History

Monsignor John 'Fr. Jack' Sweeney founded Catholic Youth Camp in 1947 with the hope that a camping experience would help youth to develop a healthy and spiritual respect and love for Catholic Christian values, strong minds and bodies, and appreciation for the great outdoors. He embraced the theme of the North American Martyrs that is still evident at CYC today. The Martyrs' lives strongly resemble the mission of CYC with the focus on the three virtues that the Martyrs exemplified. These virtues are courage, cooperation and charity - The Three C's!

The first summer of CYC took place at Itasca State Park in Minnesota (home to the headwaters of the Mississippi River). Shortly thereafter, land along the shores of Big Sandy Lake was donated and CYC has existed at this location north of McGregor, Minnesota ever since. Campers initially stayed in tents during their stay at camp. But over the years and through the help of generous donors and energetic volunteers, permanent cabins and other program facilities have been constructed.