When it comes to giving to the Church many people incorrectly assume we give because God needs our money. That’s not it at all. God created us in His image and likeness. Our greatest aim in life is to become like our maker. And God is a giver; Jesus gave up everything for our salvation. In turn, we give to follow God’s example. Giving is what a follower of Christ does to be more like Him.
This summer, you have a fantastic opportunity to give to a very specific mission: Saint Thomas Camp. Your gift will allow the Office of Youth Ministry to accomplish a strategic goal: helping teenagers find direction for their life. We can do that, with your help.
Following are several important needs that cover a wide range of giving opportunities. Are you interested in funding an entire project? That would be amazing! Not able to fund the entire project, but would like to contribute? That would be a blessing. Please look at the list below and let us know if you can help. Thank you!
“Virtue Trail” Low Ropes Course ($16,000)
A low ropes course is a series of obstacles that a group of teenagers have to work through as a team to overcome. Our low ropes course will be named “Virtue Trail” because the root word of Virtue can be translated to be: true man. Our course will feature scripture passages relevant to helping teenagers overcome the obstacles they face. Following each obstacle, the teenagers will be guided in how to process the lesson learned to overcome obstacles in their daily lives. Our course will feature 16 obstacles.
Large Crucifix by Lake ($6,000)
Currently, St. Thomas Camp does not have any visible symbols of our Catholic faith. Last year, St. Clement Church was relocated from Monarch, Montana to the camp, which helps a great deal. However, installation of this Crucifix will be a focal point of the campus and remind all campers and visitors of Christ’s saving love for them.
Fishing Adventure ($250)
Teenagers who come to camp will have the opportunity to learn how to fish. After trying their hand at fishing, they will be led into a discussion on what it means that Jesus asked us to be fishers of men and what did fishing teach them about evangelization.
Archery Range ($2,500)
This summer, teenagers will have the chance to learn how to use a bow and arrow. They will also be led into a discussion on how the term “sin” was used to measure how far off the mark was an arrow. Teenagers will be asked to contemplate what skills they learned with archery that could help them “hit the mark” in their spiritual lives.
Away Day Adventure ($120)
This year we are planning on taking teenagers tubing on Belt Creek. This amount will outfit one teenager with the gear they need for the day: a helmet, a life vest and a tube.
Sow the Seeds of Faith — Plant a Tree! ($50)
One of our goals is to make Saint Thomas camp more rustic by planting trees all over the developed part of our property. This will greatly improve the camp over time. 
To make a gift toward (or which fulfills) any of the above needs, please fill out the coupon below and return to:
Catholic Foundation of Eastern Montana
Attn: St. Thomas Camp
PO Box 1345
Great Falls, MT 59403
Or, call the Catholic Foundation of Eastern Montana at 800-332-9998, ext. 120 or email judy@catholicfoundationmt.org.
Please help us continue
