May 29, 2003

NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For More Information, Contact:
Bud Bunce (503) 233-8373
bbunce@archdpdx.org

Parenting for Peace and Justice Family Camp Planned

        The thirteenth annual Archdiocese of Portland Parenting for Peace and Justice
Family Camp is planned for June 26 – 29. The camp will be held at the Aldersgate
Conference Center in Turner, OR. The theme for this year's camp is "Family Journeys."
The theme reminds participants that every family has its own unique journey, and
people of faith are called to a larger global journey.

        Mary Jo Commerford and Phil Brady will be the workshop moderators at the
camp. They and their daughters left Oregon in the summer of 1994 to begin their
journey as Maryknoll Missionaries. They have been working Venezuela for the past 8
years.

        The theme will be developed through two major workshop sessions. Workshop
one is "Global Journey, Family Journey." This session is an opportunity to look at each
family's unique journey. Participants will share the Commerford-Brady journey to
Venezuela, and will consider how people of faith respond to that global journey.
Workshop two is titled "Ecology as Spiritual Journey." Phil Brady will discuss his work in
ecology as both ministry and spiritual work. Campers will experience interactive
ecology activities based on his work in Venezuela, and which reflect on earth-based
spirituality. Camp activities will include storytelling and singing around the campfire,
swimming, a barbeque, and the famous Camp talent show. The Family Camp includes
meals from Thursday evening through Sunday brunch, including vegetarian options.
The camp provides childcare for children under age three during workshop
sessions. Children aged three to six spend workshop time in their own creative
sessions with themes related to the main workshop sessions. Youths ages 7 and up
will be invited to participate in the two main sessions with their parents.

        Aldersgate Conference Center is located 15 miles southeast of Salem in Turner,
in a beautiful setting and a good place for those who would like to enjoy a change of
pace and an opportunity to ponder faith, hope and love. Accommodations are cabins or
lodge rooms furnished with one double bed and bunk-style or single beds.

        The cost of the camp for ages 19 and older is $90 each, ages 12 – 18 years $50
each, ages 2 –11 $40 each, and infants through age 1 year old are free. Early
registration is strongly encouraged due to limited space.
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