What is a Vincentian camp?

This is not a holiday camp like any other! It is a project such as Saint Vincent de Paul would like it, I am convinced of it. The purpose of the visit is to bring together young people from different social backgrounds, religions and geographical locations who would otherwise never have met. We take care to encourage the departure of young people who can not go on holidays under other conditions and some of which are addressed directly to us by the social services. Each year, young people with a difference (physical and / or mental handicap) find their place within the group.

To live what?

A time of relaxation and group discovery with other people they have not all chosen. Far from their habitual life context, and for some of their daily difficulties, they are invited to risk the adventure of confrontation and welcome of the other with its riches and limitations, even its handicaps, at an age Where it is sometimes complicated. The aim of this time is to help young people to develop, to respect themselves and to respect others, but also to develop their talents by putting them at the service of each other.

By what means ?

The educational support, which is essential for welcoming young people from all walks of life, is based on the life of the team of accompanying persons. It consists of young adults trained in animation, Daughters of Charity and a Father Lazariste. The quality of our team life depends on the climate of trust and mutual support that allows us to implement an educational, secure and structuring framework that is crucial for building life together and giving everyone the opportunity to find a place. It is also the first means that can make visible the values of Saint Vincent that we want to support.

Attendance, listening, dialogue and caring in the team and with young people are essential to help them realize their own worth and that of others. The confidence that is born, promotes the expression, the creativity and the autonomy of the young people.

Concretely ?

• 12 days in tents, closest to nature, this year, in Catalonia, for about forty young people between 12 and 17 years, coming from several regions of France.

• Times of sharing and celebration for those who believe, participation in the material tasks necessary for everyday life, sports and creative activities, games, vigils, moments of discovery of nature, local culture, Gastronomy, population and lasting service with elderly or in need, in connection with congregations or local associations (even when the language is different).

Today, we need your support. Why ?

For two reasons :

• The sharp increase in the proportion of young people interested in this experience whose family can not afford to pay for the camp and its activities.
• The significant reduction of the financial aid we enjoy before: CAF, General Council, etc.

We need you to continue to welcome all young people and especially those who are most in financial, family or social difficulty.

Whatever donation you can give us and even if you can not support us with a financial donation, thank you for relaying this call to your acquaintances and kindly offer us a small prayer so that this project can continue to live !