We are once again excited to be taking both our Confirmation students on a retreat to Damascus Catholic Mission Campus!  

This retreat will take place on November 22-24, 2024.

We will meet in the Convocation center parking lot (the fenced in parking lot by the school) at 4:00pm for check in, we will depart at 4:30pm.   On Sunday we plan to depart Damascus at approximately 1pm.  We plan to arrive in Norwalk between 2:30 and 3:00pm.   

Are you new to Damascus?  Check out their website https://damascus.net/ 

We are proud to partner with Damascus to awaken, empower, and equip a whole new generation of the Catholic Faith so that they can transform the world!  

On the following pages you will find information regarding this year's retreat.  

Please reach out to Jen Sanders with specific questions you do not find answered here.  You can most easily reach her via email at [email protected].

STEPS TO REGISTER IN ULTRACAMP
1. Log in or make an account:   STUDENT REGISTRATION LINK
         a. If you have been to Damascus for CYSC before, you can login to your       
             existing account
         b. If this is your first time registering your child, make a new account
2. Go to "My Reservations"
         a. In the top left corner, there are three lines that you should click and then it will
             lead you to a sidebar that will display the different options. Select the first      
             option listed, “my account”
           b. From there it will lead you to a page that will have a box that says “My
               Reservations”. Click this box.
3. Click on "New Reservation"
4. Click on "Add Person"
         a. This will ask for your child's information, and then you will add your child.
5. Click "I belong to a group that has reserved space" in red letters
         a. This can be an easy step to miss
         b. It will be under a section that says “Select a session” and under the box that 
               says “Filters”
6. Enter the group code: (The code to enter for our group is:  CPAULNORWALK24)
7. Select reservation
         a. From here it will ask you to confirm your information, and then it will lead you
             through the rest of the registration.
8. At the end, you can choose to add additional reservations for other campers if you have more than one child needing to be registered, or you can proceed to payment.
9. For the payment portion, you will either pay via credit card/bank information - If you require financial assistance for the retreat please reach out to [email protected]
10. Once payment is completed, select “Complete Order” to submit your registration.
Please email [email protected] with any questions

If you have additional questions about registration, check out the videos below:

Group Code: https://youtu.be/Fc0K9hsMqiA

Registering: https://youtu.be/7yMSWizby7c

Make a Payment: https://youtu.be/_7WExex1ceE

Making an Account: https://youtu.be/Y5WvfEgshzU

Navigating Account: https://youtu.be/E1Lh78QTdWI

We know you may have questions about our trip.  The most commonly asked questions are below.  Please feel free to reach out if your question has not been answered! 

What are the cabins like?
Damascus has several styles of cabins. Your group will most likely be in the Hillcrest Cabins, which have two sides with 10 bunks each. See the facilities at https://damascus.net/rentals/facilities/

How are groups determined?
Students will stay with the same group of boys or girls from St. Paul Parish and School. That will be their main unit for the duration of the retreat, led by a missionary.  Groups range from 5-9 students. 

Who stays overnight with the students?
The missionaries will stay with the small groups they are leading. There will always be at least 2 missionaries present with any students.

Will other schools be present on the retreat?
Most likely, yes! It is a great opportunity to experience the wider family of our Catholic Church. In nearly all circumstances, however, the small groups will be separated by school. 

Who are the missionaries? 
Damascus missionaries are young adults who are pursuing a 2-year program of service and Christian formation with Damascus Catholic Mission Campus. The 46 missionaries in formation for the 2022-2023 year represent over 10 different states from around the nation. Find out more about our missionary program at www.damascus.net/mission.

What are their certifications?
Damascus missionaries participate in two trainings for a cumulative 4 weeks of training on activities, programs, small group leadership, policies, and culture. All missionaries have a criminal FBI/BCI background check on file and have been certified through Protecting God’s Children (VIRTUS) safe environment program. Our safe environment practices meet and exceed the Diocese of Columbus’s standards. Many of our missionaries and mission staff hold degrees in theology, education, and a variety of other disciplines from institutions including Franciscan University of Steubenville, Ave Maria University, the Augustine Institute, and the Ohio State University.

What if my student has a food allergy/dietary need?
All of our food is prepared nut-free, meaning no ingredients were processed in a facility with peanuts or tree nuts. The kitchen can accommodate gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegetarian diets. For other allergies (eggs, soy, etc.) please contact Jen Sanders to discuss. 

Can my teen bring their own food?
You may bring snacks, as long as they do not contain nuts. Snacks will be checked both before loading the bus and also upon arrival at Damascus.  

How are medications handled?
Chaperones are responsible for keeping and distributing medications. Students may not keep oral medications on their person or in their cabins. EpiPens and inhalers are typically carried by the student’s counselor. We recommend putting each medication in a ziploc baggie with the student’s name on it.

Are the activities safe?
Yes. As a campus with emphasis on high adventure activities, Damascus has a policy of zero tolerance when it comes to risk in its facilities, equipment, and operation. Every one of our adventure activities undergoes an annual third party inspection or recertification, and all of the staff are trained by a certification body approved by the Association for Challenge Course Technology. The Redwoods Group is our insurer and partner in risk assessment and safety implementation and training.

What happens in case of emergency?
Damascus is located approximately 20 minutes from Knox Community Hospital and Urgent Care, and is accessible in less than 5 minutes by local EMS and fire personnel. In the case of any emergency, Damascus staff is committed to aiding school chaperones in contacting parents and arranging for emergency medical care.

How does communication happen on the retreat? 
Damascus understands the tremendous responsibility it is for parents to entrust them with the care of their child, and their safety and wellbeing is the primary concern of each and every missionary on retreat. Head Counselors are specifically dedicated to making sure that each camper is cared for to the highest degree, and are equipped to collaborate with chaperones in ensuring effective communication between parents and children when it is needed. A St. Paul parish chaperone will be the primary contact for parents who need to reach their children in case of emergency.

What if the weather is bad? 
Damascus lives the adventure in the rain and snow! We will of course make accommodations for extreme weather, but except in case of lightning or extreme cold, you can expect to be outside. Please pack according to the forecast!

Is there a gift shop?
Yes! It will be opened at specific times during the retreat.