For nearly 80 years Catholic Youth Camp has served the Catholic children of Minnesota and beyond. It is an incredible honor to be taking on the role of Executive Director and to acknowledge the beautiful, storied history that CYC holds. It has been a joy to find photos of smiling campers and enthusiastic counselors, knowing that there are many little hearts out there eager to return to cozy nights in rustic cabins and sunset worship on the shores of Big Sandy Lake.
Isaiah 43:19 says, “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” These words are the hope we are holding onto as we look to the future of CYC. The Gospel of John talks about abiding in Christ: every branch that does not bear fruit God will cut off, but every branch that will bear fruit He prunes. Pruning is painful, challenging, lonely, confusing – things you have probably felt as a parent, child, former staff member, or supporter of CYC. When we pair the awareness that God is doing a new thing with the reality of pruning, we can recognize that where CYC is in its history isn’t easy or comfortable, but it is full of hope.
Everything we are doing now is for the sake of bringing fresh life to CYC. Thank you for landing on this page and reading these few words. You can also watch a short introduction video I shared with our email subscribers, and my address from our open house.
I look forward to serving you, making memories at CYC, and seeing the hope-filled things God has in store.
Erika Johnson
Executive Director
The Executive Director leads camp and its staff, and reports to Catholic Youth Camp’s volunteer Board of Directors. Meet the board.