This past summer, 11 rising juniors were invited to spend a week at the Marist Brothers’ facility in Esopus, New York. The students were accompanied by campus ministers, Mr. Mike Brennan and Ms. Colleen Coyne. The group united beside other Marist students from around the world, all ready to learn how to run a freshman retreat.
Esopus is located in Ulster County New York and is home to the Marist Brothers’ headquarters.
“It’s very special because it’s homey and the property is large…a lot of things to do,” said Coyne.
Each summer they open their doors for the Marist Youth Leadership Camp. Several Marist schools attend, including Marist Chicago.
“It’s a great experience,” said Coyne. “Great camaraderie and friendships made year after year.”
“It [Esopus] provides an environment where everyone is on a level playing field,” said Brennan. “They get to see they’re part of a bigger whole.”
Marist campus ministry decided on 11 incoming juniors to attend (Michael Cushing, Kevin Curley, Erin Trapani, Maeve Farrell, Maggie Doyle, Tess Celauro, Tess Hernon, Sophia Daniels, Matteo Gonzalez, Peter Baio, and Ethan Smith). These students weren’t chosen at random, but specifically picked due to qualifications they met.
“Students that are active in campus ministry,” said Coyne. “Sometimes we get recommendations from faculty or guidance counselors.”
Students accepted the invitation uncertain of what would occur, but honored to even be considered.
“I asked a few of my friends who are older and had been on this trip…definitely told me some negatives about it along with positives, I decided to look past those,” said Celauro. “I knew this would be a great experience and an opportunity I could not pass up.”
When arriving in Esopus, there were mixed feelings.
“Being around people 24/7,” said Doyle. “You don’t get much time alone.”
“I missed my family,” said Hernon.
Marist ministers met daily with the group to make sure all was well before diving into the work.
“Both the good things and the bad things let me know that you were very present and aware of what was going on,” said Brennan.
Despite the worries and homesickness, the group took each day one moment at a time. Students quickly realized the place was not what they expected.
It was actually better.
“When you see that you’re not just ‘Marist Chicago’…it gives everyone an opportunity to kind of take it seriously…we’re representing the whole group, not just our school.”
“It was so much more than a leadership camp. The energy was unlike anything I’d ever experienced before,” said Farrell. “Everyone was happy to see you and it felt like home.”
Students met daily with their assigned small group, creating games, writing prayers, and bouncing jokes off each other. Workshops about journaling, blind mazes, and talk workshops were presented throughout the week as well.
“In our speciality groups we reflected a lot on our past experiences, how they strengthened our faith, and how they tied into the Marist mission,” said Farrell.
During the free period, campers were offered several ways to spend their time.
“Hanging out in the pool, playing ping pong, or walking down to the Hudson River,” said Celauro.
Other campers played instruments, created friendship bracelets, competed in UNO, faced off in Wii, or journaled around the property.
“The kids from Marist schools in New York taught us how to play a game called ‘flag’,” said Doyle
The camp united around a campfire roasting marshmallows, telling stories, and singing Count on Me, by Bruno Mars.
They rallied together during a scavenger hunt and danced beside one another during the party on the final night.
On the morning of departure, staff and campers joined together in Mass, and hugged their new-found friends goodbye.
“The connections we made with the people in Esopus and the experiences we shared with them are irreplaceable,” said Farrell.
Looking back on the trip, students opened up about the moments they’ll miss the most, and some key takeaways.
“I can do more than I could imagine,” said Doyle.
“I’m now a certified leader and can’t wait to meet more people,” said Cushing.
“Be more open to new things,” said Celauro. “Instead of rejecting what I learned I tried to embrace it.”
Others pointed out the connections they formed and how they’ll cherish those for all time.
“I still am in contact with them,” said Hernon. “When I hear about their school over the PA I always think about them.”
”My favorite part was how I got to connect with so many new people,” said Celauro. “[I’m] blessed to have been part of this.”
Marist ministers shared in the love for the trip as well.
“It was really a wonderful group,” said Coyne.
“You guys were great,” said Brennan.
Those that went urge students to accept the invite if asked, but to consider a few things before agreeing.
“It’s very different…likely uncomfortable at the start,” said Celauro. “As the week goes on they will begin to feel more and more at home.”
For those interested in Esopus, the campus ministry office is located in the back of the cafeteria in the SLO (Student Life Office).
