Campamento 2026

Today was our last day of camp – but we did the stations in the afternoon because we went on a community visit in the morning.

We visited two families who were home and stopped by to see two who weren’t. Challenges of being poor, agricultural people we saw were – homes without water or electricity, kids playing in irrigation ditches, the long, hot, dusty walk kids would have to take to get to school – without a breakfast. It’s hard to imagine the poverty that these girls come from.

The first family we visited has a very nice father with 4 kids and at least one grandson living at home. Sadly, the father was in a motorcycle accident recently. He’s all scraped up, and he’s resting his leg to reduce the swelling so he can be ready for knee surgery. His (grown) kids are taking good care of him, though. Two of the daughters used to live at the home but not now. One graduated with the others last Sunday. The other, who just finished 8th grade, is also an excellent student and will start high school this fall.

The next visit was with was a very nice mom whose husband died. Two of her daughters live at the home. Sister told us that she’s a hard worker – we thought she was bright and fun to talk with.

We’re not sharing pictures from the home visits, but I’ve learned over the years that some of these families are very loving but financially on the brink. When an accident or death happens, it is even harder for the parents to care for their children. High school graduates, and even better, college graduates, can make enough money to take care of themselves and their families. Preparing the girls for university is one of the Hogar’s academic goals. We’ve seen many university grads over the years. The Sisters are great at getting scholarships for the girls.

After the home visits – and a stop at the coffee processing plant, we came home and got a tour of the girls’ rooms. Each bed is made, often with stuffed animals. The highlight was the closets!

Girls showing off their neat closets 🙂

Cindy and Elsa are part of the team who keep the girls healthy and organized! Buen trabajo amigas!

New bikes!

Pictures from evening circle time

Thank you for reading and supporting the home and campamento!

Our third day of ‘regular’ camp activities – like Ordinary Time for Catholics, it’s comforting to be in a routine. Although each girl is unique, most are showing progress in math, English, and the other activities.

Stations today

Not many camp activity pictures today – we did take an individual picture of each girl for their frames (see yesterday).

We had three great visitors who make us believe we’re supporting an effective program through camp:

• Fernanda and her boyfriend came for a visit. She’s studying information sciences. Her boyfriend is studying tourism and is working at a resort this summer. They brought sugar cane and helped me prep a craft while we visited.

• Gizelle and Alondra also stopped by together. Gizelle is studying agriculture on a scholarship at the university in Azua and is living with her grandmother, which is a win-win. Alondra is studying education and plans to be an elementary school teacher!

All three girls looked healthy and happy. Sorry, didn’t get good pictures, though.

At the end of the day, at circle time, we got to see the skits and reflected on the day. Finally, we prayed for various people who’ve supported campamento and the home:

• Reverend Richard Jacobsen who introduced the Hogar to St. Edward’s after he donated a well for them.
• The anonymous donors who recently donated a reverse-osmosis filtration system, so we get potable water from that well.
• The anonymous donor who donated an automated, secure gate for the property.
• The young professionals who led the airport tour.

Thank you for reading and your support!

Today was our second day of regular camp activities of reflection, English, and math. We learned about Salome, the original helicopter mom, today. We’ve also been learning the theme song of the week “Count on Me” by Bruno Mars. Loud thunder woke us up from our siestas, just in time for the craft – picture frames!

The older girls continued to learn another concept around negotiation. Yesterday the main message was that negotiation is not a competition. Today it was to know your interests (or your why?) and listen to the other person’s, so you can work together to build a win-win solution. The section started with two people wanting the last available lemon. How would you negotiate that situation to achieve a win-win?

Some of the girls with their frames. They used washi tape, stickers, and sharpies.

Sister Fifi sang with her guitar, which is always a treat. The Sisters are so loving to these girls. They really serve as the ‘hands and feet’ of Jesus to the poorest girls. You can tell see the growth in the girls who’ve been at the home for a while. I will post about the graduation and graduates soon.

Thank you for reading! We’ll have more for you tomorrow si Dios quiere!

Today was our first “normal” day of camp” breakfast, circle time, stations, a craft, lunch, rest/siesta, and free play time. The littlest girls and some of the oldest girls also prepared their skits. Getting into a routine felt great!

