Testimonies from the Summer 2008
"Experience Christendom" Summer Programs

Quotes from students who attended the one-week Experience Christendom Summer Program 2008:

I’m home-schooled and I’d never had any real experience with a scholastic atmosphere until I visited Christendom. That one week was so amazing I’ll never forget all the activities, classes, or the Catholic presence in the people. It was a life changing experience. In the one week that I was there seemed like I thought more and learned more then I did throughout the school year. It was the most amazing week ever - I met people I’ll remember forever and I learned things that will stick with me the rest of my life.  I’ve never had so much fun!– Marilyn Charba (pictured left)

It was an amazing opportunity to see what the classes were like, a great spiritual experience, and a fabulous time with super cool people. – McKenna Methe

The classes were fun (save philosophy) and really cool, but not overly easy.  It’s one of the best experiences ever.  I feel like I fit in, and that NEVER happens.  I loved dancing, way more than I ever dreamed I would!  I never though Christendom would be half  the blessing it is!– Gloria Connolly

I didn’t really know what to expect but it turned out a little better than planned. – Cecilia Eckard

The program was more busy than I had anticipated, and it shows you more than just the school and classes.  It shows you a whole way of life while letting you experience an intense and fun-filled week.  It was definitely more than I expected. – Eddie Carlin

I think that many people get the impression that there would be no fun in the camp.  I found out that this wasn’t true when I found myself doing many physical activities and waking up sore in all parts of my body.  I loved the rope swing and growing in my faith. – Tim Lomady (pictured right)

I liked being with other boys and girls who share the same interests. I also enjoyed the classes and being with so many people who share the same faith.  I found the classes stimulating, intellectually and morally.  I enjoyed all of the teachers, but most of all Dr. Cuddeback.  It was nice to see all those teenagers dressed according to Catholic standards. – Clotilde Zehnder

It was amazing and so much fun.  The teachers, counselors, and other students share the same faith and are so much fun.  It was so worth it! – Andrew Rossi

I loved everything about the program!  The classes were incredible, the prayer time was awesome, the counselors were the best, and the activities were a blast.  If I could, I’d freeze time so I’d never have to leave.  The campus is gorgeous – the pictures aren’t even adequate.  I hate leaving and can’t wait for my next visit. – Sara Federico

It was the fullest week of my life!  Incredible classes and professors and Mass and Rosary give the camp depth and seriousness, but every afternoon and evening is filled with non-stop fun, amazing events. I loved all of the amazing people I met.  Being a convert, I haven’t been able to be as open about my faith, and at Christendom, I felt free to talk about my faith with anyone.  I am exhausted, but I feel like I could run a spiritual marathon.  I am so excited to go home and tell everyone about my week. – Emi Funai (pictured left)

Before I came to the camp, I imagined Christendom as being no fun and really strict, but that’s not true at all!  The actual program was fantastic!  I loved the professors who interacted with the students and meeting with other young Catholic and seeing how a college can be both academic while at the same time spiritual.  Those were the best aspects of the program for me. – Grace Donato

The Experience Christendom program was totally fantastic.  I loved the fact that the professors interacted with the students outside of the classroom setting.  And that the college focused on the most important aspects of a liberal arts education by illustrating them in the Philosophy, History, Literature, and Theology classes. – Elizabeth Easterday

I was happily surprised to find out that not all the kids were nerds (which I thought was going to be the case before I came). – Mark Proska

One heck of an awesome week: Great Catholic environment; sweet classes; awesome counselors; and pretty decent food.  – Dean Dewey (pictured right)

I think there are sometimes stereotypes applied to those who might attend the Christendom summer program.  In reality, though, those stereotypes only apply to a small percentage.  There are more people who have things in common with you than you expect. – Peter Hill

It was a great time and I am really happy that I came.  The counselors were perfectly picked.  They couldn’t have been better.  They did a good job of representing the school. – Andrew Vasicek

The Christendom summer program is highly academic, faith-centered, and fun.  By attending this program, I have experienced a deepening in my spiritual life, as well as an increased desire for learning.  I loved how each class began and ended in prayer.  It seemed to me that this is a place where intellect and faith meet under the banner of Catholicism.  The counselors were so awesome! – Molly McAlister

That was the best week of my life, and I’m dying to go back. The people, the classes, the Masses, adoration, and Rosaries, the whole campus... everything was just so Catholic and perfect. I miss it so much, and I really really cannot wait to go back there for the real thing! – Elise Nodar

