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Founder/Spiritual Director
Age: 33
 Praise the Lord!
My name is Fr. Quinn Mann. A few years back the Holy Spirit and I were conversing and we felt the need to offer young people a chance to encounter Jesus Christ in a very real and non-concrete way. Camping seemed to be a great way to accomplish this great endeavor of the "New Evangelization." Now we have been established in the Green Bay Diocese as Catholic Youth Expeditions and have been taking trips for seven summers including 35 different expeditions with middle school, high school, and young adults! God is truly doing amazing work! I am currently the Assistant Vocations Director for the Green Bay Diocese. This year is offering me awesome opportunities to deepen my relationship with Christ Jesus!
I grew up in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin and did my undergraduate studies at a small liberal arts college called Hillsdale in Southern Michigan. I majored in political economy and business marketing. Before I knew it, the Lord was really working in my life and I found myself in a Catholic Seminary studying for the priesthood...wow! I have always loved the outdoors and continue to find God in the grand cathedral of nature. Our expeditions are largely inspired by JP "The Great" and we will dedicate our 2010 trips to St. Expeditus. We are currently in the mist of our 2010 expedition season. Prayer is always a necessary element of this preparation so please keep Catholic Youth Expeditions in your prayers. Let's see what the Holy Spirit has in store for us this year! We just opened up the CYE Basecamp in Appleton so that's pretty sweet!
Now and forever!
 Check out the article on Father Quinn's new position as Assistant Vocations Director!
Co-Founder/Formation Advisor
Age: 29
JMJ
Praised be Jesus Christ!
Father Luke Strand here, priest of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, pastor in solidum of Holy Family Parish in Fon du Lac, WI, and Co-Founder of Catholic Youth Expeditions. In the Spring of 2002, I met Quinn Mann through a retreat experience on Chamber's Island in Door County. Then a seminarian in formation for the Diocese of Green Bay, Quinn shared with me the vision that the Lord had put on his heart to start a camping ministry that would lead young people to an encounter with Jesus Christ through Catholic Christian Community, solid prayer, and extreme adventure. Months later, on the first CYE, I not only committed to joining this powerful movement, but I also made the decision to enter seminary formation for the Archdiocese. For eight years, I have been given the gift to respond YES to God through the apostolate of CYE. I am profoundly grateful for the people I have come to know as friends through this organic mission. May God continue to bless Catholic Youth Expeditions so that it may continue in a true spirit of apostolic zeal led by the Holy Spirit.
Women's Formation Advisor
 My name is Peggy Duemling. I grew up in a small town west of Milwaukee. My BS is in Political Science (in the UW system). As I was preparing for graduation and taking the LSAT’s, a question was “posed” to me (in my heart), and that question forever changed and defined the direction of my life. That question was: “Do you love Me more than these?” (Jn 21). I was 23 yrs old at the time; adventurous, enthusiastic-loving life, full of desires and goals and also self-focused and trying too hard to “protect” my interests and my plan for my life. But our Lord in His great patience and tenderness with me, broke through all of my barriers and He revealed a beautiful invitation- an “invitation” that would be definitive by its choice. I couldn’t resist the Love that was present in the invitation. By the grace of God I said “Yes” and in 1988 I joined the Missionaries of Charity.
That “yes” carried me to the poor in the S. Bronx, Brooklyn, San Francisco, Phoenix, Los Angeles, Tijuana, and Washington DC for 10 years. That “yes” then carried me home (with tears but great trust) to Wisconsin, where I completed my MS in Education and served in the capacity of Principal in a Catholic grade school in Menomonee Falls. Now that “yes” has carried me to my new home here at St. Joseph’s Formation Center in Bailey’s Harbor with private vows under the local Ordinary serving in the role of Formation Advisor. I am honored to serve under our incredible Bishop David Ricken and to work closely under these beautiful priests of CYE. I look forward to serving you in any way- helping you nurture your close relationship with our Living and Loving Lord, who has a particular plan for your life and whose Will for you will lead you to the heights of joy.
