by Allen Fitzpatrick | Oct 28, 2022
“The past several years have reminded me that there are many people who don’t know much about Matthew’s story despite the close connection here at the Cathedral.” – Rev. Patrick L. Keyser, Priest Associate National Cathedral
The Meaning of Matthew is more than a retelling of horrific injustice that brought the reality of inequality and homophobia into the American consciousness. It is an unforgettable and inspiring account of how one ordinary woman turned an unthinkable tragedy into a vital message for the world.
Join the LGBTQIA Alliance for a discussion of Judy Shepard’s book “The Meaning of Matthew: My Son’s Murder in Laramie, and a World Transformed.” Lead by The Rev. Patrick L. Keyser, Priest Associate.
This is a hybrid event available both online via Zoom or in person at National Cathedral’s Library. Free Registration: tinyurl.com/TheMeaningOfMatthewS
by Allen Fitzpatrick | Feb 2, 2022
Camp Spirit Song is offered in partnership with the SpiritWorks Foundation to give the gift of a camp experience to children in Province III (Maryland, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Virginia, Washington, DC and West Virginia) affected by the opioid substance use disorder of a parent or other close loved one. This is the second year of Camp Spirit Song, and the first camp program of its kind on the east coast.
This special winter weekend retreat is offered to help campers get back into community after missing a year due to the COVID pandemic. Campers have the opportunity to participate in all the classic camp activities: games, crafts, ropes course, canoeing, chapel* and more. First and foremost, Camp Spirit Song is a place where kids can leave aside their burdens and be kids for a week. Claggett counselors lead campers in recreational and relationship building activities, helping campers to create a supportive community, make new friends, and have fun.
Each day, campers gather for Small Group sessions led by experienced counselors from Spiritworks Foundation for the Soul, an organization that specializes in addiction services and recovery for families affected by addiction.
Campers learn the “Seven C’s” of a family member’s addiction: “I didn’t cause it, I can’t cure it, I can’t control it, but I can take care of myself by communicating my feelings, making good choices, and celebrating myself.” Sessions give campers a safe place to talk openly about their experiences with addiction and support each other as they process the ways in which opioid addiction has affected them.
Like all Claggett camps, Camp Spirit Song is a ministry of the Diocese of Maryland, and campers are invited to worship and wonder through the Christian story in daily, age-appropriate chapel sessions. Group counseling sessions do not contain any religious content, and campers of all backgrounds are welcome–campers are not required to have any religious background, nor will they be asked to adopt any specific belief system through their participation in Camp Spirit Song.
Camp provides children grades 4-8 with an opportunity to meet God through:
the support of a Christian community
fellowship with peers who share a common experience
time to rest and play away from the distractions of everyday life
by Allen Fitzpatrick | Feb 2, 2022
Join us for an afternoon of fun to learn about camp and get to know Claggett better! If you are interested in summer camp but aren’t sure if a sleepaway program is for you, counselors and staff will be available to answer questions and explain more about what a day in the life at camp is like. Join us for a tour of campus, some games and crafts with counselors, and a q&a session, and get to know other camp families as well! A virtual open house option will also be available, so stay tuned for details.
by Allen Fitzpatrick | Feb 2, 2022
The Claggett Center offers week-long, residential, camp programs for youth completing 2nd grade to recently-graduated high school seniors. Whether climbing high on the ropes course or diving deep at the pool, there’s something for everyone here at Claggett. From adventures on the Monocacy River and Sugarloaf Mountain, to swimming, games, campfires and classic skits, campers are sure to create new friendships and renew old ones year after year.
Summer Camps at Claggett are Christian formation ministries of the Episcopal Dioceses of Maryland and Washington. Camp is grounded in Scripture and tradition, and encourages campers and staff to use their whole selves as ways to explore the Christian Story. Each week a chaplain participates in all camp activities, and supports the ministry of camp through prayer, participation and spiritual direction.
by Allen Fitzpatrick | Feb 2, 2022
Residential camp for grades completed 6th-8th
We’ll hike and bike, get messy stomping in the Monocacy, take to the Potomac in canoes and kayaks, sing and wonder together in chapel, and have plenty of time for friendship bracelet-making and relaxing by the pool. Come to spend time with old friends and come to meet new ones. Come if you’ve been coming for as long as you can remember and come if this summer will be your first time at Claggett. Come as you are. We can’t wait to see you soon!
Stay tuned for the 2022 camp theme!
