“Camp Sancta Maria is a beautiful example of an organization who is using faith to restore hope and inspire confidence and joy in young campers during the summer months,” shares Anthony Schena, chair of the Catholic Foundation of Michigan’s Grant and Impact committee.

The letter below was received from John David Kuhar, the executive director of Camp Sancta Maria, a 2020 Catholic Foundation of Michigan grant recipient.  



Camp Sancta Maria was blessed to be awarded a 2020 impact grant through the Catholic Foundation of Michigan to replace our zip line.

We are truly grateful to the Catholic Foundation of Michigan and all those who support it. Thanks to your generosity, you are helping us keep Camp Sancta Maria safe for all of the children and grandchildren who visit us each summer.

Our zipline is a highlight of the more than 20 elements of our ropes course, all of which are inspected for safety each year before our campers arrive.

On our ropes course, CSM campers confront and overcome emotional, physical, and intellectual challenges. They grow individually as they gain confidence, overcome fears, and learn more about themselves. They also grow as a team as they encourage each other in their efforts and work together.

The purpose of the zipline is not just to make sure the kids have a chance to fly through the air–even though that’s pretty cool, right?! The training they undergo before experiencing the zip line empowers our campers to use clear and consistent communication, set personal goals, confront and overcome fears, and rely on the community for support and guidance. These lessons and processes translate into our walk as a disciple of Christ.

One of the campers recently mentioned that one of the lessons they learned while climbing to the zip line is to always look up. This is not just a lesson for the zip line but for the Christian life as we know we must always keep our eyes fixed on Jesus looking “up” toward heaven as we strive to follow Jesus faithfully. We are reminded of the challenges we face in life as we strive to follow Jesus, but it is all worth it when we keep our eyes fixed on the prize of heaven.

The Catholic Foundation of Michigan is building the framework to support a thriving Catholic community in southeast Michigan long into the future. By inspiring faith-filled charitable giving and managing assets to provide perpetual funding to Catholic schools, parishes, and ministries–including an endowment for CSM–they work in partnership with generous donors to make a lasting and meaningful impact with their gifts

They are committed to the mission of serving and helping Catholic parishes, schools, ministries, and non-profits not only financially, but in promoting and highlighting the work of the organizations they serve. The staff are a joy to work with and they are enthusiastic about their mission.

Thank you, Catholic Foundation of Michigan and all who support it with their generous donations, for helping us keep our ropes course safe for the children and grandchildren who attend CSM!