2010 SUMMER STAFF
Catholic Youth Expeditions
Amanda Atwood
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To the greater glory of God! My name is Amanda Atwood, I'm 21, and I am one year away from acquiring a Bachelor's degree in Nursing from Bellin College. I hail from Silver Cliff, WI, and am the oldest of 13 children. While I have been a practicing Catholic my whole life, a kayaking expedition at CYE last summer had a profound impact on my faith. I found myself not merely practicing my faith, but living it! god was not longer only within my contemplative life- He was vibrantly and actively in my life of fun, games, and wild adventure! As I prayed and listened to God this past school year, I realized I was being called to serve others so they could encounter Jesus as I had at CYE. So here I am! I am so grateful and excited to take part in God's work; loving, celebrating, and living life to the fullest! |
| Adam Bradley
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HEY!!! Praise God! I am Adam Bradley. I have just finished my third year of college at UW Oshkosh. I am super pumped to help get our youth involved in their Catholic faith. This summer I hope to help bring our youth closer to Jesus with one of the best outdoor activities….WATERSKIING. That’s right, I will be driving the ski boat (safely of course) up and down the lake made of Kangaroos (its actually called Kangaroo lake for those unfamiliar with Door County). With the staff of Catholic Youth Expeditions led by Fr. Quinn Mann and Peggy Duemling, we are sure to have a fun, safe, holy, and all-around awesome summer. HOPE TO SEE YOU ALL (emphasis on ALL) THERE. |
| Mike Bostone "Lil Mike"
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Romans 1:16!!! Some may know me as "Lil Mike." I was born in Texas and raised in Florida for 18 years. I am a Catholic Christian rapper, and I share my faith through hip hop music and testimony. By joining CYE Staff for the summer, not only am I helping other young people grow in their relationship with Christ, but I am growing in faith myself. You can find my new album on ITunes !! |
| Mary Burns |
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I am 19 and from Mequon, Wisconsin. I just finished my first year at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota. I am majoring in Catholic Studies with a double minor in Spanish and Psychology. I am blessed and excited to be able to study abroad in Rome for the entire academic year beginning this fall as part of the Catholic Studies program. I come from a beautiful, holy family who has greatly influenced my faith. My oldest brother is being ordained to the priesthood this July for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, and my other brother is currently discerning a calling to the priesthood at the St. Francis de Sales Seminary in Milwaukee. In terms of this summer, I am looking forward to building bonds, sharing faith, and having lots of adventures! I was first introduced to CYE when I came on an expedition during the summer before my senior year of high school. I had such a great experience that I prayed to one day have the opportunity to join staff. Thankfully, God has provided me with the opportunity this summer. I am currently discerning the Lord’s calling for my vocation and I cannot wait to dive deeper in my faith and embark upon the journey that God has in store for me. |
| Corrie Christiaansen |
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Praise the Lord! I am 24, and I am SO honored to serve the Lord through CYE for a third year in a row! God is SO good! Even as a CYE "veteran," I LOVE the missionary call of the Church for NEW EVANGLIZATION! When I was a senior at Catholic Memorial High School in "the 'sha," Wisconsin, I was told in my choir class that I could get extra credit/the music letter if I was in another music group. So I joined the choir at my parish that fall in hopes for a good grade and so Church wouldn't be "so boring." HOWEVER, I received so much more! It was in music ministry where I found my IDENTITY with Christ and within the Catholic Church! I finally believed that Jesus Christ IS fully present in the Eucharist - gift of God for the life of the world! A year later, I was confirmed in the Church by Archbishop Timothy Dolan, with the Blessed Mother Mary as my patron saint! So now, like Mary, I am called to SHINE the light of Christ everywhere I go. I am unsure of where the Lord will take me after the summer but that is okay! As long as I use my gift of JOY to affirm all of YOU as sons and daughters of God! You are BEAUTIFUL and LOVED! Thanks for all your prayers and support! God and I love you! (Hi Mom!) |
| Sarah Dickhut |
