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s2smodern

The Ignatian summer camps (in Portugal) are a very demanding experience for those who live them. In these 10 days, we are challenged to live with truthfulness – to be who we are, not less, not more – and simplicity - without everyday comforts, without touching our cell phones or even knowing what time it is. Therefore, these camps are a powerful key to a true joy.

The “secret” is in the 4 pillars that support them: the contact with nature (sleeping in a tent, washing in the river, eating under the trees and resisting the cold of a starry night) helps to focus on what’s really essential; the friendships that are built and deepened are the proof that everything only makes sense when shared, of how good it is to get to know someone and be known in this simplicity, and lose or win a game as a team; serving, giving what we have and what we are, with freedom and for free, whether it is preparing a game, washing the dishes, making dinner or looking after someone in need, without considering what we feel like doing; and finally, the faith – through prayer, mass or just simple and deep talks, young and old are able to build a strong relationship with this loving God who calls us to the real happiness. All of this is lived according to the motto chosen for that specific year. In 2016, the holy year of Mercy, the background for every moment in all 23 camps was the certainty that the Father is waiting for us before we even want to get back Home when we get off the track to holiness: “Já estavas à minha espera!”. This year we had 32 jesuits and more than 350 animators in the service of almost a 1000 participants to accomplish this.

However, it only really begins in the 10th day, with the wish and will to live everything again and make life into a camp.

Subtitle for the Photo - A Roda - a kind of living and dining room for a summer camp 

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s2smodern