Salvatorian Brothers have had a long history of ministering at Camp St. Charles in Maryland and fulfilling important roles. The camp, sponsored by the Salvatorian Priests and Brothers, is celebrating its 70th anniversary this summer.
Since those early years in the 50’s, new cabins have been added, a new pool built, a horseback riding program came to fruition, a ropes course took kids to the trees, and girls joined the adventure thanks to the work of Lay Salvatorian Steve Blaine.
Through the changes, the values and mission of Camp St. Charles remain unchanged: Create an environment that expresses Christian values in a setting poised for personal growth, connecting campers with God and His Creation, and unplugging from the busyness of modern life.
Many Salvatorians have impacted camp life, including two memorable Brothers who, through their ministry of service, helped kids flourish. Now retired and living in Wisconsin, Bro. Marvin Kluesner, SDS, was a force in the ceramics and art hall, and Bro. Roger Nelson, SDS, often referred to
as the St. Francis of the Salvatorians, brought animals to camp.
Several Salvatorians have ministered at camp through the years. Fr. Glen Willis, SDS, a camp icon, continues to prioritize visiting camp each summer. Fr. Octavio Trejo-Flores, SDS, who as a scholastic spent a summer at camp, today serves on its board of directors.
