‘Never give up!’

Scouts have fun at 2025 Catholic Camporee

CHARLOTTE — “Backyard bass fishing,” tomahawk throwing, shotgun shooting, kite flying and knot tying.

More than 230 Scouts from across the Diocese of Charlotte had fun with these activities plus spending time praying and learning more about their faith at the 2025 Catholic Camporee – this year held for the first time in 20 years at Camp John J. Barnhardt in Stanly County.

Sponsored by the Charlotte Diocese Catholic Committee on Scouting, the March 22-23 Camporee focused on the 2025 Jubilee Year with the theme “Pilgrims of Hope.”

With mild spring temperatures and views of Badin Lake and the Uwharrie Mountains, Camp Barnhardt was the perfect setting for boys and girls to enjoy the outdoors, hone their scouting skills, and practice the scout traits of leadership and self-confidence.

Mike Nielsen, chairman of the Charlotte Diocese Catholic Committee on Scouting, said he was “thrilled” with turnout at the Camporee, especially after not being able to host the event the past couple of years due to the pandemic and leadership changes.

“Attendance this year was about 35% higher than our last Camporee in 2023,” he said. “For many units, Camp Barnhardt was a new place to go, which helped add to the spirit of adventure. And we had fabulous weather for the weekend.”

The Camporee ended with Sunday Mass offered by retired Father Dennis Kuhn, who enlisted Scouts and some creative props during his homily to emphasize his message to “always trust in God,” “stay strong in prayer,” and “never give up!”

After Mass, Scouts who have this year earned their Catholic religious emblems, Light of Christ and Parvuli Dei, were recognized.

“An event like this isn’t possible without the involvement of many committed Scouting volunteers,” Nielsen noted. “We were blessed to have so many people actively engaged in planning and presenting the Camporee, including Joe Ordoyne from St. James the Greater Parish in Concord, Deacon Martin Ricart of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in Charlotte, Kris Knudsen from St. Gabriel Parish in Charlotte, David Dorsch from St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte, and Scouting leaders from St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Charlotte.”

— Patricia Guilfoyle. Photos by Brandon Whelon of St. Mark Troop 97, Leslie Tesch of the Charlotte Diocese Catholic Committee on Scouting, and courtesy of St. Matthew Troop 8