Damascus, also known as Catholic Youth Summer Camp, welcomed Auxiliary Bishop Michael Woost on July 11.
The popular camp, located in Centerburg, Ohio, hosts hundreds of young people throughout the summer, including many from the Diocese of Cleveland. Bishop Woost and Deacon Mike Puhalla, his master of ceremonies for the event, enjoyed lunch with camp officials, including Aaron Richards, executive director of operations and finance, and Dan DeMatte, executive director of missions and advancement.
The bishop heard campers share witness stories and testimony about their experiences and then he celebrated the closing Mass for Week 6 of the summer session. The liturgy was attended by hundreds of campers, families and friends.
(See above for a photo gallery from the Mass.)
Camp Damascus, which began in 2001, was the idea of parents and parishioners in the Diocese of Columbus who wanted an experience of the Catholic faith that was dynamic, adventurous and joy-filled. They organized a weeklong event for about 60 middle-schoolers and called it Catholic Youth Summer Camp.
The idea was a hit, and it continued to grow over the years. By 2015, more than 1,000 campers from all over Ohio and beyond were attending eight sessions during the summer.
Currently, the camp operates on a 471-acre property in Centerburg. It consistently has a wait list. To help keep pace with the demand, Damascus introduced a second location in the Minnesota-Wisconsin area in 2021 and a third location in Brighton, Michigan in 2024.
Another location, this one in Emmitsburg, Maryland, is scheduled to open in the summer of 2026.
Click here for more information on Damascus.