CDP Sisters Visit Camp Cayoca

Sister Marjie Filler, CDP shares her experience visiting Camp Cayoca (Catholic Youth Camp) with CDP Sisters.

From the first time we, Sr. Gloria Ann, Sr. Deborah, and I mentioned the possibility of visiting the old Camp Cayoca, you could see the sparkle in the eyes of the Sisters who remembered the many times  they had played and prayed at the Camp.

A small band of 10 Sisters loaded into the cars and took the short trip to Castroville one Saturday morning in June.  Some had never been to the Camp, and most had forgotten how to reach the river crossing and the gate to the Camp. Sr. Gloria Ann had recently visited the river during her annual retreat, and by chance, met the current owner of the land, Mr. Pete Pfeiffer.  He knew of the Sisters and was delighted to have the opportunity to show Sr. Gloria Ann the property.  He also knew the history of the Sisters of Divine Providence and was glad to offer the chance for other Sisters to visit the camp when they were able.

When we drove over the small bridge, immediately the Sisters started telling stories of crossing the river using a rope that the Sisters pulled to move the wooden barge from one side to the other.  As we drove through the gate, everyone was looking for buildings and sights of the old camp.  We passed the old retreat house and retreat circle, and drove up to the new house of the current owner, next to the old stables.   Although the original pool had been filled in many years ago, the new owner had built a new pool next to his house.  That pool brought out memories of the fun and adventures the Sisters had experienced in the old pool.

The property is beautiful, with lush green grass, new buildings for family outings, and many gorgeous trees that have certainly grown since the Sisters had been there.

After the short visit, we stopped at Moye Center to enjoy a lunch of homemade chicken salad and fruit salad, and shared even more stories that Sr. Marjie captured on her phone.  At our age, we also were very glad that we had access to the bathroom!

We all loaded the cars, and headed back to San Antonio, with memories refreshed and good stories told.

Written by Sr. Marjie Filler, CDP