Hundreds of campers are experiencing life at Camp Christopher this summer.
The camp, a ministry of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Cleveland, was established in 1924. It operates on 160 acres in Bath Township, offering a variety of outdoor experiences for campers of all ages and abilities, including zip lines, rope challenge, trails, canoeing, horseback riding, fishing, swimming, archery, crafts and more.
Statues tucked into natural settings and the names of some of cabins, pavilions and buildings remind campers and visitors that it is a holy place. Faith is an important part of the camp experience.
With that in mind, camp administration, staff and campers welcomed Bishop Nelson Perez and Deacon Dan Samide to Camp Christopher on July 18 for an outdoor Mass. They filled a grassy area adjacent to Lake Marian for the 5 p.m. liturgy, which the bishop said he was offering for the campers, their families and anyone else they wanted to remember.
?What a great place to be,? he said as he scanned the lakefront on the warm, sunny day.
?I prepared an hourlong talk,? he said at the beginning of his homily, as campers cheered and applauded. ?Make that an hour and a half,? he quipped, as they applauded again. ?I?m impressed,? he added.
The bishop asked campers to share with him what was so special about Camp Christopher. Hands popped up throughout the group, with youngsters telling him about the ?gaga pit,? where people of all abilities can play a game with balls,