Juana has been an excellent cook for the last few years. Early this morning, I could see her out in the orchard picking fruit for the day. Soursop is one of my favorites!! Thank you for the delicious variety of food you feed us at Campamento!

Sara teaching a group who are learning the English phrases “I want” and “I have”

Mary teaches a negotiation class to the oldest girls. Now, we’re learning that negotiation is not a competition. Your results are better when you cooperate for a win-win.

In the reflection station, the girls reflect on the Bible story that features our “woman of faith.” Today, it was Hannah, the mother of Samuel. The girls, especially the youngest ones, typically talk and share more while coloring pictures of the woman we’re learning about.

Since the beginning, the Sisters have asked that the girls get math enrichment. The Dominican Republic has standardized tests on subjects, including math. In the past, many have been held back because of math. It’s better now, thanks to tutors and extra work in math.

Lunch is the big meal of the day! The girls get 3 healthy meals and two snacks every day.

New this year—potable water! Sister Fifi showed me their reverse-osmosis system that provides more water for much less money (and time!). Two generous St. Ed’s parishioners donated the funds.

We are all so thankful.

This was a calm carousel session at the playground Father Mike Tegeder donated – it can get wild!

Ready for evening circle time!

Dressed for the Hannah skit!

The youngest girls performed the first skit of Campamento – all but one were new to camp. Jeane and one of the oldest girls worked a miracle – a good performance with some spirited highlights.

As part of the negotiation class, the older girls performed a skit to show how they can use negotiation to solve everyday problems. This problem was drinking too much.

The cast – which included an entire disco scene with a DJ and dancers, the sister, and even a doctor to help the main character understand her situation better.

Time to reflect on today and yesterday. We’re getting tired!!

Thank you for reading this! And thank you for all your support!!

For our field trip this year, we had a full tour of the Santo Domingo International Airport. It was a long day – we left the home in the dark, and we got home in the dark. To say this was a unique and complete tour would be an understatement. They only do 10 or so tours per year. The guides had full-time professional jobs in the airport, and giving tours to groups like ours is their community service. They were so knowledgeable, patient and kind with our group. It was uplifting to see these young future-leaders. We can’t thank them enough. Pictures will tell the story…

Starting out, with our matching t-shirts and credentials

Waiting to go through security after the check-in counter

Shuttle ride on the tarmac

Once the alarm sounded, these two go dressed in less than 2 minutes for us!

How fast can the girls be ready? (jacket and helmet only)

Group in front of a firetruck and behind a fireman still wearing his protective gear. It was hot!!

The littlest girls watching a plane from the shuttle.

Boarding the plane – surprise!

Front row, first class on a brand-new plane which was just delivered – has not been used in a commercial flight. It even had that rare “new plane” smell!

Almost every girl got to go into the cockpit and ask questions and get a photo

Knowledgeable and patient guide!!

Thank you Arajet!!

Katerin,  who was a “little” girl at the first campamento. We are so proud of her!!

Final thoughts in the baggage claim area after an airline snack and more Q&A

Thank you for reading!!

Teresa Toda Home and Church of Saint Edward, 21st Camp, Our 26th Year Together

Dates July 8-16, 2023

Women of Faith

The camp theme is always “Women of Faith”. The Sisters, the staff, and the travelers are women of faith. The girls will grow up to be women of faith. We usually have 4 days of camp plans and study: an Old Testament woman, 2 New Testament women, and another faithful woman. This year our women of faith were Eve, Mary, and Saint Teresa of Avila. On the third day of camp, we imagined Eve meeting Mary. How would that go? What would Eve say to Mary, how would she feel? How would Mary treat Eve? How would Eve feel after meeting Mary? What does this mean for us?

Travelers 2023

Jeane, Ann (me), Nancy, Emelia, Jennifer, Sara, Mary, and Ella

This year, we 8 travelers, which is optimum for camp! As of a month before camp, we had 3 more, but each of them had to drop out due to health issues – either their own, a family member, or a very close friend. Unusual for camp, but I feel like it’s a COVID echo due to delayed routine medical care. We pray for everyone’s health and peace.

