Travis Pafumi enjoyed a few moments with an iridescent soap bubble on Tuesday, June 4, during the Holy Family Camp. Fifty-eight campers participated from Monday through Friday, June 3-7, at Kapaun Mt. Carmel Catholic High School in Wichita. This marked the first full-camp experience since 2019.

Baylee Holmes, the camp coordinator, stated that the diocesan Ministry With Persons With Disabilities managed to restore several traditional activities such as a talent show and a dance where a camp king and queen are crowned. "That was really cool because we’ve had royalty since the very first camp. To be able to bring that back was wonderful," she said.

Holmes noted they also hosted a carnival night featuring long-time volunteer Kasey the clown. "We initiated some new activities such as a phone party and foam fights, activities that really went well with the campers." The event saw participation from 58 campers and support from 80 volunteers.

"It was a transition year and our community longed to get back together," Holmes said. "Kapaun Mt. Carmel was a location that let us do that – be all together."

A previously used campsite had closed, and another potential site was too small for Holy Family Camp's needs. Holmes announced plans for next year's camp to be held overnight at Wheat State Retreat Center near Augusta to accommodate everyone together.

A newly purchased campsite southwest of Hutchinson by the Diocese of Wichita will not yet be able to host Holy Family Camp participants next summer but is expected to do so in future years.

Holmes mentioned nearly all food for campers and volunteers was donated at no charge by organizations like the Knights of Columbus and other church members who also helped serve it.

She expressed gratitude for KMC’s hospitality: "They were very accommodating. It was wonderful to be there. The Kapaun students really stepped up as well as the Carroll students."

Bishop Carl A. Kemme visited on the last day of camp and participated in water games with attendees.