Testimonies |
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Quotes from students who attended
Experience Christendom Summer Programs
Testimonies from past "Experience Christendom" Summer Programs
"Mom, I really don't want to go. I'm going to have a horrible time, and you know I won't like it," I said almost every day up until the morning I left for Christendom. Little did I know, that mom actually does know what is best for me.
Upon arrival to Christendom on the first day of camp, it was almost instantly that my dour mood changed. There was something about the counselors who had just greeted me and the campus which was to be my home for the next week that helped ease my emotions and warm me up to the idea that yeah, I might actually have fun this week. When I met the counselors and grew on a more personal basis with them, I really opened up. I knew that I could trust them with anything and they were doing every activity for our best interests. Then, as the icebreakers commenced, I started to realize that the campers weren't really much different than me and that I could relate to them. We all had the same morals and most importantly the same Catholic faith. At this point, the people really helped me open up to the idea of the camp and from then on I knew the rest of the week was going to be great. And it was. Whether it was swing dancing, canoeing, swimming in the river, hiking the beautiful Sky Line, or just hanging out in the dorm or the student center, there was not one dull moment. Even the classes were extremely interesting, despite it being the middle of summer when the last thing on most of our minds was school. Everything really surprised me. I was actually enjoying myself. The most prominent surprise was the easy ability to just be a Catholic. Between daily Mass, Adoration, and praying the Rosary every day, it was extremely easy to practice my faith, while still having fun. And I think this is the most important thing about Christendom. One can have fun, but still be a Catholic. This is exactly the reason why I am hoping to attend Christendom for college; it caters to every part of a good Catholic life, while showing the world that one does not have to be in the Church praying 24 hours a day to be a devout Catholic.
Yes, you read the above sentence correctly. I hope to attend Christendom for college. The girl who told her mom she was going to hate it has completely changed her mind and found a place that she loves. So listen to your mom because this can happen to you too. - Meg H., NC - Summer 2012
After returning home from the Christendom summer camp last year, I started counting down the days until I could come back. My second time around was just as incredible as the first. Having Daily Mass and Adoration was such a blessing, and being able to walk to church at any time of the day to sit in the Lord's Presence was a comfort that I miss. Through the regularity of the Sacraments and the outstanding classes, I learned much about myself and God's plan for me, thus helping me to embrace more fully that which He has called me to do for Him. It was so nice to spend a week with a group of Catholic teenagers in such a wholesome environment. The counselors and Admissions Staff did a wonderful job of making everyone feel welcomed and at home. They would sit with us at lunch, listen to our conversations, and try to learn more about us, truly putting all of us at ease. While I was there, I could feel my mind and soul expanding in a way that made me want more, which is why my desire to attend Christendom College became even greater (if it was indeed possible for it to become greater than it already was) after this year's ECSP. Thank you to everyone who made it possible, and thanks be to God for creating such a beautiful haven for young, Catholic souls seeking to grow in Him! - Abigail R., NC - Summer 2012
I had mixed feelings about going to the Christendom Summer Program. At first I was really excited about it, but as the days got closer I became more and more aware that I would know absolutely no one there. For another thing, I never make friends fast. As I got out of the car, all I could think was, "I thought I was a nerd. These people are going to make me feel dumb." Nothing could be further from the truth. I never felt foolish or inadequate, even though I learned so much that week. I made friends the day I arrived there, and immediately I could tell it was going to be a great week. I'd like to thank the admissions staff, the teachers, the counselors, and especially my fellow campers for making this one of the best weeks of my life. To anyone considering this program, go for it and stay open, even if this isn't your thing. I know that advice worked for me. What a great week! -John M., PA - Summer 2012
Exactly 10 years ago my older brother went to an Experience Christendom Summer Program and he enjoyed it so much, my mom was stuck on the idea that I would go to, when I was old enough. 10 years later, I found myself in my kitchen arguing with my mom about going. I absolutely did not want to go and was certain I would hate every minute there. I thought it was going to be a group of intense Catholic people sitting in a circle praying the rosary all day long. Needless to say, my mom put me on the plane, despite my many pleas not to go. When I got to Christendom, I realized how very wrong I had been. While we did pray the rosary once a day, it was not as bad as I thought it would be, in fact I quite enjoyed praying the rosary. Along with a daily rosary, we attended daily mass and had daily adoration. These times were some of my most memorable at Christendom because I was able to have a moment to myself, a moment were I could truly be with God. We also took classes in history, literature, philosophy and theology. Philosophy was by far my favorite class and now I am even thinking of majoring in philosophy! Even though we were in class, we had a lot of fun and even managed to have some very interesting class discussions. While we had fun in class, we also had fun out of class. Every day, we did a different activity. These activities included, canoeing, bowling and we even had barn dances. I do not think I have ever had as much fun at a dance as I did at the barn dances. By the end of the week, my previous theory about Christendom College was 100% flipped around and now I have Christendom ranked pretty high on my list of greatest places ever. In fact, when it comes time for me to go to college, the first application I will fill out will be Christendom’s. - Josefina A., CT - Summer 2012
