Summer Camp at Jesuit Academy

Students entering grades 4 and 5 at Jesuit Academy recently attended a two week summer program at the, yet to be named, retreat camp (formerly the Archbishop Eldon Curtiss camp, acquired from the Archdiocese of Omaha).  Sitting on over 400 acres near 240th and Q, the camp includes a chapel, classrooms, a 50x25 ft. swimming pool, an amphitheater, playing fields, walking trails, and overnight cabins. In the weeks leading up to camp Jesuit president Fr. Tom Neitzke and Matt Petrich, along with help from the Jesuit Partners, spent many hours cleaning and landscaping the entire camp in preparation for the students.

The 4th and 5th graders arrived on August 1 and took part in variety of academic, team building, and outdoor activities over the two weeks.  The camp was led by Petrich and staff from the school including: Patrick Rusca (principal), Joe Ogba (dean of students), J.J. Pick (4th grade teacher), and Andrew DeLeonardis (Magis teacher).  Assisting the Jesuit staff were graduate Chuma Nnawulezi and Cameron P and several 6th grade student leaders.

Students left for the camp from Jesuit around 9:00 and spent the morning working on math and reading activities.  After lunch, provided by the Holy Name lunch program, the Jesuit Partners, or Oscar's Pizza, students moved through a series of stations throughout the afternoon.  These stations included swimming, crafts, nature walks, kickball games, and much more.  At the end of each day students took part in a reflection and group prayer.  The camp ended on August 12 with a Mass, followed by the Jesuit Olympics in which students competed in a variety of events for prizes and the glory that comes from participating in the Jesuit Olympics.