This year we were back to the normal camp routine – which felt great. Our planned activities include circle time, three stations, a special program for the older girls, and a craft.

Instead of bringing donated goods to the home, we asked for monetary donations. The Sisters, girls, and travelers are thankful for your generosity. Monetary donations:

• take up less suitcase space and
• help the local economy as the Sisters use it to purchase their needed school and health supplies from local businesses

So much happened this year – happy and sad, disappointments and successes. It was a very emotional and positive experience. It’s hard to summarize – here’s my take.

Arrival

The girls we excited to see us! They greeted all of us like family. Given our history of fabulous travelers, they welcomed all of us with songs and hugs. It was a little overwhelming for the first-time travelers. All but three girls experienced camp before so were ready to go. We only had a snack and a supermarket run at El Carmelo, so got to have dinner with the girls that night. We got settled in after dinner, then had a circle time with songs.

Sunday – Graduation and Camp Prep

Sunday featured a graduation for two of the girls! They both went to a “polytechnic” public high school which provides both a high school diploma and a certificate in an area were wheretheywhere they can get jobs in the area. Both girls earned certificates in agriculture, a major industry in this province. Other specialities were nutrition, electronics, electro-mechanics, and information systems. At the ceremony, graduates wore colors based on their certificates.

Meanwhile…

While Jeane and I went to the graduation ceremony, the rest of our group unpacked our supplies and tie-dyed t-shirts! They even made ours.

English

For English, we used bingo, flashcards, and bilingual books this year. It was fun. The girls really want to improve their English.

Math

Math is a challenge for many of the girls – they may have started school late, missed classes, or only started school when they joined the home. We foster their confidence through math games and worksheets. They like to write on their own whiteboards.

Bible Story Reflection

Our days start with a daily ritual when we sing songs and read the reading of the day. At the time, the leader reviews the basics of the story – who were the characters? What happened? etc. In the reflection station, Jeane guides age-appropriate reflection. They may talk about “What does this story mean to me?” or ” How does it relate to me today?” Over the years, we’ve learnedthate girls are more open to sharing their thoughts while they color.

7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens

The older girls benefit from special content. First-time traveler Mary facilitated this group where they learned the “7 Habit of Highly Effective Teens” by Sean Covey. The girls already have excellent habits – a tribute to the Sisters – but the mid-summer reinforcement never hurts. The girls were engaged and thoughtful. Our assignment for them was to present their learnings each evening .

Dramas

The skits were very entertaining this year. Each evening both the younger girls and the older girls presented their daily lessons. The girls used their costumes and a lot of creativity.

Crafts

Crafts builds self esteem and is a channel for creativity. Crafts are fun!

Local Excursion

Dominican Republic towns each have a colorful welcome sign to welcome you to each town. It depicts highlights of the area. We couldn’t resist a group picture plus a few more!

Quinceñera

We celebrated Y and N’s quiciñera at Camp! They generously invited traveler Sara to join! The party included fancy dresses, prayers, blessings, singing and dancing, food, and even a Mexican caballero surprised us with a performance.

THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT!

You make it special!!

Thank you to all donors. The Sisters are very conscientious and spend it all on the girls’ education and well-being.

Thank you to all the crafters who came to “Cutting and Kitting Night” You are truly a blessing to camp. The girls love doing crafts!!

Thank you to Shelly Pomonis who organized a huge Zumba party and fundraiser for camp. I wish I could have brought the instructors to camp. Their energy was through the roof. Shelly, a retired teacher, developed our 7 Habits curriculum for camp. Hope you can make it next year.

Thank you to Michele and her daughter who developed the crafts this year. They were a hit!! Thank you also for the “Eve meets Mary ” idea and the insight into Saint Teresa of Avila. Hope you can join us next year.

Thank you to past travelers – the girls remember each of you and love the camp memories.

Thank you to Father Rick – your support from the pulpit moves people to support our unique mission. Best wishes on your retirement. We’re excited to share this mission with Father Tim.