Why come to the "Experience Christendom Summer Program"??? Well, for one, the name couldn't be more true. You really get to experience life as a Christendom student, meet and even get to know the professors, some (hopefully) soon-to-be classmates, and the one and only Mr. McFadden himself. So, you can put a face to the emails you get. (; And, on top of those lovely benefits, they don't pressure you to go there; they just let you experience it for yourself. If, and only if, you feel it's right do they welcome you with open arms into their Christendom Family. As for me personally, I knew no one that actually went to Christendom before this week. So, when I went I was totally BLOWN away by their love of learning and of the Church. But it's not like it's all about school either. It's balanced with fun activities like several memorable games of indoor soccer and singing into the sunset- with a nice hike so we have a good view, etc. But of course my favorite part would have to be swing and contra dancing. It was so great to feel like there was order in the universe as opposed to the stereo typical dancing mob. Or the awkward "too-close-for-comfort" slow dancing..., no we got to Waltz instead, like maybe we actually care about what our body language says. I felt very at home there and naturally must reccomend this wonderful experience to everyone. Even if you never go there, this week is worth your time. I can count it among the top two best weeks of my life. And that is obviously saying something!- Clare F., LA - Summer 2012
So how did a public school kid end up at Christendom? I was wondering the same thing myself. After meeting other guys in my dorm, I realized it wasn’t just me. A lot of the other guys were nervous and didn’t know what to expect either! From then on we were all in the same boat, we were brothers already. It was relaxing to know they were just like me! We had an amazing time and I strongly recommend it. - Dan T., OH - Summer 2012
Before I came, I honestly have to admit I wasn’t too excited. I had visited other Catholic colleges before and nothing really stood out for me. Coming to Christendom was a totally new experience, though! I met people who were genuinely nice and serious about their Catholic Faith. For me, it was a breath of fresh air to meet normal people living normal lives who actually wanted to be good Catholics! I also really enjoyed the classes and liked the way the teachers engaged the students. I had so much fun between canoeing, dancing, swimming, and just hanging out with everyone! I especially loved the availability of Mass and Adoration. At Christendom, it’s so easy to grow in your Faith and become closer to Christ, it’s just the norm! To anyone considering going to the Experience Christendom Summer Camp, I would definitely encourage you to check it out! I can personally say that because I went, I changed from not very excited to totally loving the people, the classes, and the campus! I am now seriously considering going to Christendom for college and know that if I never went to the summer camp, I wouldn’t have experienced the incredible blessings it has to offer. - Olivia M., NY - Summer 2012
Before I came, I had extremely high expectations and dreams and hopes for what I wanted the college to be like. (For example, the first thing I checked when looking at college websites was whether it had a campus ‘ministry.’ Call me crazy, but if it did, I automatically ruled it out. I strongly believe that Catholicism should not be merely set aside for Sunday like a Sunday dress; neither should it be set aside as a separate ministry, but it should be inseparable from one’s daily life.) In fact, I think my mom was trying to soften the blow that she was certain would come when I arrived and found it was significantly less than all my hopes and dreams about what the ideal college should be. However, I am happy to say that the college more than fulfilled those expectations! I was very pleased to find that it is truly a Catholic Paradise, not only because of the constant availability of the sacraments, but also because everything and everyone is rooted and submerged in the beauty and truth of Catholicism. That is definitely something that is rare and valuable indeed. Prior to coming, I did not think I would say this, butI must say that the Experience Christendom Summer Program was the best week of my life, and I can hardly wait to come back! - Catherine O., VA - Summer 2012
My experience at Christendom is one that I will never forget. I loved every
aspect of the camp; the great people I met, the great classes that were
held, the dances, the various activities we did, and best of all, daily
Mass, Adoration, Confession, Rosary, and Benediction. A more Catholic
environment does not exist anywhere in world….. except maybe the Vatican. I
will admit that I was nervous at the thought of spending a week in some
strange place with people from around the country I never new existed. But
within 5 minutes of being there, I no longer felt like a stranger. The very
warm welcome from the counselors really helped me feel at home and it didn’t
take very long to become acquainted with my roommates. The activities that
we did were all a lot of fun and the classes really gave some insight as to
what class at the college level is like. I would truly recommend this
program to anyone who is considering Christendom as a college choice. It
really is a life changing experience as it not only affects one’s social and
academic life, but also one’s spiritual life. As I mentioned earlier,
Christendom provides a Catholic environment like no other. I am looking
