Fifty-three youth from the Camden Diocese participated in the annual Summer in the City at the Shore program, trading fun in the sun for service at the shore.
From Sunday, Aug. 9 through Saturday, Aug. 15, high school teenagers volunteered during the day at various work sites in South Jersey, including local farms, Atlantic City Rescue Mission homeless shelter, nursing homes, soup kitchens, and local Catholic parishes.
At night, they came together at Holy Trinity Parish, St. James Church, in Ventnor for reflection, discussion on Catholic social teaching, and rest.
Greg Coogan, diocesan Director of Youth Ministry, said, “This program has been in existence for 20 years and continues to be a transformative one for young people. To give a week of service and learn about the poor in Southern New Jersey is what we are encouraged to do by our Holy Father Francis. I love seeing the impact this has on our young people and am privileged to serve alongside them making a difference.”