By Mary Ellen Day, Special Writer
”Son Rise National Park” was the theme for the Sacred Heart and Christ the King summer camp. This was the first year that the two churches combined their summer camp for both parishes.
The camp was held July 9-13 at Sacred Heart Church daily from 8:45 a.m.-3 p.m. with 75 participants. Barbara Demchak and Mary Ellen Day were the organizers of the camp, which couldn’t have asked for a week of better weather — sunny and cool.
”“Barbara Demchak from Christ the King and Mary Ellen Day from Sacred Heart I do believe they did a great job. The parents of the children participating can confirm that,” said Father Stan Slaby, pastor of the two churches. “I would like to say thank you to all the volunteers, the adults who were helping teach and our youngsters who were with the little ones who attended the summer camp. The summer camp was a quest for the truth and each day they were here they learned something about truth.” Each morning began with Mass in the church. Fr. Stan reflected on each day’s theme according to the program.
Children from grades K-5 were split into four age groups and each named an animal to fit the theme. K-1 was the Squirrels, 2-were the Beavers, 3-the Huskies and 4-5 the Eagles. The groups spent their day with religion, art, music, sports and activities and were treated to a trip to Bowcraft Amusement Park in Scotch Plains on Thursday. The campers learned about the national parks in America and had a firsthand view of some stuffed animals when Ms. Demchak brought in a bear head and bird.
Each day campers received a morning snack, lunch and an afternoon snack. The kitchen crew of volunteers prepared special treats of “Husky Chow” mix with Cheerios, Teddy Grahams and marshmallows; “Beaver Cups” of vanilla pudding, chocolate syrup, cookies, marshmallows and M&M’s; fish-shaped grilled cheese sandwiches and more.
The camp week ended with a closing Mass on Saturday night. After Mass, the groups performed songs they had learned during the week. All the campers gathered in the church auditorium for a slide show of photos recapping the week. Everyone had a few laughs.
The highlight of the closing ceremony was a drawing for three bicycles.
To see photos from the “Son Rise National Park” summer camp visit www.sacred-heart-church.org or www.ctkmanville.com.
The volunteers are already looking forward to next summer and planning the combined summer camp.

