Over the past 34 years I have been working at Cathedral Domain, one constant has been clear – it takes a village to create a Christ-centered, fun, and meaningful experience for campers.
Over 100 volunteers—counselors, staff, deans, nurses, clergy—nurtured and led 500 campers, who ranged from grades 1-12, throughout the seven weeks of camp this summer. We are truly blessed with a dedicated and intergenerational team of volunteers and staff, from youth to adults, who bring the love of God to life on the mountain. Sixteen of the 17 graduating seniors from the 2023 senior conference came back to serve as counselors and staff for Junior Conference. Volunteers came in all the way from Florida and D.C, as they do every year.
The theme this year was Linked in Love, and each day campers engaged in activities and discussions on how they are connected with God and with each other. Campers wrote prayer requests on ribbons, paper chain links, quilts, painted rocks and more, and their requests were left on display throughout the entire summer. Rock climbing, swimming, archery, crafts, hiking, singing, dancing, friend-making, and growing in God’s love provided ample opportunities for campers to make memories that will be sealed in their hearts for a lifetime.
The 7th and 8th grade Junior Conference participated in a record three-hour healing and prayer service! These kids gave up precious dance time—which is highly unusual, in my experience. Anytime you can get teenagers in a church for three hours, God has to be involved! Clearly our young people, who are burdened with increasing levels of stress and challenges, are hungry to receive the love and acceptance of God.
Junior and Senior High campers left a little bit of themselves behind by working on the new boys' cabin. The value of “leaving Cathedral Domain better than you found it” can be traced back to our founder, Bishop Moody, and I’m happy to say our youth and adults kept this legacy alive once again.
Thank YOU—families, campers, counselors, nurses, staff, deans, clergy and donors—for being our village and for leaving Cathedral Domain better than you found it.
God’s Peace,
Andy Sigmon Cathedral Domain Director
P.S. 2025 will be our last year leading Cathedral Domain, when we retire at the end of the year. We are filled with a mix of emotions and hope to see you all for our final camp season.
Mark your calendar for April 26, 2025, St. George’s Day, when the Diocese of Lexington will gather, and we will have an opportunity to celebrate our ministry with you.
‘They Made Me Feel Loved and Accepted’
Cathedral Domain Camper, Counselor Grow in Christ’s Love
Elise Hyder
If you are a parent raising a teenager these days, you know how challenging it can be. There’s a lot happening in the world that can make everyday life feel overwhelming for young people, including bullying, peer pressure, social isolation, access to information 24/7, academic pressure, and loneliness.
When you are a teen who happens to be different-abled, it makes it even harder to feel a sense of belonging and self-worth.
“In the 45 years I have been working with young people at the Cathedral Domain, I feel that now more than ever, kids need a safe and loving place where they feel they belong and can find social connection,” says Cindy Sigmon, youth missioner for the Diocese of Lexington. The Cathedral Domain provides a loving faith community where campers experience open acceptance in Christ’s love.
One teen who found a safe and supportive experience at Cathedral Domain this past summer was 13-year-old Zachary. His mother, Sarah, shares their story:
This was Zachary’s first camp experience at Cathedral Domain, and his first time being away for a week! As his
parents, we were nervous and scared, but on the other hand, we were praying that he would come away from camp having grown spiritually and having made some core memories! My son marches to the beat of his own drum, and at times for some others, this can cloud their view of what a really awesome kid he is. Zach was diagnosed with ADHD when he was 6 years old. His impulsivity makes it difficult to recognize social cueing or people’s responses to him. He loves to be silly and to make others laugh, but he’s learning that there’s a time and place for his jovial presence. Since preschool, we’ve become accustomed to the phone calls saying, “We just can’t handle him” or “Why won’t he just listen and do his work” We have become very cautious about where we allow him to go or who he is going to be with.
While he was at camp, we were waiting for that phone call. When I arrived to pick up Zach, I was waiting for someone to come up to me and say, “We need to talk about Zach’s behavior this week.” But, instead, as I walked up to his cabin, a nice young man greeted me. He wrapped me in the warmest, most genuine, and most comforting hug! He introduced himself as Scott and told me how much he enjoyed having Zach as a camper. He said
Counselor Scott and camper Zachary
that he sees himself in Zach and recognizes what a smart, kind, and loving boy is. He shared his story about his time as a youth camper at Cathedral Domain and how he now gives back as a volunteer. While I gathered Zach’s things, he shared with me that he felt it was so important for children such as Zach to be exposed to these types of experiences because it helps them to pick up on social cueing, problem-solving, and relationship building, among many other things.
Scott will never know what his hug, words, and time meant to me, my family, and Zach. Scott saw the goodness in Zach that we see as his family; Scott saw his heart and accepted him. On our way home, Zach was already talking about wanting to come back next year and wanting to also be a counselor!! I couldn’t believe it! I am truly so thankful for this camp and the many sweet souls who pour their time, energy and love into the campers who come year after year.
