Sharing God’s Love with the Young at “SummerDaze”
by Rosemary Nucara
This story was first published on August 6 in Salesian
News of the New Rochelle Province
(ANS – Etobicoke, Ont. – August 6, 2026) – For 38 years, SummerDaze Day Camp has welcomed generations of children thru the doors of St. Benedict Parish in Etobicoke and has become a place where faith, friendship, and countless memories are formed. Leading it this summer of 2026 is a young woman who grew up within the movement. She shares her experience of growing up on this typically Salesian journey. “For me, it has also been a second home,” she states.
“Eleven years after I first experienced SummerDaze as a
camper, I have had the incredible privilege to grow alongside it. I served
first as a volunteer, then as a counsellor, next as an activities coordinator,
and now as SummerDaze’s camp director. Thru every role, I have witnessed the
same mission at the heart of SummerDaze: building God’s Kingdom by sharing His
love with the young.
When I first stepped into SummerDaze as an 11-year-old
camper, I was welcomed into the loudest, most energetic, most joy-filled
environment I had ever experienced, a stark contrast to my own quiet and timid
personality. By the end of that first week, I knew it was the best camp I had
ever attended. I was also certain that, one day, I hoped to become one of the
leaders who had made me feel so seen, valued, and loved.
At the time, I couldn’t explain what made SummerDaze feel
so different from any other camp. Years later, after I returned as a volunteer
and learned about the Salesians and St John Bosco's Oratory, I finally
understood. The staff wasn’t simply running a camp; they were living the
Salesian spirit. Thru their intentionality in every activity, conversation,
word of encouragement, and shared laugh, they reflected St John Bosco's
conviction that “It’s not enough to love the young; they must know that they
are loved.”
Salesians at SummerDaze are Sr. Hae-Jin Lim, FMA,
Fr. Steve DeMaio, SDB (both at center front),
and Bro. Carlos Cerda (2d from right, front row)
Inspired by those leaders’ example, I have been grateful
to return year after year. Altho each new role brought different
responsibilities, my mission remained the same: to help every camper experience
the same welcome and sense of belonging that first drew me to SummerDaze more
than a decade ago. For me, this mission is lived most authentically in the
everyday moments of camp. Whether joining nervous campers in their talent show
acts, celebrating their efforts on the soccer field, or simply listening to
stories about their weekend over lunch, these everyday interactions have become
opportunities to share Christ’s love.
One of the greatest privileges of being part of
SummerDaze for so many years has been seeing past campers come back year after
year. It’s been a gift to witness their growth and watch their authentic selves
flourish, especially as I’ve gotten to serve alongside staff members who were
once my campers. SummerDaze has always been a place where young people can be
themselves, discover their God-given talents, and know they are loved just as
they are.
Looking back, I am grateful for the ways SummerDaze has
formed me, both as a camper and as a staff member. It has been the place where
I have grown in confidence, leadership, and faith, but, more importantly, where
I came to recognize my identity as a child of God. As SummerDaze closes out its
38th summer, my prayer is that, thru every game, conversation, and ordinary
moment, campers come to encounter Christ and leave knowing they are deeply
loved by him.”
Fr. Steve DeMaio preaches to campers
assembled in St. Benedict's Church
