Student share their talents at St. Viator's Song & Service camp

Posted July 23, 2014 11:00 pm

Courtesy of Saint Viator High School

There was a buzz of excitement Monday, July 21, at St. Viator High School, as more than 120 students - incoming freshmen, current students and young alumni - gathered for the second annual Service & Song camp.

Praise. Serve. Live! was the theme driving the camp, which took place under the leadership of Fr. Corey Brost, CSV, president; Kristina Sandrock, choral director; and John Paulik, religion teacher.

"As we go about this, there are people in the world who are hungry, lonely, and sick and alone," Brost said. "This week we're going to feed the hungry and visit the lonely. We'll be changing the lives of people by the work you do. You'll be changing the world because you had the guts to come this week."

One of those 120 students who came was seventh-grader Aisling Finnegan of Palatine, who attended the camp last year and returned this year.

"I've been a Girl Scout forever," Finnegan said. "I really like the chance to do service."

Students like Finnegan in the service track did a variety of projects, from light maintenance at the homes of local seniors, to making lunches for the homeless or blankets for hospice patients.

They also collected food in the neighborhood and worked in the Viatorian garden to harvest vegetables for the food pantry.

"Our intention was to let students directly serve those most in need in the local community," Brost added, "and learn why service is at the heart of a lived out Catholic faith."

Another incoming freshman, Thomas Stanila of Algonquin, brought his violin with him to participate in the song track. Working under the direction of Sandrock and current music ministry students, those in the song portion of the camp learned different liturgical music every day.

"I'm already signed up for music ministry class in the fall," said Stanila, who plays violin with the Elgin Youth Symphony. "I thought the camp would help me learn more about the music here."

Current students who attended as leaders and mentors ranged from sophomores to juniors and seniors.

"I just like the atmosphere here," said sophomore Carolyn Bielawski of Mount Prospect, "That everyone here wants to help people."

Saint Viator officials were thrilled with this year's response to the camp, which will amount to 20 hours of service completed by each student. A requirement of the school is for each student to complete 25 hours of service per year.

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From left, Laura Feehan, Amalia Sordo-Palcios, Nicole Gallant, Maura Hogaboom, Kiana Resch and Emma Abrahamian were a few of the middle school students participating in Saint Viator High School's second annual Service & Song summer camp. They spent the week serving the community by completing various projects like making lunches for the homeless and harvesting vegetables for the local food pantry. Courtesy of Saint Viator High School

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