It required not even the entire week for Christendom to transform me into someone who was very different than who I had been. Surrounded by such a profound and genuine love for the tradition of the Catholic faith and of God, I quickly grew in an eager love to know God more and found something that I had never known before: a desire to learn. In the course of the week, I surprised myself by eagerly anticipating classes and feeling sorrowful to leave once the class had concluded. The week I experienced at Christendom made me aware of a love of Truth which I had been ignorant of until now, and for the opportunity to know this desire of knowledge I am unceasingly grateful. It was the first, genuinely Catholic society that really emphasized the incredible truths and important Catholic traditions that I had experienced.  It wasn’t what I expected – it was so much better than I could have imagined. If it were possible that I could never leave, I’d love that. – Liz Urban (pictured left)

I had the most unbelievably enjoyable time. I could credit my fantastic experience to the amazing professors, or the jovial counselors, or the beautiful scenery, or the wonderful friends I made during my one week at Christendom; but more than any one thing, I think it was all of these put together that made the week so lovely. The fact that we are young and sprite and it’s summer vacation could have warranted our amusement. But what I found during my one week at Christendom was more than that; it was real joy!  Some people might consider a high school summer program like this to be about a college trying to “sell itself” to prospective students.  On the contrary, Christendom was opened to me through this program in a simple and wonderful way.  There was never really a sales pitch – but you guys sold me!  It was so fantastic to spend a week in a place with other students where teachers, buildings, and schedule centered around the faith.  Even though I haven’t seriously visited any other college campuses, I have a feeling that the treasures I found at Christendom are not common fare. I hope that maybe someday I will be able to come back as a student, if that is part of God’s plan for me. But regardless of what happens, my one week at Christendom College was just completely fantastic! – Margie Nemeth

The week I spent at Christendom allowed me to experience and live my faith in a way I had never done before.  I can honestly say that I am a better Catholic and a better person because of this experience. – Kyle O’Connor (pictured right)

I attended the one week summer program and had an amazing time.  I am so grateful for having the opportunity to spend a week on campus. I thoroughly enjoyed the classes and I made many friends. I enjoyed having mass, benediction and the rosary, and the opportunity for confession everyday. I had so much fun and am very glad to have met so many people who love the Catholic faith just like I do. The summer program helped me learn a lot about Christendom and led me to love it.  Now, Christendom is at the top of my college choices. – Maria Mueller

I had a GREAT time!  Because of this experience, I think I might need to consider looking at Christendom some more.  In any case, it was great to experience the Catholic atmosphere in the WHOLE school.  I felt like part of a family away from home!  Thank you! – Johanna Troendle

I have never been to a place where I felt so incredibly Catholic! – Rachel Kujawa

I had an amazing time at the camp.  The experience I had at Christendom made me want to attend the college even more than had wanted to before.  I met some extraordinary people with the same values as myself, which is often impossible to find in the community today. I don’t want to think that the summer program changed my life because I already wanted to attend Christendom.  But it’s not true!  It did change my perspective on life in general – Natalie Lucas

It was awesome – in the truest sense of the word. – Sarah Belk

It was actually one of the best weeks of my life! It was great to be surrounded by people who are working hard to get heaven just like me. I deeply appreciate the great examples that the counselors and the staff set for all of us ‘kids’! Christendom is the only college that I’ve ever visited, but I’m sold! It was invigorating to attend such great classes and have such a great time, while still having a rock solid Catholic Backbone! I am encouraging all of my friends to apply for next year’s program. Believe me, Christendom is going to be the #1 college that I send my application to. – Michael Sheehan (pictured right) 

I enjoyed myself immensely!  I love campus, and got an excellent feel for what college life at Christendom is like.  I met several of the professors, and enjoyed each class.  I am eagerly looking forward to attending Christendom next August, and would never have been so sure of my choice had I not gone to the Christendom Summer Program and seen what Christendom was like. The Christendom summer camp was one of the best experiences in my life. – Nicholas Blank

I went into the program thinking that it would be just a bunch of classes.  I also was afraid that the lessons that would be taught about religion would be a repetition of what I had already learned.  This was not the case! – Emily McDaniel

Quotes from students who attended the two-week Experience Christendom Summer Program 2008:

At first I was extremely homesick and, honestly, I didn’t really want to be there. By the end of the program, I did not want to leave. Throughout those two weeks I changed. I became closer to God and began to more fully understand Catholicism and the Catholic church. I also learned how to be a true Catholic outside of Mass and the sacraments. Being with other young Catholics helped me to learn more about myself. The teachers helped me to understand why Catholicism is the one true religion and why I am Catholic. The counselors were also great examples of what Christendom is all about. The atmosphere surrounding me is something I have never experienced before. I was fully comfortable being myself and everyone accepted me for who I am. I have never felt so close to a group of people in my life and I will never make better friends than I did during the program. Before the program, I really wasn’t considering Christendom for college. Now, I am torn between Christendom and one other school here in Michigan. – Clarissa Powaser (pictured left)

