A Camp Like No Other

While the chill of winter is very present, many families are dreaming of the warmth of summer and a break from the busyness of work and school activities. As many of the most popular travel spots in America offer new experiences and rest for the body, Annunciation Heights offers families a radical invitation: “Come and experience radical relationship in and through Christ.”

“Your family will have a camp like none other,” promised Luke Hlavin, Director of Operations of Annunciation Heights Youth and Family Camp, in an interview with CatholicGo.

Founded in 2017 as a resurrection of Camp St. Malo (which sits just 2 miles away), Annunciation Heights is a ministry of the Archdiocese of Denver as a return to the “ministries of summer camp.” From youth camps to family camps to outdoor education experiences, Annunciation Heights’ programs focus on four key relationships: God, Self, Others, and Creation.

“There’s a vibrancy to returning to a new life in Christ,” said Hlavin. Annunciation Heights differs from most summer camps by tending to the spiritual life of each camper, offering ample times for prayer, meditation, and even reception of the Sacraments.

“Our activities also help renew confidence and vulnerability,” Hlavin explained. From fishing to hiking to high/low ropes courses, Annunciation Heights’ robust list of activities allow campers to push themselves to greater heights - literally and figuratively.

“Our activities are fun with a purpose,” said Hlavin, “and not just for kids. Our camps help our parents to have the opportunity to return to play—and play with their kids,” Hlavin went on. “A dad might be shaking and having the time of his life with his son on the ropes course!”

While campers will experience rejuvenation for themselves and their own families, they also have opportunities to build community during their stay.

“Each family is assigned a staff member to love on them,” Hlavin shared. Annunciation Heights boasts an average of 30 summer staff, as well as a team of missionaries who help serve at the camp. In addition, families partake in small group sessions according to age. Parents can get some extra time with fellow adults as well with a special Adult Fellowship at night.

But beyond the prayer, community, and activities, lies the heart of Annunciation Heights: Creation.

“The beauty here can make you go, ‘Wow, if God created this, how much greater is the Creator Himself?’” reflected Hlavin.

Hlavin described a common experience: A camper may go and receive Christ in the Eucharist at Mass, and then encounter Him again walking to breakfast as he takes in the beauty of the mountains. “All four relationships [God, Self, Others, and Creation] are being nourished in some way, even if the approaches vary from day to day,” explained Hlavin.

Annunciation Heights offers four main programs: 1) Youth Camps, 2) Family Camps, 3) Outdoor Education, and 4) Guest Groups. Through these main offerings, Annunciation Heights truly has something for everyone.

And you don’t have to be a resident of Colorado to attend one of these programs. “There’s something unique here for everyone, especially for the ‘flatlanders’,” laughed Hlavin. “But especially, there’s something here for those who haven’t experienced the mountains and the majesty of God.”