In the Spring of 2006, the Holy Angels Parish Youth (HAPY) organization from Childress went camping in Copper Breaks State Park, near Quanah, Texas. HAPY campers included Grace Solis, Jorge Lepe, Bianca Garcia, Adela Solis, Jake Novak, Esteban Garcia, and Salvy Arcivar. Adult sponsors were Francis and Oscar Juarez, Jim Anders, and Donna Novak.

The weekend’s activities and prayer times were focused on being the body of Christ, working together to accomplish tasks and support one another. HAPY participated in meditations and scripture and prayer circles, and spent their free time climbing cliffs, skipping rocks on the lake, fishing, and telling stories. For some it was the first time to sleep in a tent, and a few even slept on the ground under the stars. The highlight of the day was a moonlit trek to the park’s amphitheatre, with stops along the way for bible readings and meditation. At the amphitheatre, the students listened to a scripture reading and participated in a related meditation under the stars. Jake Novak played his guitar and sang, “Here I Am to Worship,” accompanied by the group. They then formed a prayer circle and prayed for their needs and the needs of others in their families and parish. The stars and the sounds of nature were the perfect backdrop for their experience – God even provided punctuation in the form of shooting stars.

Early Sunday morning, the group climbed to the top of a cliff and participated in a sunrise prayer service, thanking God for His creation, for the weekend, and for each other. After breaking camp, the group came together one last time to give thanks for the successful and enjoyable weekend, taking with them memories of a weekend spent enjoying nature and growing closer in Christ’s love. No doubt the campground still echoes with their shouts of, “GOD IS GOOD – ALL THE TIME!”