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My name is Sarah and I’m from Appleton, Wisconsin. Right now I attend Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa. This is my first time on CYE staff, and I’m so excited to help put together expedition-retreats all summer! I believe the next few months will be a great opportunity to grow in my faith, and also an awesome chance to share my enthusiasm about the Catholic Church with others. Over the last few weeks, I have found a lot of inspiration in a question posed by St. Augustine. He asks, “What are you, then, my God?” After finding faith, Augustine wants to learn more about the person of God. Like Augustine, this summer I hope to learn more about who God really is; I want to better see him in people around me, in the outdoors, and especially grow in my understanding of God in the Eucharist. This is a lifelong process, but it starts now! Hodie non cras! |
| Katie Ebben |
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Hi! My name is Katie Ebben and I am from Kaukauna. I just graduated from the College of St. Benedict/St. John’s University in Minnesota with a degree in Spanish and Peace Studies. Starting in August, I’m going to be volunteering in Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua, as a Cap Corps volunteer for a year and a half. I am super excited to spend this summer working with CYE! What could be greater than spending a summer living outdoors and praising God? I like going barefoot, doing anything outside, spending time with my friends and family, eating apples, reading, and growing in my faith. I’m looking forward to this summer and hope to see you on an expedition! Verso l’alto! |
| Tommy Fassbender |
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My name is Tommy Fassbender. This is my 2nd summer on CYE summer staff, but this year I come back as a certified water skiing instructor and lifeguard so everyone is in great hands. I was introduced to CYE at a New Year's Eve party at Fr. Carr's Place 2B back in 2007. It was the first time I saw the Eucharist alive and risen in young people which forever changed my perspective on life. Fr. Carr, pray 4 us!!! |
| Anya Gadamus |
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The mission of CYE is very close to my heart and I cannot imagine a better way to spend the summer than by glorifying the Lord, through outdoor ministry in northern Wisconsin! I'm currently a sophomore in college. I have been blessed to be able to spend large amounts of time out in creation, everywhere from southern Georgia to the Arctic of Alaska. I have experienced that these environments naturally call one to adore God and seek answers for the essential and primary questions of life. The encounters that I have had with God in creation have left me with a passionate desire to share that opportunity with others. In Seek that Which is Above, Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger said "God does not come to light in the artificial world of man-made things. So it is necessary for us to leave our workaday world behind and go in search of the breath of creation in order that we may meet Him and thus find ourselves." To camp, hike, and pray in a Catholic Christian community is the direct application of what the now Pope Benedict XVI urges the faithful community to pursue. I am so excited to give my all as a member of CYE staff this summer, providing the same opportunities to youth, young adults, and families for the glory of God. I hope to see you this summer! |
| Maggie Kitchen |
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God called me to encounter Jesus Christ and bring the Gospel message to people through CYE this summer, and the resulting joy I have is overwhelming and can’t be described in words. I am eager to be serving in the kitchen, go mountain biking with the young adult expeditioners, and be open to the spontaneity of the Holy Spirit!
Pope John Paul II said, "The future starts today, not tomorrow." So come join us in Door County and embark in wonderful outdoor adventure and endless opportunities to PRAISE the Lord! |
| Kory Krauss |
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"Sport develops character, makes a man courageous, a generous loser and a gracious victor" -Pope Pius XII. Sports have been a central aspect of my life for as long as I can remember. They still are today. By the time I'm done scrubbing off the grass stains from my knees and elbows, I'm ready to go back and earn some more. CYE has taken all aspects of my life, especially sports, and showed me how to give everything back to God. I've received a purpose and freedom from my sins because of God working through CYE. God gave me many gifts; I'm here to give back.
