This Year’s Theme
From St. Leo the Great
Christian, Recognize Your Dignity!
Let us then, dearly beloved, give thanks to God the Father, through His Son, in the Holy Spirit, Who for His great mercy, wherewith He has loved us, has had pity on us: and when we were dead in sins, has quickened us together in Christ (Ephesians 2:4-5), that we might be in Him a new creation and a new production. Let us put off then the old man with his deeds: and having obtained a share in the birth of Christ let us renounce the works of the flesh. Christian, recognize your dignity, and becoming a partner in the Divine nature, refuse to return to the old baseness by degenerate conduct. Remember the Head and the Body of which you are a member. Recollect that you were rescued from the power of darkness and brought out into God’s light and kingdom. By the mystery of Baptism you were made the temple of the Holy Ghost: do not put such a denizen to flight from you by base acts, and subject yourself once more to the devil’s thraldom: because your purchase money is the blood of Christ, because He shall judge you in truth Who ransomed you in mercy, who with the Father and the Holy Spirit reigns for ever and ever. Amen
Pope St. Leo the Great (400-461), Sermon 21
$250 per Camper
Full-Week Pass
All Talks & Activities
Camp Materials
3 Meals per Day
Snacks
Meet the Speakers
His Excellency
The Most Reverend
Joseph Edward Strickland
Bishop of Tyler
Joseph Edward Strickland is the fourth Bishop of Tyler. He was born the sixth child of Raymond and Monica Strickland in 1958 and grew up near Atlanta, Texas, where the Strickland’s were founding members of St. Catherine of Sienna Church. He graduated from Atlanta High School 1977 and, called to the priesthood, entered Holy Trinity Seminary and the University of Dallas. On June 1, 1985, he was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Dallas. In September of 2012, Pope Benedict XVI named Msgr. Strickland as the fourth Bishop of Tyler. Bishop Strickland is known and loved as a strong advocate for the dignity of human life, especially the preborn.
His Excellency
The Most Reverend
Joseph Edward Strickland
Bishop of Tyler
Joseph Edward Strickland is the fourth Bishop of Tyler. He was born the sixth child of Raymond and Monica Strickland in 1958 and grew up near Atlanta, Texas, where the Strickland’s were founding members of St. Catherine of Sienna Church. He graduated from Atlanta High School 1977 and, called to the priesthood, entered Holy Trinity Seminary and the University of Dallas. On June 1, 1985, he was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Dallas. In September of 2012, Pope Benedict XVI named Msgr. Strickland as the fourth Bishop of Tyler. Bishop Strickland is known and loved as a strong advocate for the dignity of human life, especially the preborn.
Paul J. Kim
Speaker, Musician, Comedian
Paul J. Kim is an international Catholic speaker, musician, and comedian. His presentations have impacted people of all ages in 48 states and 16 countries over the past decade, leading them to life-changing encounters with Christ. He’s the author of A Catholic Guide to Adulting online course, the founder of the Triumph Men’s Conference, he’s released two music albums, and his videos have accumulated millions of views.
His background includes work as a marriage and family therapist, and religious formation with the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal. In his free time, he enjoys long walks on the beach, talking to strangers in random accents, and taco Tuesdays. He resides in the Austin, TX area with his beautiful wife and five children.
Jackie Francois Angel
Worship Leader, Singer-Songwriter
Jackie Francois Angel is a full-time worship leader, vlogger, author, singer-songwriter, and homeschooling mom of four. Together with her husband, Bobby Angel, she has written Pray, Decide, And Don’t Worry: 5 Steps to Discerning God’s Will and Forever: A Catholic Devotional For Your Marriage. Jackie is also a regular presenter on the Ascension Presents channel on YouTube. She attended Cal State Fullerton as a President’s Scholar and earned a BA in Comparative Religions and minors in Psychology and Sociology. Originally from Orange County, CA, Jackie, Bobby and their four children currently reside in North Texas.
Jackie Francois Angel
Worship Leader, Singer-Songwriter
Jackie Francois Angel is a full-time worship leader, vlogger, author, singer-songwriter, and homeschooling mom of four. Together with her husband, Bobby Angel, she has written Pray, Decide, And Don’t Worry: 5 Steps to Discerning God’s Will and Forever: A Catholic Devotional For Your Marriage. Jackie is also a regular presenter on the Ascension Presents channel on YouTube. She attended Cal State Fullerton as a President’s Scholar and earned a BA in Comparative Religions and minors in Psychology and Sociology. Originally from Orange County, CA, Jackie, Bobby and their four children currently reside in North Texas.
Karlo Broussard
Apologist, Author, Speaker
Karlo Broussard, a native of Southern Louisiana, left a promising musical career to work full-time as a Catholic apologist for Catholic Answers. He travels the world teaching about apologetics, biblical studies, theology, and philosophy. Karlo publishes in Catholic Answers Magazine and is a regular guest on Catholic Answers Live. He holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in theology from Catholic Distance University and the Augustine Institute, along with a master’s degree in philosophy from Holy Apostles College and Seminary. Karlo apprenticed with theologian Fr. Robert J. Spitzer at the Magis Center of Reason and Faith. He is one of the most dynamic and gifted Catholic speakers on the circuit today, known for his precision of thought and powerful logic.
