FEATURES

Students put their new canoeing skills to work exploring Lake Hannan — the best way to observe a beaver dam and lodges. Photo: Stephen Brashear

Students & Stewards

Each spring, hundreds of fifth- and sixth-graders from about 30 Catholic schools attend three- and four-day Environmental Education camps at CYO Camp Hamilton in Monroe. (These photos are from last May.) Rooted in Catholic social teaching and Pope Francis’ encyclical letter Laudato Si’, the program engages students in scientific observation through lessons on subjects like water quality, forests and wildlife. Each lesson begins with a quote from the pope and poses the question, “As Catholics, how are we supposed to respond to this?” said Terri Schell, assistant director of CYO Camps. The program’s mission, she said, is “to guide each student in recognizing and responding to the Catholic Church’s call to be stewards of God’s creation.”

CYO Camp Environmental EducationStudents are asked to consider how their Catholic faith calls them to act in care of creation and others. Photo: Stephen Brashear

 

CYO Camp Environmental EducationAfter a night hike, students sing songs, hear stories and participate in evening prayer around the campfire. Photo: Stephen Brashear

 

CYO Camp Environmental EducationCampers plant, weed, harvest, taste and learn about sustainable practices in the garden. Photo: Stephen Brashear

Read the Spanish version of this story.

Northwest Catholic - April 2020

Photo: Stephen Brashear

Providence Sister Virginia Miller

Sister Virginia Miller grew up the youngest of three sisters in Longview. Inspired by her older sister, she entered religious life on July 17, 1948. As she reflects on her seven decades as a Sister of Providence, she is overwhelmed with God’s goodness to her. “I belong to a religious community of talented, dedicated, caring women whose mission is to care for the sick, the poor and the suffering, and who are actively involved in alleviating the injustices in our world today,” she says. “What more could anyone ever desire?”