In May of 2022, a small elementary school outside of San Antonio, TX experienced a great tragedy as a mass school shooting took the lives of 19 students and 2 teachers. The effects of this event reached the furthest ends of our nation's school systems. Organized by the Teresian Sisters, funding by Catholic Extension was used to sponsor Camp “I Can.” This camp brought together religious Sisters from across the Archdiocese to accompany the students of Robb School Elementary.
The Daughters of Mary Help of Christians sent Sr. Theresa Jones and Sr. Suzanne Miller to help facilitate this week of fun activities. As outsiders to the local community, it was essential for Sr. Theresa and Sr. Suzanne to enter into the emotion of Uvalde by visiting the memorials of the deceased victims. Candles and stuffed animals left by the memorials were remnants of a community that was still mourning.
The camp’s environment and activities afforded the youthful attendees an opportunity to vent and work through their emotions. This included prayer, dialogue, identifying feelings, intensive sport activities, intricate craft making, stillness and deep breathing, fun and engaging games, singing, and Scripture.
Sr. Theresa expressed that "our greatest joy was to see the children smile and exhibit their characteristic glee and spontaneity."
