This capstone project marks the final phase of a $15 million building modernization effort aimed at enhancing a one-of-a-kind, faith-based camp experience. Once completed, the upgraded facilities will serve thousands of youths, offering a revitalized environment for personal growth, connection, and spiritual development. This transformation underscores a commitment to providing memorable, impactful experiences for future generations.
CYO/Camp Howard has officially announced the opening of its St. Michael the Archangel Youth Center, a multipurpose building which will be used for Masses, performances, movies and meetings. This “crown jewel” of the Camp is the newest building completing a $15 million capital campaign and development effort which also includes the dining hall and welcome center. Douglas fir timber from the camp’s fallen trees were milled on site, which saved $150,000 during the building’s construction.
Camp Howard will now serve greater numbers of youth, providing a highly enriched camp experience for all participants. Sister Krista von Borstel, SSMO, states “Comfort and warmth are now highlighted at our camp with Mary’s Lodge (dining hall), the Welcome Center and St. Michael the Archangel through fireplaces, comfortable and flexible seating and ‘elegant simplicity’. The Youth Center speaks to the spiritual side of our being.”
Celebrant, Father Peter O’Brien, performs the blessing ceremony.
Designed by Soderstrom Architects and built by O’Brien, the collaboration brought outstanding expertise, leadership and teamwork in bringing the St. Michael the Archangel Youth Center from concept to reality.
In addition to providing faith-based summer camp experiences for more individual campers, Camp Howard will introduce its Catholic OutDoor Education Program (CODE) on October 1st, a positive outdoor education experience (including four science blocks) remaining true to Catholic values and beliefs. Furthermore, outside organizations will now have access to Camp Howard facilities, providing a unique destination experience for their own youth development programs.
About Camp Howard
Located in the beautiful Columbia River Gorge outside Portland, Oregon and nestled on 245 acres, Camp Howard enriches the lives of youth through camp participation. Camp Howard, now in its 71st year, inspires campers ages 6 – 17 of any race, nationality or religion, to learn respect and dignity for themselves and others while building confidence and friendships. The camp offers a broad range of activities including swimming, archery, arts & crafts, low ropes course, laser tag, giant swing, zip line, campfires, and sports, all administered by a dedicated and seasoned professional staff together with skilled volunteers. CYO/Camp Howard’s major development and endowment focus is to provide scholarships for kids who would not otherwise be able to participate in sports and camp activities.
Source: CYO/Camp Howard Press Release, Sept. 13, 2024.