Camp Damascus is a Catholic summer camp for middle school and high school students, and it is definitely not your typical summer camp. The days are packed from morning to night with a mix of adventure, fun and faith. High ropes, rock climbing, the giant swing, lake activities, paintball, archery tag, huge group games, music and competitions are all part of the experience.
Students attend Mass, spend time in prayer and Scripture, hear talks about faith and a real relationship with Jesus, and experience praise & worship and Eucharistic Adoration. They're surrounded by young adult missionaries who are energetic, joyful and genuinely excited about their Catholic faith.
The result is a place where kids can have an absolute blast while seeing that a life with Jesus can be joyful, exciting and real. Damascus has continued to grow and now has three locations, with campers returning year after year.
Who is going?
Students from parishes across the Diocese of Peoria are going together. We have 100 spots for our middle and high school groups reserved through October 31st after which registration opens to the general public, and it does fill up fast. Several of our priests from the diocese are planning to attend with our students.
Damascus offers 8 weeks of Summer Camp. Our group is going on the following dates:
High School: June 13-18 (Incoming 9th grade+)
Middle School: July 25-30 (Incoming 6th-8th grade)
What does it Cost?
Camp registration is $630 but thanks to a generous grant from the Fulton Sheen Foundation each of our first 200 Diocese of Peoria campers will receive $150 toward camp. The cost for each student attending with our group is $480.
Please know that Damascus Camp offers scholarships, and payment plans. Many parishes are also planning fundraising events to help with the cost. Check with your youth leader or priest to find out if additional assistance is available from your individual parish.
Where is Camp Damascus?
We are attending the Brighton, Michigan location. They also have locations in Maryland and Ohio.
How will we get there?
In past years, transportation to and from Damascus has been coordinated by individual parishes through parent carpools.
For 2027, we are hoping to offer bus transportation for our Diocese of Peoria campers. We are currently working through those details and will share transportation information as soon as it is available. For now, families should plan on parish/parent transportation unless bus transportation is confirmed.
How do we register?
There are two steps to registration
Register directly with Camp Damascus at this link using the steps below.
Once you have completed registration, please fill out this quick form so we know you're coming and if you would like to be included in possible group transportation.
Steps to Register and Reserve your Camp Spot:
If returning, Log in Here [UltraCamp Account Link] or if registering for the first time, click create new user
Go to "My Reservations"
Select "New Reservation"
Click "Add Person", fill in your child’s info, and add them
Either:
Click “I belong to a group that has reserved spaces” and enter the code PEORIA27
Select the correct camp session (High School or Middle School)
HIGH SCHOOL: Diocese of Peoria Great Lakes Session 2 6/13/2027 - 6/18/2027
MIDDLE SCHOOL: Diocese of Peoria Great Lakes Session 8 7/25/2027 - 7/30/2027
Add another camper if needed, or proceed to payment
Sponsorship Code: PEORIA27
If you need help registering, watch this video or email sosborn@stmalgeneseo.org
Watch this video to see how to apply for financial aid through Camp Damascus.
FINAL STEP
Registered? Let us know you are coming by filling out this simple google form here.
How can I find out more information?
Visit the Camp Damascus website
Want to learn more about the camp itself, facilities, activities and mission?
[CAMP DAMASCUS WEBSITE]
Have questions about our Diocese of Peoria trip?
Hi! I'm Sara Osborn, Director of Youth Ministry at St. Malachy in Geneseo, and I'm helping coordinate our Diocese of Peoria registration for Damascus this year.
I attended Damascus last summer with our middle school group—and as both a mom and a youth leader, I went into the week with plenty of questions about what the experience would actually be like for our kids.
Having now experienced the week firsthand, I'm happy to share what I saw and answer any questions based on my experience with our middle schoolers at camp. Please don't hesitate to reach out. I'm happy to answer questions by email or set up a time to talk.
Sara Osborn
Director of Youth Ministry, St. Malachy – Geneseo
sosborn@stmalgeneseo.org
Check out this video to learn more about the Camp Damascus Mission and organization