Banao Camp

This is a late post to our blog but still had to write about our visit to the Church young men and young women;s summer camp at Banao, D.R. several months ago.  A fun and educational experience!

Banao Youth Camp Entrance

 Located about 50 miles north of Santo Domingo and nestled in the 5,000-6,000 feet elevation mountains is a beautiful youth, young adult and family camp.

The Church has made a significant investment in land, large assembly/dining building, baseball and recreation fields grass-covered "bunk" houses and showering facilities for the members in the Dominican Republic. It is in a gorgeous setting and impeccably clean.

Bunk Houses

In the center of the camp for all to see is a large display board with the scripture from 3rd Nephi 5:13 "I am a disciple of Jesus Christ..."  Powerful!

The Banao Camp each Summer hosts 400-800 young men and women each week for "Strength of Youth SOY" conferences.  Multi-stakes rent buses and transport the youth and their suitcases to this special spot for three days of spiritual, motivational and recreational activities.  We have witnessed the return of the youth from the camp and listened to their testimonies in sacrament meetings about how exciting and spiritual the camp experience was for them.

Showers and Washing Facilities

They love the camp and are so excited to share their feelings about their experiences.  Many of our Institute students provide leadership and supervision at the camp, playing games and teaching classes.

Dining, Dance and Activity Hall

Many non-members also attend and come back wanting to keep the feeling of the Spirit alive that they felt by meeting with the missionaries.  In the Valiente branch, for example, several young men who had been attending the Valiente English class were baptized after they returned from the camp and wanted to serve a mission as soon as possible. They felt the Spirit bearing witness that this is the gospel of Jesus Christ and they want to be a part of it.

We received a tour of the camp from Elder and Sister Nunez, who are senior missionaries from Puerto Rico.  It is impressive.  The Banao Camp reminds us of the Heber Valley Camp near Heber, Utah.

We could feel the Spirit of the Lord in this beautiful place and know why both youth and adults love this site.  A great experience on a Saturday afternoon to enjoy this special place.