We are delighted to present a review of programs offered, at home and abroad, for young men across Canada this summer by centres and clubs associated with Opus Dei. These days of fellowship, enjoyment and instruction provide an unsurpassed opportunity for young people to develop useful skills and habits and grow in spirit and wisdom in an atmosphere of fun and service to others. More information is available on https://www.youthprojects.info.

The Big Picture Summer Camp, Quebec City, Montreal or Vancouver, July and August

For students entering Grade 9 in September, this is a good chance to prepare for what lies ahead in high school. The camp is designed to give them a vision of their future and to share practical knowledge. There will be sports and outdoor activities including white-water rafting, and a series of discussions that will touch on high school studies and extra-curricular programs, character formation, leadership, and career and university planning. There is a choice of four separate sessions, July 8-14, July 15-21, and July 29-August 4 at Boisgomin in Quebec City, or July 22-27 at Glenwood in Vancouver.

Cedarcrest Volunteer Camp, Toronto, August 21-29

This camp is designed for students entering Grade 10 in September. It provides an opportunity to work in teams on construction projects and gardening at Cedarcrest conference centre outside Toronto.

Teamwork in the past has included the building of a bridge across a stream and a platform designed to support a shrine in a forest. There are also sports and other outdoor activities, as well as sessions on leadership and presentations on cultural topics. Cost is $150.

L’Arche, Quebec City, July 3-7

This is a program for students entering Grade 10, 11 or 12 in September who can speak French and would like to help handicapped people. It takes place at Jean Vanier’s Maison de l’Arche in Quebec City, where volunteers will assist with such tasks as housekeeping, gardening and cleaning windows. It teaches the importance of helping those in difficulty and of doing every task well. In the evenings there will be recreational activities and on the final day a group activity. Participating students will stay at Boisgomin and are asked to contribute $30 or $50 to help defray the costs.

Camino de Santiago, Spain, August 9-23

The Riverview Study Centre in Montreal is organizing a pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. It will follow the hallowed pilgrim route across northern Spain known as El Camino de Santiago, The Way of St. James, which became famous in the Middle Ages. There will also be visits to several Spanish cities, including Madrid, Pamplona and Burgos. The trip is open to students entering Grade 10, 11 or 12 in September. Cost is $875 plus airfare to Spain.

Manitoba Service Project, Bloodvein, Man., July 3-13

Participants in this project will assemble at Bloodvein, a native reserve on the eastern shore of Lake Winnipeg that can be reached only by plane or ferry. They will help with construction at the local Catholic church and also tutor local youngsters in English, math and other subjects. The program includes a day-long excursion to some islands on Lake Winnipeg. It is open to students entering Grade 11 in September. Cost is $200 plus airfare to Winnipeg.

Nicaragua Service Project, Dinama, Nicaragua, August 7-19

This project is an initiative of Ernescliff College, Toronto in collaboration with local organizations. It is located in Dinamba, a town in Carazo State south of Managua. Students entering Grade 11 or 12 in September are invited to participate. They will help local groups with infrastructure works as varied as chapels and septic tanks, and also tutor children in English, math and catechism. They must be prepared for intense humidity and heat as the town lies in the middle of a tropical jungle. Cost is $700 plus airfare to Nicaragua.