In any sports competition, you have to take chances. You have to attempt taskts with a doubtful or unknown outcome. Thta'ts what I did by joining CYE staff this summer. So even if you doubt parts of the faith or are unsure of how CYE might affect your life, I highly recommend you come on an expedition. I dare you! |
| Adam Laski |
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My name is Adam Laski. I’m a seminarian for the Diocese of Superior in Northwestern Wisconsin. I am excited about the possibilities of the summer and the opportunity to serve the youth of the Catholic Church here in Door County. I just finished my third year of seminary at St. John Vianney over in St. Paul Minnesota, on the Campus of the University of St. Thomas. I’m excited to follow the Lord’s call to cast out into the deep this summer and to allow myself to be a tool of the Holy Spirit, God-willing for the conversion of the youth, remembering that perfect love casts out all fear! Praised be Jesus Christ through the Immaculate Heart of Mary! |
| Jenny Lowery |
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"His word burns in my heart like a fire." -Jeremiah 20:9. Truer words were never spoken. I have a lot of zeal for the Lord, and I grow wearing of holding it in (Jer 6:11), so it often comes out in burst of LOUD CRAZINESS!! My name is Jennifer Lynn Magdalene Lowery, and I'm CYE's resident photo nerd. You can call me Jenny or Jen!
I have a long history with CYE. I made my first expedition in 2003, and converted to Catholicism from atheism in 2004 after I learned about redemptive suffering. DUDE. Redemptive suffering is when I take a look at all the suffering that's happened in my life and I count it as NOTHING AT ALL. I compare my suffering to the pain and suffering that Christ went through while He was thinking about me. Totally amazing. So. Since then, I'm working on making a full recovery from the fall- and it'll only happen after I DIE. Incredible, huh?
So anyways. I'm really looking forward to a few things this summer. I'll be living in community with 30 other people- it'll be tough, but worth it. I can't wait to just sit and kick it around the campfire with the expeditioners. That's my favorite part. I also love giving my witness... because I'm living proof that God doesn't call the qualified; He qualifies the called! I mean, if He could turn an ATHEIST into a YOUTH MINISTER, just imagine the possibilities He has in store for you! CYE totally changed my life, and I hope you have the courage to let it change yours. See ya soon, and God Love Ya! |
| Mike Muhs |
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Praise the Lord!!! My name is Michael Muhs. I grew up in Kiel, Wisconsin and did my undergraduate studies at Lakeland, a small liberal arts college near Sheboygan, Wisconsin. I majored in biological science. Back in ’05 I was starting school and went to a lecture on the Year of the Eucharist. Despite how that sounds, I was struggling with a rather lukewarm Catholic faith and after the talk this young woman walks up to me with a hand-made CYE brochure and invites me to try an expedition the next summer. Through God’s grace I went on that trip in 2006 and came to encounter Jesus Christ and our Catholic faith in a very real way over the next three summers of CYE. Last year I finally said yes to the call to serve with an amazing summer staff.
This summer I’m again joined by a truly superb community of young adults on fire with their faith and desiring to share their love and enthusiasm for their faith with you! With the words of Pope John Paul the Great, I encourage you to “Be not afraid!” We welcome you to say “Yes!” to the call to truly encounter the love of Jesus Christ in your heart! Hodie non cras! (TODAY...not tomorrow!)
I want to thank Melissa and my family for all their loving support and sacrifices this summer! May God bless you! Now and Forever!!! |
| Andrew Natali |
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Praise the Lord! My name is Andrew Natali. I am a senior at the University of Dallas (majoring in Philosophy), and I'll be working the Harbor Crew. As a returning staff member, I'm looking forward to living in community with my brothers and sisters in Christ and spreading the Gospel to young people through awesome outdoor adventure. Christ is always calling us to greater things and it is up to us to respond. CYE rocks because it gives young people an opportunity to get away from everyday life, experience Christ, and open themselves up to making that response. This summer is going to be awesome and I can't wait to see what the Holy Spirit brings! Hodie non cras! |
| Greg Parent |
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Next year I will be a freshman at St. John Vianney College Seminary. I've been an expeditioner at CYE for the last three years, and it made such a huge impact on my life that I decided to give my summer to the people who have given me so much. I am really looking forward to a great summer filled with God's grace and love, and of course some ultimate frisbee. God bless! |
| Mark Petri |
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I’m excited to be back at CYE for another summer of working for the Lord!! I am currently a 5th year student at UW-Madison, and am intending on graduating in the fall with a degree in philosophy. God has been at work ever since I was 12 years old quietly calling me to follow Him as a Roman Catholic Priest, and given some time to listen last summer I finally answered his call. Spending time outdoors in the Grand Cathedral of nature and taking in everything that God has to offer in the beautiful Door County is a blessing. But the real beauty is not in the trees or in the water, but in the souls that respond to the presence of God in their own lives.