forward to the next opportunity to visit Christendom and I hope that I will
be privileged enough to be able to receive my post-secondary education at
Christendom. Thanks to all of the counselors, teachers, and organizers for
making this the unforgettable experience that it was and is! - William S., PA - Summer 2012
I really want to thank everyone who made it possible for me to attend the Christendom summer program. I wasn't sure what to expect when my mom signed me up for it, but by the end of the first day, I was already becoming close with everyone and was looking forward to the days to follow. I absolutely love the classes we attended and just after a few days I was already starting to think about what it would be like to attend Christendom in the future. The professors are so fun and everything they talk about seems interesting. I always felt like I wanted to learn more by the end of the class. I had so much fun learning how to swing dance and some of my favorite parts of the week were going to the dances. All of the activities were absolutely amazing. I love the fact that we got to go to mass and adoration everyday. I feel like I definitely grew on a spiritual level that week. I understand now what it means to “Breathe Catholic”. Christendom is truly a wonderful school and I never would have known this if I didn't have the chance to attend this program. I was never even considering going Christendom until I came to this camp and I was actually surprised at how much I like this school. I fell in love with the campus and the classes and basically everything about the college. Christendom is definitely one of my top choices now. I feel very privileged to have spent a week there making lifelong friendships and memories I will never forget. This was one of the best weeks of my life! - Marygrace T., VA - Summer 2012
Before going to the Experience Christendom Summer Program, I believed I was one of the more devout Catholic youths in comparison to your average practicing Catholic teenager. I was almost convinced that I would never meet any genuine adolescent Catholics. After my first night on the Christendom campus, I realized just how wrong I was. I met the most upstanding Catholic youths who will forever inspire me to always continue growing in the Catholic faith. It was the most life changing experience I have ever had, and I would encourage any young Catholic to go. -Jacob A., VA - Summer 2012
Going to Christendom has definitely made my summer! I went last year and absolutely loved the camp and the college. After the camp ended I could not wait until next summer when I would be able to go back. Even though upon coming back I knew what to expect, I was pleasantly surprised to meet so many new people from all over the country. I loved the classes and how the teachers were so enthusiastic about what they were teaching and the students they were teaching. I would say that the dancing and the beauty of Christendom's location were definitely my favorite part. I learned many awesome new moves and reviewed the old moves from last year. We all got to hike up the mountain and look at the amazing view from the top! I am glad I went again this summer because I got a first hand experince of what life at Christendom really looks like. From what I saw, life at Christendom is truly Catholic and filled with fun! I would love to have the privilege of attending Christendom College! - Anna F., MD - Summer 2012
I've always felt very warmly towards Christendom, and the ESCP made me realize, Christendom really is amazing! I loved the classes in particular; as a homeschooler with no prior classroom experience, I was very unsure what to expect, or how I would be able to handle it. However the classes were great and filled with wonderful material, and the teachers were so dynamic and personable, I had simply the best time. That the camp fosters spiritual growth has objectively got to be the best part--I've never felt so alive with my Catholic faith before! - Beth M., CA - Summer 2012
The experience of coming to a place where people are genuinely excited about learning and the Catholic Faith was an indescribably wonderful experience. Every aspect of the week was so amazing, because it proved that people can have fun while at the same time living their faith. Sometimes it can be hard to live a Christ-centered life in the midst of a world which encourages you to hide your Catholic identity. It is so great to be able to come to a place like Christendom and meet other young people with the same struggles, and encounter people who are also passionate about intellectual pursuits and growing closer to our Lord. I can't wait to further breathe in the Catholic air at Christendom College. - Jane A., VA - Summer 2012
I had such an awesome time at Christendom and I also did know that I was going to go there for college before I went to the program because I have family friends that have a baby sitter that goes there and they convinced me well. I learned so much about myself and about Christendom during the week and I made friends that I feel closer to then with friends that I have known for years. The time at Christendom is full of so much fun, laughter, and spiritual time. The experience at Christendom changed me to think different and act a little different for the better. When it was time to be dropped off at Christendom, I was nervous but I felt so much at home as soon as I got there because the counselors are so cool and fun to hang out with and they are great to talk to for anything. If you are hesitant about going don’t let it stop you because it will feel like home really fast. The days at Christendom are pack full of stuff to do and you will be tired by at least the 2nd or 3rd day. A lot of the people that attend the program never thought that they would even consider Christendom but it changes your point of view on the college. Even if the college doesn’t have medical or engineer courses don’t let it stop you from considering the college. You will have fun at Christendom I promise. – Abbey B., Fl. - Summer 2012.
