2013 Summer camp for Hebrew speaking Catholic children

This year, instead of one summer camp at Deir Rafat, two were held, a first one for children of the Hebrew speaking Catholic communities and a second one for Hebrew speaking Catholic children in Israel from various communities. Most of the children from the first camp stayed on to welcome the tens of children who arrived, mainly from the Filipino and Lebanese communities. The peak of the welcome was a play put on by the children of the first camp on the theme of the Holy Spirit in three acts: the annunciation to Mary, the baptism of Jesus and Pentecost.

The second camp brought together 82 children and adults from the various communities who came together on Monday morning at Deir Rafat. The joy and enthusiasm of the children were palpable as children met up who do not see each other regularly during the course of the school year. The children divided up into groups according to ages and found their places in the rooms where they would sleep. The adventure began…

The theme of the kaytana was “I believe” and every day there was a lesson about the meaning of faith given by Father David. The texts that were studied were the same that were used as readings at the daily mass. Before each mass, each group took time to prepare a part of the mass (sing of the cross, homily, consecration, communion).

The other activities also focused on the theme of the camp – faith. In the morning, after the lesson, there were activities that focused on art and music under the direction of Benny (music) and art (Alberto). In the afternoon, after a time of rest, there was fun time in the pools (under the watchful eye of Father Piotr and Father Roman and the others) and thereafter activities – sport (with Claudia), dancing (with Sinead) and games (with Kirill).

Towards evening, after the showers, the groups convened in order to evaluate the day – what had been good and what had been more trying? What were the expectations for the following day?

In the evening, after dinner, there was time to speak to parents and then a relaxing movie.

On Thursday, the activity was a little different. Everyone set off in the morning for a trip to the Israel Museum in Jerusalem. Divided into three groups, the children made a fascinating visit of the museum, seeing some of the more unique exhibits. The whole group then gathered in Sacher Park for a picnic lunch.

Again, the role of the young counselors from the Desert Flower group was essential. Thanks to Salma, Habib, Jenny and Elena as well as Daniele and Matti. In addition, some of the older children, waiting to join the Desert Flower youth group, also helped. We thank very much all the other volunteers who consecrated their time and energy: Benny’s mother and sister (who came all the way from Italy especially to help), Father Roman, Deacon Giacomo, Sister Marianna, Daniel, Barbara and Shahaf. Thank you, Father Apolinary for all the help in organizing everything and his constant presence.

A special word of thanks to the sisters of the Deir Rafat monastery and their volunteers who received us so graciously as always, handing over their home to us. Thank you to the German organization, Kirche in Not, without whose financial help the Vicariate could not have succeeded in undertaking the camp.

Again, thank you, Lord, you who watched over us and gave us so many gifts in these days.