Camp Restless: A Week of Adventure, Prayer, and Augustinian Spirit
This summer, the inaugural session of Camp Restless unfolded in Lemont, IL, bringing together youth from across the Chicagoland area and Augustinian ministry sites for a life-giving week of faith, friendship, and leadership development. With Augustinian Friars, Sisters, and lay and peer leaders accompanying them throughout the week, campers experienced firsthand the joy of community, the beauty of nature, and the deep peace that comes from time spent in fellowship and with God.
From the moment we saw the “Welcome to Camp Restless” sign that greeted campers at the top of the hill, it was clear something special was about to unfold.
Living the Augustinian Charisms
Each evening featured witness talks and small group conversations that focused on the Augustinian values of Veritas (Truth), Unitas (Unity), and Caritas (Love). These were not just themes for reflection—they were lived throughout the week. A peer minister reflected:
“I saw truth when people were honest about their struggles... unity when campers made room for each other at the lunch table... and love on the basketball court, where everyone cheered each other on.”
These values came to life in the ordinary yet sacred moments—after night prayer, during hikes, in chapel, and through laughter and shared meals and in the dorms each evening.
As St. Augustine teaches, we are made for community and Camp Restless fostered authentic belonging.
Adventure, Stillness, and Sacred Spaces
Campers enjoyed plenty of activities and adventure too. From zip-lining, high ropes courses and paddle boating at The Forge Adventure Park. Many conquered fears and built confidence and they carried that courage into their faith-sharing and worship.
Among the most meaningful moments of the week was Mass at the Grotto, surrounded by trees and prayerful silence.
One camper excitedly shared how beautiful it was to be in the Grotto—it was the first thing she mentioned to her parent at pickup. But when her mom asked her to take and show her the grotto, the camper was too tired from a week full of fun to make the walk through the fields and woods!
A Ministry of Accompaniment
Throughout the week, Augustinian Friars, Sisters and lay partners were not just leaders but companions. They played games, music, late night community card games, shared meals, offered the sacraments, and gave witness to lives centered in Christ. Campers had the opportunity to receive Reconciliation, attend Mass, and participate in morning and night prayer, deepening their sense of what it means to live a restless heart rooted in God.
One parent wrote of her daughter’s experience:
“She had met amazing people and was honored to be chosen as a Mass leader… It was incredibly special to witness the Augustinian Sisters and Brothers present the blessed Restless Heart to each camper and counselor—a truly moving moment.”
Looking Ahead: Building a Future for Camp Restless
Camp Restless 2025 confirmed for us in no uncertain terms that there is a deep hunger among young people for connection, meaning, and faith-filled community—and that there is a need for us, as an Augustinian community, to be in dialogue and walking with the young people and their families. The success of this inaugural year affirmed that our mission and values speak to the restlessness in the hearts of today’s youth. It also introduced a wider community of families to our spirituality and mission.
To build on this momentum and grow Camp Restless into a sustainable and annual experience, we now need to secure a development grant and identify financial partners who believe in this mission and want to invest in its future. With their support, we can ensure that Camp Restless continues to form leaders, foster vocations, and create a space where young hearts encounter God through truth, unity, and love.
Your support, prayers, and advocacy will be essential as we grow Camp Restless into a cornerstone of the Augustinian youth outreach in the Midwest.