By Eric Connolly

Let’s face the facts: if you’re an even semi-regular reader of this publication, you have heard of Legendary Lodge. You have more than likely read a counselor bio or seen a photo of the camp stretching across the south end of Salmon Lake. You may have a child who has been a camper at the Lodge or you may have been a camper yourself.

Either way, the stories and legends that stem from this small peninsula have been ingrained in the hearts and minds of many in the Diocese of Helena.

So how do you tell a story that has been told many times before?

After stewing over this dilemma, this writer has decided to take a page out of (The Late Show) host David Letterman’s book. Here are the top 10 things you might not know about this summer at Legendary Lodge.

Number One: This year’s theme? The Kingdom of God is at Hand – This Changes Everything.

This summer, the Lodge team is tackling one of the most complex pieces of theology that our faith holds: the Kingdom. The sessions for the week are broken down into four parts: The Kingdom of God is Real, The Kingdom of God is Open to Everyone, The Kingdom of God Calls Us to Change and The Kingdom of God Calls Us To Serve. Through these sessions, the campers go back across the lake with the knowledge that the Kingdom is here, and that they are an essential piece.

Number Two: Contrary to popular belief, youth still love to run around and have a good time.

No television. No Xbox. No iPods. No internet. Just a whole lot of swim time, ultimate Frisbee, capture the flag and hiking. And yes, parents, the kids LOVE it all.

Number Three: Polar Bearing.

Every morning, around 8:30 a.m., a group of young people will inexplicably jump into a freezing cold lake for no other reason than to just do it. Someone please call the Discovery Channel, I think we may have polar bears here in Montana.

Number Four: What is the Big Game? You just have to find out.

The number one question asked by campers soon after they come to camp: what is the Big Game? The activity itself is a large, themed journey around the camp where campers must solve a mystery by interacting with counselors dressed as characters related to the theme. Vague description? Yes. Only because we don’t want to give away the theme, just make sure you’re studying up on some Montana history…

Number Five: Fifth and sixth grade boys are very good at finding living things.

If I’m ever trapped in the wilderness with a group of hikers, I just hope that we have a group of fifth and sixth graders, because they will immediately find every living thing within a 500-yard radius, including snakes, frogs, deer, crawdads and even the occasional beaver.

Number Six: The youth of today can and WILL pray.

Do not sell our youth short; they know how to pray. Not only do they know how to pray, they are highly motivated and they have the desire to have deep and moving prayer lives. I cannot stress this point enough. Find some time to pray with your kids.

Number Seven: Camp Director Colleen Dunne LOVES being thrown in the lake.

Seriously, you should all try to get her in the lake; it’s a fun time for all. (This writer takes no responsibility for the dryness of said camp director if said camp director is thrown into said lake…)

Number 8: The Holy Spirit is putting in serious work through the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry.

The first week of camp at Legendary Lodge was the OYYAM’s Leadership Camp. With events like the Justice Outreach Project, Creation Fest, Junior High Rally and CYC Convention, you will be hearing a great deal about this revitalized youth movement. Be sure to check up on the great work they’re doing at www.dohyouth.org.

Number 9: The youth of this diocese are quite talented.

Every Wednesday night, the Lodge team organizes a Skit/Talent show. Whether it’s beautiful music, hilarious comedy or just the pure creativity that campers put into these skits, it’s apparent that there is some serious talent in today’s youth.

Number 10: The tradition will continue.

Through all the years that Legendary Lodge has been in existence, it has created many memories, as well as traditions. As we transition into the future and the changes that are part of our temporal life, the traditions that make Legendary what it is remain. Legendary Lodge is a place of God; it is a place of learning, of prayer and of sharing. It is truly a place where the youth of the Diocese of Helena come closer to Christ.

So, as we move into the future, as campers become counselors, and perhaps eventually parents of future campers, Legendary Lodge remains. It remains as a beacon of the light of Christ that shines through our youth and the amazing things they will do.


Published in The Montana Catholic Online, Volume 25, No. 7, July 17, 2009.