Thank you to all St. Ed’s staff – especially, Mia, Mike, Mary Kay, Celeste, Linda, and Andrew – each of you contributed to make this happen.

We’ll start recruiting again in January 2024. Hope to see you there!

Peace,

Ann

Kickoff Meeting

Monday, January 30, 6:30-8:00 PM, Room 125

We had a great meeting Monday night. Although is was -8F outside, we were thinking warm Carribean thoughts. Thank you to all who came and let us know you were interested, but couldn’t make this meeting. This meeting summary doesn’t name the people, but I will say there were 10 of us in person!

Opening Prayer

Introductions

Name, how you heard about trip, your background, your interest in this trip

Traveler’s Preparation Guide Overview

• Principles of Sister Community Partnerships
• Campamento Goals
• What we do at Camp
• What if I don’t speak Spanish?
• How to prepare for the trip

Dates

We have openings for July 8-16 and July 15-23 for travelers interested in sharing a spiritual experience with young women and girls from another country.

Cost

The Delta flight now is $1200. Plan on $1400-$1500. See the FAQ page for more cost factors.

Camp Activities

Our camp theme is “Women of Faith”. We study bible stories, play music, make crafts, perform skits, and do other activities. We pray, exchange stories, share love, and spend time with the girls. Through the activities they learn English, enjoy crafts, and build self-esteem.

Each trip is deeply touching and spiritual. Special gifts you may share are patience with kids, crafting and beading talents, or your professional experience.

Readings for Discernment

Along with Pope Francis writings and many readings in the Bible, check out Why? and Expectations

Campamento Zumba Dance Party Kickoff

Sunday, February 26, Time TBD, Church of Saint Edward Social Hall

It’s back and you’re invited! Learn about Campamento, meet past and future travelers, and enjoy joyful movement with Zumba instructors. Last year we started this tradition and we had so much fun, we’re doing it again.

We’d like 4-5 past and future travelers as well as other Amigas to stay after to help reset the social hall for the Bible study that evening. Plus, we’ll need some helpers during the event.

Next Steps

• Mark your calendar for next meeting Monday, February 27 6:30-8 PM Central (we’ll do our best to be Zoom enabled)
• Mark your calendar for Zumba – we’ll do planning by email – we just need a few helpers. A lot of past travelers will be there, so come to get the inside scoop!
• Think about camp theme songs
• Think about Old Testament, New Testament, and other women of Faith for Camp Bible Study

Closing Prayer

God thank you for bringing us together on this winter night to dream about warmer possibilities! Please help us all open our hearts and minds to joining Campamento this year. Help us discern this information so that we can make the best choice for ourselves, our families, the other travelers, our Parish, and our Sister Parish. Amen

Campamento Zumba Dance Party Kickoff

Sunday, February 26, 11:45 AM, Church of Saint Edward Social Hall

It’s back and you’re invited! Learn about Campamento, meet past and future travelers, and enjoy joyful movement with Zumba instructors. Last year we started this tradition and we had so much fun, we’re doing it again.

Kickoff Meeting – a great start, strong turnout! See you on Feb 27 for the next meeting.

Monday, January 30, 6:30-7:30 PM, Room 125

You are invited to join St. Edward’s Campamento 2023. Support a social justice organization – the Teresa Toda Home, a home for very poor girls in Azua, Dominican Republic with a summer camp in July 2023. Start at campamento.blog to learn more.

We have openings for July 8-16 and July 15-23 for travelers interested in sharing a spiritual experience with young women and girls from another country.

Our camp theme is “Women of Faith”. We study bible stories, play music, make crafts, perform skits, and do other activities. We pray, exchange stories, share love, and spend time with the girls. Through the activities they learn English, enjoy crafts, and build self-esteem.

Each trip is deeply touching and spiritual. Special gifts you may share are patience with kids, crafting and beading talents, or your professional experience.

Is 2023 your year to follow the Pope’s lead on social justice, charity, adventure, spiritual experiences, fellowship, growth, and fun? If so, answer the call to travel with us this summer or help from Minnesota.

Please contact Ann McGuire at annnmcguire@gmail.com to RSVP to our kick-off meeting and take a look at this blog site.