My parents did not "force" me to go to ECSP: I was the one who suggested it! Yet walking in on that first day, I was terrified. I didn't know a single soul and my family would be hours away in the case of an emergency. However, my mind was quickly put at ease. I made fast friends with practically everyone in my session as we bonded through fun activities and classes. Most importantly, we all drew closer to Christ through the Eucharist and well as prayer, which brought all of us closer in turn. I have been to various Catholic-run camps in the past, but the programs aren't always as strong as Christendom's. There was no complaining about Mass or confession or rosary --- not even class! In fact, we were all sad when classes were over! I can't thank the counselors and professors enough, as they really made all of us feel right at home. The Experience Christendom Summer Program exceeded my expecations, and I came expecting a lot! I would encourage anyone and everyone to come. - Monica B., PA - Summer 2012
I first heard about the summer camps at Christendom when my grandmother asked me if I wanted to go. I looked at the activities and read the testimonies and it seemed that everyone who went had a good time so I thought it would be a nice experience. I never thought, however, that I would ever want to attend Christendom. I thought I would just have a fun time and that would be it. As the summer camp came closer, I became less and less excited to go. I was worried about the dress code and the classes, and thought I wouldn't find anyone that I had anything in common with. I was completely wrong. I made friends immediately that I consider some of my closest friends now. It was so easy to make friends because of the Catholic morals that we all shared. I didn't have to hide anything from them because they understand my faith, unlike some of my friends at home. The counselors were amazing too. They showed me what the students at the school were like and were always there to talk to or just hang out with. The activities we did throughout the week were so much fun, especially the dancing. I loved how we had Mass, adoration, benediction, and confession daily. It really added to the whole experience because I was growing in my faith while having a good time. I miss being able to have those things daily. The classes were enjoyable even though it was summer. Both the classes and the teachers forced me to think and showed me what a true liberal arts education is about. The whole experienced caused me to completely change my mind about the school, and I now hope to attend Christendom after my senior year of high school. - Sarah S., NC - Summer 2012
I was almost certain that I wanted to attend Christendom College before I attended the summer program, but afterwards there was no doubt in my mind. I knew I wanted a Catholic school that loved being Catholic and lived that mission authentically. But what set Christendom apart from other schools like the University of Dallas and the Franciscan University of Steubenville was the atmosphere. Not only is it the perfect environment to foster academic and spiritual growth, it felt like a place I could call home. People that I wasn't even interacting with in the camp or classroom knew my face and name by the end of the week. I'm not sure if there are many other institutions that can boast those kinds of results after just one week. If anyone is considering attending Christendom for college, they should go, and even if they are not, they should attend the camp just to grow socially, intellectually, and spiritually. - Alyssa S. - TX - Summer 2012
Before I went I was very excited to go because I had heard and read other kids' testemonies of how incredable the camp was. Eventhough I was sure I would have fun I didn't know what kind of people I would be encountering or what a deep spiritual experience this week would be for me. I had always felt that I had been immersed in catholicism anyway so I didn't think the camp would change the way I thought about my faith. In a way I was right; nevertheless, I was able to meet kids my age who are like me prayerfully in search of their vocation. Its encouraging to know that there are other kids my age besides those in my circle of friends who are serious about this. In addition, the activities were really fun and I appreciated the involvement of the professors and how they helped us understand what was being taught. Thanks for an amazing week!- Bernadette M., NY - Summer 2012
I never imagined that a week could have such a powerful effect on my life. I knew that I wanted to go to Christendom, but wanted to go to the program to make absolutely certain. It's amazing how close the teachers, the counselors, and the campers get in such a short amount of time. This is definitely for anyone having doubts about going to Christendom. Be prepared to change for the better. - Grace K., MD - Summer 2012