Being part of the harbor crew it is my pleasure to see many people learn how to water-ski for the first time. I am constantly reminded of how Peter got out of the boat to walk on water toward Jesus. It is not our ability that is holding us back from walking toward the Lord but instead our response to the call, “Follow Me.” |
| Lisa Pritchard |
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Praise the Lord! I am 24 years old. I am from Waukesha, WI. I am engaged to a wonderful man of God named Jeremy. We will be getting married next summer. I love the Catholic Church, especially the Eucharist. It was actually through Fr. Quinn and a Eucharistic Procession that I came to truly believe in the Presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. I am so joyful to be on staff this summer. I look forward to meeting all of you. Now and Forever! |
| Matt Rappl |
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My name is Matt Rappl, and I grew up in Neenah. I come from a family of 5, and had a great time growing up with my two older brothers. I spent most of my days out doors camping, fishing, going on canoe trips, playing soccer and basketball. I graduated from St. Mary Central High School, and also had quite a bit of fun in school, playing soccer, basketball, and running in track.
I just finished up my freshman year in college seminary at the University of St. Thomas, and after spending a lot of hours learning philosophy, one needs a bit of a refresher! CYE is a great place to get outdoors and have fun with a bunch of college and high school students striving for a deeper relationship with Christ while developing a love for the Church! My first CYE was back in the summer of '07, and my faith life snow-balled from there. I met a ton of people who had a deep sense of purpose and drive in their lives, and I was immediately attracted to that. they were giving their lives to someone: Jesus Christ! The joy that I sensed in them comes from a source much deeper and more profound than anything the world could ever offer. So far, I'm loving it up here in Door County, and couldn't ask to be in a better place over the summer! Hope to see you on an expedition!! |
| Stephanie Rosio |
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I am from Milwaukee, WI. I have two brothers and I am the middle child. I just finished my first year of college at UW-Milwaukee with a major in elementary education. I have a passion for working with the youth and also a passion for Jesus Christ. I first went on an expedition last year, I wasn’t too excited to go but my mom made me and I ended up loving it. CYE changed my life, so I just kept coming back for more and that is when I realized that God was calling me to be on summer staff this year. I am really looking forward to helping others have the same type of experience I did last summer.
“The LORD is good, a refuge on a day of distress; He takes care of those who have recourse to him.” Nahum 1:7 |
| Alyssa Schreiber |
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Hi, my name is Alyssa, and I’m from Darboy, Wisconsin. I just graduated from UW-Madison in Nursing. I really enjoy dancing everywhere I go, swimming in lakes, singing everywhere I go, and learning how to play guitar. God has blessed me to be surrounded by friends and family who have lived as great witnesses of their faith. This summer, I hope to share with others what I have learned from them. Jesus Christ has so much joy and peace he wants to give us if we only open our hearts to his unconditional love!
“Do not be afraid for behold I proclaim to you good news of GREAT JOY that will be for all the people.” -Luke 2:10 |
| Michael Thiel
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I am a seminarian of the Great Diocese of Green Bay. I am an Eagle Scout and enjoy camping, hiking, and spending time in and around water. I am already loving this rockin' summer. This is my first year with CYE, and will be leading up an awesome multimedia team, which is a particular passion of mine. I am active with multimedia through LifeTeen at St. Raphael in Oshkosh, so I pretty much know what I'm doing. Or not. I'm looking forward to having others type all my messages this summer because I have no talent when it comes to written word. I pretty much ROCK the video camera, though. Watch our videos, because they will knock your socks off! Amen.