At first I thought it would be really strict, but I was surprised at how relaxed everything was.  The rules that were enforced did not in any way lessen the fun, but rather, made it more enjoyable.  I have grown so much in my faith through all of the prayer, Masses, and bonding with fellow devout Catholics.  Amazing on all levels! – Corinne Riley

I thought that it was an incredible program and helped to prepare me for my upcoming college experience.  It is a very Catholic, but also, very fun, two weeks that I will never forget. – Blake Ballard (pictured right)

For those who think, ‘liberal arts catholic college?’  ‘Are you going to do the whole Priest/Nun thing on us?’  Christendom is a great college where you do, in fact, live and get to express the Catholic culture in everyday life, but that doesn’t mean that you’re automatically religious.  While you do have that option, Christendom sets you up with a basic education that allows you many opportunities in life, while coming closer to Christ with the people around who believe the same things.  I loved how everyone was normally always happy and it was so fun to break into song and dance.  Having ice cream after lunch every day was awesome too. – Elizabeth Francis

The program was completely different from what I had expected and has been one of the best things I’ve ever done. – Debbie Kelley

I had a very bad prejudice against Christendom College and did not want to attend the Summer Program that much,.  I had a stereotype of everyone being homeschooled nerds, but everyone was totally AWESOME.  I had the best time of my life. – Bernadette Brock (pictured left)

I was happily surprised at the un-dwebishness of the other campers.  The counselors were, as I expected, fun, helpful, and counseling.  An amazingly fun camp where good Catholic kids come together. – Jake Barakat

The Christendom program is a life-changing experience that not only allows one to explore a most unique and amazing school but immerses the camper in an atmosphere of a Catholic liberal arts tradition.  The professors, counselors, and other students provide and exemplary example of a Catholic lifestyle. – Eric Whitmire

Christendom is something that a person has to experience to grasp its entirety.  Christendom is living your faith to the fullest by learning common subjects through the Catholic viewpoint. – Christian Jacky

It was an amazing, activity-packed, learning program in which you truly learn to understand your faith and meet the most fantastic people that have the same beliefs as I do.  I really enjoyed this camp and I would highly recommend it. – Tommy Salmom (pictured right)

At first I thought the two week schedule looked pretty rough, but at the end of the two weeks, it seemed like it had flown by.  The counselors and the whole program was a lot of fun.  I will be sad to go home and will miss everyone. – Michael Welte

The program should be longer!  The two week s went by so fast.  It should be a month.  I had an amazing time. – Hanna Hugoboom

I enjoyed the Catholic nature because it was so all encompassing.  In my mind, the program fulfilled expectations. – Thomas Wood

If you think your life is mediocre, attend the Christendom summer program and you’ll be filled with hope for an amazing future!  I experienced God in so many ways while being there.  I now have a much higher standard for my way of living.  Thank you for the time of my life. – Christine Routhier

It’s not only an introduction to college, but a great spiritual thing too.  Spending so much time talking with or about God really just made me a happier person, with or without everything else that we did. – Catherine Burke (pictured left)

The time here at this camp I number as the best and most life forming I have every experienced. – Phillip Henderson

It is an amazing experience and definitely worthwhile even if you aren’t intending on coming to Christendom.  I made really good friends and am encouraged now to go and carry my faith.  The counselors were the nicest people I have ever met. – Anthony Readings

Christendom is a wonderful Catholic college! I think it is a great Catholic environment and that there are great kids here.  It really did give me a closer relationship with Christ and a real eye opener to the world. – Kathleen Deighan

I met some really great people and the teachers were outstanding.  It’s a warm, welcoming environment. – Kelly Leahy

I enjoyed meeting other students with similar interests and experiencing the classroom setting.  I really enjoyed getting to know the professors.  The counselors were all fun to hang out with and they were always willing to answer any question I had.  I learned a lot from them. – Charles Rollino (pictured right)

It was so amazing!  The best two weeks ever. – Lizzie Crnkovich

The Christendom summer program was an excellent opportunity to grow more in faith, and love for Christ.  Yet, also, to really see how amazing Christendom College’s education is, as well as how fun and truly joyful good Catholics are.  This program has changed my life forever – for the better. – Lucy Salazar

The Christendom Summer Program is an opportunity to not only experience a truly Catholic college, but also to meet inspiring, like-minded teens who take their faith seriously and are devoted to pursuing lives of virtue.  Above all else, I liked the overwhelmingly Catholic enthusiasm toward living the faith emphasized by the teachers, counselors, and Christendom representatives. – Christopher Roberts

They can't all be wrong, can they? Register to come for one or two weeks in the summer of 2009. We'd love to have you!