CAMP EL CAMINO

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For centuries, people have made spiritual journeys called pilgrimages in an effort to encounter God. El Camino de Santiago (which means “the Way of St. James”) is a famous network of pilgrimage routes across Europe leading to the tomb of St. James the Apostle, located in Santiago, Spain.

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Camp El Camino provides the youth with an exciting Christian pilgrimage experience where they will make friends, have fun, grow in faith and holiness, and encounter Christ along “The Way!”

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PARTICIPANTS

Junior High (Rising 6th - 8th Grade)

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REGISTRATION FEE

Cost: $300 per camper

Initial Deposit: $100 (Due at Registration)

July 1st Registration Closes, Remaining Balance, and All Forms Due

PAYMENT PLANS AVAILABLE , to set-up email: bookkeeper@santiagoretreatcenter.org

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MAKE FRIENDS ALONG “THE WAY”

The Way toward Holiness is much easier when we walk with others who can help us!  Camp El Camino is the perfect place to unite in prayer with other pilgrims, fortify existing friendships, and begin new ones that will last beyond camp.  The youth will journey in a safe environment that encourages them to let down their guard, share their gifts with others, and build community with like-minded Christians.

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HAVE  FUN ALONG “THE WAY”

Camp El Camino is all about having fun and challenging yourself through a variety of activities and games.  Personal growth and fostering love for one another are at the center of the “fun.”  From “Messtivities” such as the mud run, to the low ropes course, to beautiful hikes, each pilgrim will have a blast pushing themselves through the obstacles they ENCOUNTER along the Way.  Getting messy has become a Camp El Camino favorite, so come prepared to be full of mud and color!

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GROW IN FAITH “THE WAY”

Pope Francis said, “Do not be afraid to aim for holiness and turn yourselves over to the love of God.”  There is no better place than the outdoors to encounter God through personal prayer and reflection.  Pilgrims will experience engaging talks and worship music that will lead them into a deeper union with Christ and our Heavenly Family! There will be daily opportunities for Mass, personal and communal prayer (Adoration, Rosary, Meditations, ect).

 

WANT TO BE A CAMP VOLUNTEER?

Junior Counselors and Counselors arrive on Saturday (one day prior to the start of camp) for training.​

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We are accepting applications for both Junior Counselors (ages 14-17), and Camp Counselors (ages 18+) for Santiago Girls Camp.

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JUNIOR COUNSELORS (ages 14-17) pay the camper fee of $295 and take advantage of our servant leadership learning experience. *$150 sign up deposit non-refundable

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CAMP COUNSELORS (ages 18+) Are asked to make a suggested donation of $200 to help cover their camp expenses for the week and must fill out an application and upon acceptance will be required to:

• Be Ministry Safe Certified through Santiago Retreat Center.

• Be required to undergo a background check and fingerprinting.

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Camp Counselors and Junior Counselors will be accepted based on their intention to lead others into a closer relationship with Christ. All those in leadership positions will be expected to follow the established dress, radiate the importance of growing in virtue and strive to do so throughout camp. Applicants will be notified as to whether or not they are accepted into the program.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

When are campers to be dropped off and picked up?

Campers should be dropped off Sunday (the first day of camp) at 9am and picked up Wednesday at 12pm.  Parents are invited to join the campers for closing Mass at 11am. Campers will not be released until 12pm. 

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Junior Counselors and Counselors arrive one day prior to the start of camp for training – Training starts at 11am on Saturday (the day before the start of camp).

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What is your chaperone policy at camp?

Campers will be accompanied by at least one adult and one volunteer per group of 10 campers at all times. Adult volunteers are fingerprinted and all volunteers have taken the safe environment training in accordance with the Diocese of Orange.

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Where will my daughter/son be staying throughout the week of camp?

Campers will be staying in our Camping Cabins.  The cabins are equipped with bunk beds and separated by boys and girls. We ask that each camper brings a sheet, sleeping bag, and a pillow as we do not provide bedding. To learn more about our camp facilities please see our Amenities page!

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Are meals included in the cost of camp?

Yes. All meals are provided from lunch on first day of camp to lunch on the last day of camp. If your son/daughter has any food allergies, please contact us in advance.

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I have a question that I don’t see here, where can I get more information?

Please contact our Camp Office at 714-649-9800  or email at info@santiagoretreatcenter.org

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CANCELLATION POLICY

We would like to encourage you to attend another SRC camp in order to have a summer camp experience. However, if there is an unexpected circumstance and you need to cancel the cancellation policy below.

• * Cancellations 30 days or more prior to the camp start date will be reimbursed fees paid minus the $100 non-refundable deposit and processing fees

• * No refunds will be given for cancellations within 30 days of camp start date.