, but lists them here simply for your convenient reference.

Items for Preparation

SchedulE & PACKING

The Holy Family Fest is packed with:

  • Prayer
  • Faith-filled programming
  • The Sacraments
  • And plenty of family fun!

To get a better understanding of:

  • When and where different activities are offered
  • When to arrive and depart
  • A map of the property
  • And more

Check out last year’s program.

Food!

Keeping Everyone Happy & Healthy

"Mom, what’s for supper?" During your Holy Family Fest, let Mama C’s get dinner ready!

Mama C’s Snack Shack Offers a Variety of:

  • Entrees
  • Sides
  • Drinks
  • Snacks
  • Frozen treats
  • And more

All at affordable prices. Check out Mama C’s Snack Shack menu and prices.

To save time, you can also pre-order your meal or set up a family tab.

FAQs

By Category

After I register, will I receive a confirmation?

Yes, once you submit your registration, we’ll send you a confirmation email within 1–2 weeks.

A few weeks before the event, we will send you another email letting you know when and where to check in.

What is your payment policy?

Payment for your registration package is due at the time you register.

Full payment is due no later than 60 days before the event start date. Within this 60-day period, if the credit card transaction is declined, you will have 7 days to correct the situation before your registration is cancelled and your lodging is opened up to another family.

We appreciate initial payment of the full amount, as it helps us procure items to prepare for the event, but it is not required.

What is your refund /cancellation policy?

Cancellations which occur 60 or more days before the start date of your Holy Family Fest will receive a full refund minus a $100 nonrefundable deposit.

Cancellations which occur 30–59 days before the event start date will receive a 50% refund on registration and lodging costs and 100% refund on meal plans.

Cancellations which occur 14-29 days before the event start date will receive no refund on registration and lodging costs and 100% refund on meal plans.

No refunds will be given within 14 days of the event start date. Payments that are lost due to cancellation are nontransferable.

I am a single parent. Can my family come?

Yes, single parents (divorced, separated, widowed, or otherwise) and their families are welcome to attend a Holy Family Fest. We want you to know—in a special way—that the Church loves and supports you. We also invite you to join the Catholic Familyland Solo Parents Facebook group for community and support. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1185825591934833

Are your events for families only? Or are singles, widowed people, & grandparents also welcome?

Yes, singles, widowed people, and grandparents are welcome to attend a Holy Family Fest!

Can I bring a friend?

Yes! When you register your family, please register your friend(s) or other persons who will be accompanying and staying with your family for the event.

Any non-family member under 18 will need to have a parent fill out and submit a Child Release of Liability Form.

Separate registration fees apply for non-family members (children and adults).

Can a priest come to a Holy Family Fest? What about lodging & meals for him? What will he do during the event?

Yes, priests are most welcome to attend any of our events! They are free to attend alone or come with a family.

We ask that each priest register by filling out our Visiting Priest Form online. We will be happy to provide a retreat room and meals for the week at no charge.

The priest (or the family who invited him) is welcome to make a freewill offering to cover food and lodging expenses through our online donation page. (Please make a note in the comment box "For Fr. ______'s stay").

As part of their registration, each priest must submit a letter of good standing to both of the following entities:

ATTN: Rev. Bradley Greer
Diocese of Steubenville
422 Washington St.
P.O. Box 969
Steubenville, OH 43952
Fax: 740–282–3327

ATTN: Renèe Scheu
Apostolate for Family Consecration
3375 County Rd 36
Bloomingdale, OH 43910
Fax: 740 567-7725

We invite all priests to concelebrate at Mass each day and to help administer the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Since we do not have enough albs for all the visiting clergy, we ask that priests bring their own albs. Priests are also welcome to participate in any activities taking place during the event.

Extra Paperwork

Not Applicable to All

Child Release of Liability Form

(required for non-family members under 18)
Download

Letter & Form for Parents of Children with Special Needs

Download

Catholic Family Camp 2024

JUNE 8 – 14 | JUNE 15 – 21 | June 29 - July 5 | JULY 6 - 12 | July 13-19 | July 27 - Aug. 2 | August 3 - 9