Honestly, the idea of going to C-Dom for a week, at first didn´t have me too excited. My mind was made up that Christendom was not the college I wanted to go to and there was no way I´d change my mind by going to a weird, crazy Catholic camp. Wrong. After the first day I was already starting to really like it. I made friends I´ll never forget and had a really fun time the whole week. All the activities were awesome and everyday was worth waking up early for! The classes were really interesting and the teachers were very friendly and seemed to really enjoy teaching. And the camp actually brought me closer to my faith in one short week. Turns out wasn´t too crazy or weird at all! And I will definitely consider C-Dom for college. I recommend the program to everyone! You have nothing to lose! - Claire L., VA - Summer 2012
I had a wonderful experience and it may have even been the best week of my life! I went into the program thinking that it was going to be boring and full of strange people who were not like me at all. I was so surprised when, by the end of the first day with the other campers, I had already made some really great friends who will last for a lifetime. I feel like I was really encouraged to grow in my faith without feeling pushed into it. I wanted to participate in activities and never felt forced into anything. I found all the classes very interesting and felt like I really got to experience what it would be like to go to college. I had also gone into the program with nearly no intention of even applying to Christendom. Now, I find myself hoping to attend Christendom next year, hopefully with some of the wonderful people I met at this program. Thank you so much for helping us all experience Christendom. I know that nearly everyone I spoke to was very excited to apply to this college. Thank you to everyone who helped make this happen! This is an experience I will never forget! - Mary F., MA - Summer 2012
My week at Christendom was totally different than I was expecting. In fact I had never even heard of the college before a friend told me about this camp she wanted me to do with her! I am so glad I went! My week at Christendom was amazing and I will remember it for the rest of my life!!! From the thought provoking philosophy discussions to swing dancing to adoration to making new friends, my week was a life changing experience. I feel so blessed to have gone and I would do it again in a heartbeat!!! - Sara Beth G., CO - Summer 2012
Going to the Christendom summer program was one of the best choices I ever made. It was literally the best week of my entire life!! The classes were interesting, the professors were passionate about what they taught and really seemed to know their stuff, and the various activities were AMAZING!! Making friends was very easy because all the kids have similar backgrounds and similar goals for their lives, and all the counselors were just incredible and lots of fun to be around. I loved meeting new people and making new friends, but my favorite part had to be the dancing, which was just awesome. Within a few days I felt as if I'd been living on campus my whole life, and I actually cried when I had to say good-bye to everyone at the end. I definitely want to go to Christendom after high school now. - Emily U., NY - Summer 2012
Christendom was not one of my top choices for colleges, but I was told by friends and siblings that ECSP was a great program to go to, so I was just going for the experience. I was greatly surprised at how much I liked the school. Being able to experience both the educational and the spiritual aspects of the school really helped me realize that Christendom may be the school for me. ECSP definitely changed my view of the school and Christendom is now one of my top choices. - Kaemmer H., KS - Summer 2012
When I first heard about Christendom College, I wasn't too interested in it as a top college choice. Then I recieved a packet describing what Christendom was all about, and recieved a call from the admissions office. These got me all fired up to check the school out. I was still apprehensive about the people there, however. I didn't think I would belong with the students that would come to the week. I'm thrilled to say I was completely wrong. Everyone there is completely amazing, especially the teachers and counselers. I had the time of my life there! We went hiking, swimming, canoeing, bowling, and learned how to swing dance. By the end of the week, Christendom felt like home, and everyone felt like my family. I am definately applying, and I would highly encourage anyone who is even slightly considering this college to come. They willl never be the same. - Theresa B., OH - Summer 2012
They can't all be wrong, can they?
Register to come in the Summer of 2013. (coming December)
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