Domain counselor Scott Fryar remembers how it felt to be like Zach, a kid with high energy who had challenges in learning how to navigate social situations. Scott has ADHD and Asperger’s Syndrome, a form of Autism. Since the age of 6, Scott has been coming to Cathedral Domain. (Scott’s mother, the Rev. Carol Ruthven, recently retired as a priest from Church of Our Saviour, Madison County).
“As a different-abled learner, I didn’t know how to channel my high energy in social situations,” says Scott. “I was just a kid like Zach—and often misunderstood. My counselors at Cathedral Domain sought to understand me and the gifts God gave me. They made me feel loved and accepted. Thanks to their
patience, guidance, andcompassion, Iwasabletodiscoverthe person Iwasmeanttobe.Mycounselorsinspiredmetodothe sameforothers.”Now31, Scottcomesbackeverysummerto serveasa rolemodeltocampers.
AddsCindy:“Scottissuch abelovedcampcounselor. HegrewupattheDomain, andwelovehavinghim back each summertoservein thisway.It’samazingtowatch the transformation Ihaveseen in Scottandothercamperswhonow comebackasadultstoberolemodelsforourcampers, justlike theircounselorsdidforthem.”
Scottplantedtheseedofservingothersin Zach’sheart, just likehiscounselorsdidforhim.CathedralDomain’sministry continuestotransform futuregenerationsthrough theopen acceptanceandloveofChrist.
I have been coming to the Cathedral Domain for about eight years, first as a camper and later as a counselor. Throughout this time, I always admired the staff members working in the camp store, belaying me during rock climbing and rappelling, and guiding me on hikes. However, it wasn’t until Andy Sigmon began making jokes about how AnnaLucy Surrey, Renee Hyder, and I would be future staffers that I seriously considered joining the staff.
I had heard countless stories from others about their incredible experiences as staff members, but I didn’t fully grasp what they meant until I had the chance to experience it myself. There’s truly nothing like living on top of a mountain with some of your best friends, doing a job that is not only fun and challenging but also allows you to give back and provide other kids with the same experiences you cherished as a camper.
During my time as a staff member, I learned practical skills such as installing drywall and trim, driving a backhoe, and fixing toilets. More importantly, I developed leadership skills, learned the importance of teamwork, and understood accountability for myself and others. I also saw how this experience could guide fellow staffers’ future career paths. These skills were invaluable on the mountain, and I know they will continue to serve me throughout my life.
When asked about my favorite part of the summer, I often mention spray painting the pavilion with Mackie Nash, partaking in a healing service with Renee, working the camp store with Chloe Cagle, or spending two days straight pressure washing with Austin Hyder. But after reflecting on the summer, I've realized that my favorite part was not just those moments, but the experience as a whole. It was being at camp with people who share my passion for serving others and having fun. It was "Just Dancing" late at night, witnessing a camper’s pride as they conquered the rappelling rock or hit a bullseye at archery, and watching campers, counselors, and staff members grow in just six short days.
I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve God, the Cathedral Domain, and others this summer. I’m thankful for the people I met, the lessons I learned, and the experiences that have left a lasting impact on me.
Jo Halbauer is a student at Centre College and lives in Fort Thomas.
Jo Halbauer (in glasses) cooks up some burgers.
Left: Watch a short video from summer staffer Cate Jylkka about why she loves to serve at the Cathedral Domain. Above: Summer staffers enjoying their work! Click the play buttons to hear their stories.
•July 27-August 2: Co-Ed Session B, 3-6 grades (All camps are for the completed grades) Visit www.cathedraldomain.org
One of many campers expressing how much Cathedral Domain means to her. Thank you donors, volunteers, staff and all who make Cathedral Domain possible.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
•Give a camp scholarship
• Volunteer as a dean of a camp or camp counselor
•Bring a work group to help with construction and maintenance projects throughout the year
• Refer college students to serve on summer staff
•Donate in-kind items
•Follow us on Facebook and share with friends
St George’s Day Spring Festival
April 26 at the Cathedral Domain
Experience Spring on the Mountain with: hiking, bouncy house for the kids, auction, music, games, and other activities like archery, rappelling, rock climbing, and fishing (weather permitting).
12:30 p.m. Lunch—the Feast of St. George Slow-smoked pork shoulder with classic barbecue sides and vegetarian offerings
2:30 p.m. Eucharist with Bishop Mark and blessing of the Summer Camp Deans and procession to bless the new cabin
6:30 p.m. Dinner at the dining hall
8 p.m. An evening with the Sigmons and the Bishop Bring your pictures, stories, laughter, tears, hugs, and love as we celebrate Andy and Cindy's last St. George’s Day. Party at the Pavilion
Celebrate the whole weekend!
Come Friday night for the feeding of the dragon and fellowship at the pavilion. Bring camp chairs, musical instruments, s’mores, and snacks to share.
On Sunday, enjoy breakfast, followed by worship at 10:30 a.m. with Bishop Mark. Take a box lunch to eat on the road!
