Our Story

In the summer of 2000, something small—but meaningful—began.

Just 22 teenagers from two parishes, Saint James in McMinnville, Oregon, and Our Lady of Lourdes in Vancouver, Washington, gathered for a week of faith, friendship, and adventure. The idea was simple: bring young Catholics together for a summer experience rooted in Christ.

No one imagined how much it would grow.

The following year, the number of campers more than doubled to 48 youth, and two more parishes joined the journey—St. Boniface in Sublimity, Oregon, and St. Thomas in Camas, Washington. With each passing year, word spread. More teens came. More parishes joined. What began as a small collaboration quickly became something much bigger.

At first, the camp was simply meant to be an annual gathering for a couple of parishes. But early on, the leaders realized something important: many parishes didn’t have youth programs or the resources to offer experiences like this. So the invitation expanded. Small parishes and youth groups from across the region were welcomed, giving young people an opportunity to grow in their faith together.

And they came.

What started with 22 campers has grown to host up to 200 youth in a single week. Over the years, teens from more than 50 parishes throughout Oregon and Washington have gathered here, forming friendships, deepening their faith, and encountering Christ in powerful ways.

The impact of those weeks has lasted far beyond camp itself. Former campers have gone on to serve the Church as youth ministers, religious education leaders, and parish volunteers, and even answer the call to the priesthood—one former camper is currently in the seminary.

From the beginning, the spiritual life of camp has been central. In the early years, Fr. Terry O’Connell of Saint James Parish would drive up one evening each week to celebrate Mass with the campers. In 2003, he brought along a newly ordained Deacon Sean Weeks to visit the camp. During that visit, Deacon Sean promised he would return the following year after his ordination to serve as chaplain—and he kept that promise, faithfully serving in that role for 12 years.

In 2017, Fr. Hans Mueller stepped into the role of chaplain. His connection to Higher Calling Camp runs deep—he once stood here as a camper himself, later returning as a seminarian before eventually serving as chaplain. Throughout the years, many priests have joined the camp community, some visiting for a day and others staying for the entire week, offering the incredible gift of daily Mass, Reconciliation, and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

Behind the scenes, dedicated leaders and volunteers have made the camp what it is today. Mike Douglass of Saint James Parish, who co-directed the camp in its earliest years, continues to serve faithfully as Camp Director, helping guide the mission and spirit of Higher Calling Camp.

Another beloved figure in camp history is Ed Cooney of St. Boniface Parish in Sublimity. Ed served as the camp’s first music leader and later became Assistant Director, helping run the day-to-day operations, mentoring counselors, and leading one of the camp’s favorite ropes course activities. Ed served with joy and dedication until 2009, when he passed away just two months before camp. In 2010, a tree was planted beside the ropes course he loved so much—a living reminder that Ed will always remain part of the story of Higher Calling Camp.

None of this would be possible without the incredible support of the many parishes that send their youth, youth ministers, priests, and volunteers each year. Their dedication continues to make camp a place where young people can grow in faith, community, and joy.

Now, in 2026, Higher Calling Camp celebrates its 26th year at Camp Yamhill. What began with 22 youth and a simple idea has grown into a community that has touched thousands of lives.

And our story is still being written.