Camp Info
East Texas Pro-Life Teen Leadership Camp is a day camp for teens (13-19) that fosters a deep love and understanding of the Christian faith and teaches teens to be bold and effective defenders of life, from conception to natural death. Together, the campers explore the truth of Christ, the destruction of abortion, the beauty of chastity, and the importance of civic awareness and involvement. The campers practice debate and defending their faith and pro-life views against those who disagree. This camp is a place where teens strengthen in love, knowledge, and virtue! We hope you join us.
We begin Sunday evening with Check-In and Holy Mass and go daily until Friday evening, concluding with a Rosary Procession and final Holy Mass. A more detailed schedule with times, locations, and speakers will be available during camp week.
Camp Location
Bishop T.K. Gorman Catholic School
1405 East Southeast Loop 323
Tyler, TX 75701
Camp Details
- This is a day camp only, July 16 – 21, Sunday to Friday.
- Check-in begins Sunday, July 16 at 5:00pm.
- Doors open each morning (M-F) at 8:00am.
- Breakfast will be served.
- Camp ends at 9:00pm (S, M, Th) and after Mass on Friday.
- Tuesday and Wednesday nights are free time.
- Campers are ages 13 to 19.
- Lunch, dinner, and snacks will also be provided.
- Parents and families are invited to join evening activities.
- The location is Bishop Thomas K. Gorman Catholic School.
- Meals will be served in the cafeteria.
- Masses will be at the Saints Peter and Paul Chapel nearby.
- Camp fee is $250 per camper.
- Five full scholarships are available.
- We are seeking sponsorships and host families.
- See Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
General Schedule
(Campers see detailed schedule for actual times and locations during camp week.)
- 8:00am – Doors Open
- 8:30am – Breakfast
- 9:00am – MORNING PRAYER
- 9:15am – Track/Field Activity
- 10:00am – Pro-Life Apologetics
- 11:00am – Group Work
- 12:00pm – ANGELUS/HOLY MASS
- 12:45pm – ROSARY
- 1:15 – Lunch
- 2:15pm – Apologetics Practice
- 3:00pm – Group Work
- 3:30pm – Activity/Music
- 3:45pm – Dignity Topics
- 5:00pm – Music and Activities
- 6:00pm – Dinner
- 7:00pm – Keynote Talk
- 8:00pm – Party!
- 9:00pm – CLOSING PRAYER
Days Until Camp Begins
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What’s New in 2023?
TEEN LEADERS
We are accepting applications for teen leaders who attended last year to take more responsibility for camp this year.
- Gain experience speaking and teaching groups of people.
- Influence decisions for the camp, such as food and activities.
- Gain confidence as a leader under guidance from experts.
- Help plan talks, logistics, media, and discussions.
If you feel called by the Holy Spirit to serve in a leadership role, please submit your application using this form.
NEW DAILY SCHEDULE
We heard you! The schedule will have more variety and activity, and we’ll also follow a consistent daily routine:
- One intense Pro-Life Apologetics talks each morning.
- One Keynote Talk each evening, open to parents and families.
- Track and Field Activities plus a PARTY! every evening.
- Small group discussion and practice throughout the day.
Daily Mass, Adoration, and Confession are essential and will always be part of the camp. Compline in the evening too.
HOST FAMILIES
We really wanted this to be an overnight camp, but we can’t do it this year. We are seeking host families:
- Teens will eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner at camp.
- They only need a place to sleep and get dressed for camp.
- Some may need transportation to and from camp each day.
- Offer teens an opportunity that could change lives.
Out-of-town teens can only attend if they have a place to stay overnight. If you can help, please let us know.
Inaugural Teen Leaders!
For the first ever East Texas Pro-Life Teen Leadership Camp, 80 teens and about 20 adults joined together each day to learn about what it means to be living in a post-Roe Texas. We are excited to see what happens in our second annual camp in 2023.
%
I have a better understanding of my purpose in life.
%
My relationship with Christ grew this week.
%
I have a better understanding of what it means to be pro-life.
“Adoration really helped me to see that Christ does care for me.”
“I thought abortion was only about babies. You helped me see that it’s about everyone.”
“The deep dive into the issues, talk about our choices matter for all eternity, and lesson about same-sex attraction and gender confusion answered questions and brought me clarity.”
“PLEASE keep Angie!”
“I want to put things I learned into practice.”
“The camp was amazing! Everyone is very knowledgeable, uplifting, and kind. There is no camp or conference like this, and everything was run smoothly, especially for this being the first of many!”
“It was the best camp of my life!”
What They’re Saying
Best Things about Camp
Daily Mass
Daily Adoration
Talks
Friends
Food
“My relationship with Christ grew and got stronger.”
“I hadn’t realized that I had distanced with God so much, but this week I felt a deep connection.”
“I loved the social media talk because it helps us girls remember to not compare ourselves.”
“One of the best things was coming to this camp as strangers and meeting a loving family that supports the same values as us.”
“I absolutely loved it and know this retreat was good for a lot of us. It helped us learn more about protecting human life. I feel this is the start of my pro-life movement.”
“This camp was a huge success. Keep it going cause y’all made a great impact on many kids here.”
Leaders
Angelina Sosa Estrada
MC and Host
Felipe Natera
Music Leader
Deborah Streckfus
Dignity Talks Leader
Organizers
José L. Trasancos
Children of God for Life
Stacy A. Trasancos
Children of God for Life
Stacy Farquharson
Children of God for Life
Register Early!
Space is limited! This is our third year, and spots are in high demand. Please register early. We are in need of sponsors for financial assistance for campers, and we need host family volunteers. Mostly, we need prayers. Please consider supporting the 3nd annual East Texas Pro-Life Teen Leadership Camp.