Mary, Mother of the Eucharist, pray for us.
Saint Michael The Archangel, defend us in battle... |
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Jon Thorsen
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Hey all! My name is Jon Thorsen. I grew up in the township of Silver Cliff, WI. Since most of you would not know where that is, it’s a small town in the north woods of Wisconsin. During my time there I took advantage of the vast wilderness and plentiful lakes, rivers, and streams to fish, hunt, camp, and hike with great friends, mostly with my Boy Scout troop. My love for experiencing God’s beautiful creation through outdoor activities also attracted me to work here at CYE.
I recently graduated from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice. God-willing, I plan to start a career in law enforcement, starting with a city police department and continuing with the goal to join the FBI once I gain some experience. Fr. Quinn, who was also the chaplain at the Newman Center in Oshkosh suggested to me one day that I should work CYE this summer and that there were still open positions. Immediately it sounded like a great idea and God wouldn’t let me forget about the offer either. Because I did not have a job lined up for right after graduation I decided to go for it. So here I am, happily serving the Lord by maintaining the formation center property here in Baileys Harbor applying a great, but simple motto, ora et labora, pray and work. I hope that you decide to come on an exciting expedition with us! Praise the Lord! |
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Scott Valentyn
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I was born and raised in Little Chute, Wisconsin, where I attended High School (my dad was my principal…that was awesome). After High School, I attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison for 2 years. It was at that point that I had my first experience with CYE. During the summer between my Sophomore and Junior year of college, I was fortunate enough to serve on CYE summer staff 2009. While serving on staff, I had my first encounter with what it truly means to live in Catholic Community. I was blown away by how dedicated to their faith these young Catholics were and it was truly an inspiration for me. Throughout that summer, inspired by the witness of so many young, on-fire Catholics, I was also able to discern my own vocation. The end result was me entering Seminary at the end of last summer. I have just finished my first year of seminary at St. John Vianney College Seminary in St. Paul MN and am excited to spend another summer as a Disciple for CYE. My main apostolates this summer will be serving on the media staff as well as putting my recently acquired Commercial Driver’s License to use by driving the bus. |
| Samantha Vosters |
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May the Lord give you His peace! My name is Sam and I am from Freedom, WI. I enjoy being outside, socializing, painting, drawing, reading, traveling, swing dancing, and drinking coffee. I just graduated from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN and am excited to be on staff this summer! I have spent a lot of time at Basecamp during my school breaks this past year, and have been able to experience the beauty of fun Catholic fellowship that has taken place there. I am excited to see how the Holy Spirit continues to move through Wisconsin through CYE's apostolates. See you this summer! |
| Andrea Woods |
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Why hello there!!!!! I hail from the legendary city of Appleton, WI. I recently graduated from Hope College with a degree in Social Work and Youth Ministry. I basically love ALL people a ton and hope to serve in whatever way God calls me to. For this summer...God called me to be a part of the spectacular and stupdenous CYE. I will be heading up Base Camp (1000 W. Wisconsin Ave- open 9am- 11pm- 7 days a week) all summer long so you should probably stop in numerous times to hang out and chill and meet awesome people and be a part of a beautiful Catholic Christian community that is alive, active and bountiful in their faith!!!!!! |
| Maria Zimmer |
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I am a country girl from the small village of Laona, Wisconsin. I graduated in May from Marian University with a degree in Nursing. I love our Lord Jesus Christ and am super excited to be a member of this amazing CYE summer staff! When I get free time, I enjoy hiking, fishing, camping, reading, being by or on a lake, and being with my family and friends. I made my first CYE expedition this past winter. God asked me to open my mind and heart to do His will, and in doing so I have found the greatest peace possible. His peace, the peace that surpasses all understanding, is what helped me to take this leap of faith to devote my summer to sharing the love of our Lord to anyone who opens themselves up to His awesomeness! There is nothing greater in this life than to live for the Lord! God Bless! |
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