At Camp Alvernia, we embrace the Franciscan value of caring for the environment and God’s creatures. As the oldest Catholic summer camp in the US, we plan for each summer and our next 100 years of operation. Alvernia is more than just a beautiful place—it’s a living example of how we can live in harmony with nature. Spread out over 15 acres of waterfront property, we’ve created a sanctuary where native plants and wildlife thrive, teaching campers to appreciate and respect the world around them.

Our decision to plant native species wasn’t just about making the camp look nice; it was about giving back to the land and creating a healthy ecosystem. Ideally suited to our local environment, these plants provide food, shelter, and a home for a wide range of native wildlife. From the vibrant flowers that greet us in the spring to the strong trees that offer shade in the summer, every plant plays a role in maintaining the balance of life at Camp Alvernia.

Because of this, our camp has become a safe haven for many wildlife species. You can see our mated pair of ospreys and their brood at the waterfront, chipmunks darting across the paths, and fiddler crabs scattering as you walk the beach daily. On a 5-minute walk through the property recently, my bird ID app identified the songs of eight native birds singing from the treetops. At night, crickets fill the air, and deer quietly move through the woods, reminding us of the rich life surrounding us. These creatures are not just visitors but our neighbors, part of the community we’ve created here.

This connection to nature also shapes the camp experience. The boys and girls who come to Camp Alvernia don’t just learn about the environment; they live it. Whether planting seeds in our nature program, spotting a great blue heron by the water, or simply enjoying a quiet moment in the shade, they’re developing a deep respect for the natural world. This respect doesn’t just make them better campers—it helps them grow into thoughtful, caring adults.

The peaceful environment at Camp Alvernia naturally encourages positive youth development. Being surrounded by nature helps campers slow down, reflect, and become more mindful. They learn to take care of the world around them, and in doing so, they also learn to take care of themselves and each other. The Franciscan values they pick up here—like respect for life, love of nature, and a sense of belonging and shared responsibility to the community—become part of who they are.

Camp Alvernia is more than a place; it’s an experience that stays with our campers long after they leave. By immersing them in a world where the Franciscan values of respect for the environment and all of God’s creatures are part of daily life, we’re helping them grow into people who will carry these values into adulthood. These lessons of peace, love, and respect are gifts they will hold onto, allowing them to build a better, more compassionate world.

Benjamin Esposito
Camp Alvernia, Centerport, New York