A Transformative Encounter
Too many young people today are abandoning faith and desperate for hope. Like St. Paul on the road to Damascus, they need an encounter with Jesus to transform them and invite them to become the next generation of missionary disciples.
Damascus seeks to bring that hope to as many youth, young adults and families as possible. Over the last 25 years a humble parish-based effort has grown from 63 campers and a handful of volunteers to a national movement where over 50,000 participants each year are invited to live the adventure of the Catholic faith through world-class camps, conferences, retreats and events.
The Road to Damascus Campaign is about bringing this opportunity for transformative encounter with Jesus to the Mid-Atlantic region. This campaign will allow us to purchase, renovate and build the newest home for Damascus Summer Camps at Summit Lake near Emmitsburg, MD, and enable us to reach tens of thousands of youth, young adults, and their families through our new site.
The Road to Damascus Campaign is founded on faith, generosity and surrender to Jesus. Join us with expectant faith in the God who continues to transform lives and raise up the next generation of saints for today.
Damascus seeks to bring that hope to as many youth, young adults and families as possible. Over the last 25 years a humble parish-based effort has grown from 63 campers and a handful of volunteers to a national movement where over 50,000 participants each year are invited to live the adventure of the Catholic faith through world-class camps, conferences, retreats and events.
The Road to Damascus Campaign is about bringing this opportunity for transformative encounter with Jesus to the Mid-Atlantic region. This campaign will allow us to purchase, renovate and build the newest home for Damascus Summer Camps at Summit Lake near Emmitsburg, MD, and enable us to reach tens of thousands of youth, young adults, and their families through our new site.
The Road to Damascus Campaign is founded on faith, generosity and surrender to Jesus. Join us with expectant faith in the God who continues to transform lives and raise up the next generation of saints for today.
Episcopal Support
‘For many years, youth from our archdiocese have attended camps and other programs at Damascus in Ohio...as I have learned more about the leadership and ministry of Damascus, I have come to believe that they are accomplishing the work of our Archdiocese immensely...with that in mind, I am happy to ask the Catholic lay faithful and clergy of this Archdiocese to consider supporting this exploratory effort, in the hope of bringing revival to the young church here in the Archdiocese.”
William E. Lori, Archbishop of Baltimore
A Vision for Growth
This $6 million campaign will provide the funds to renovate the existing Summit Lake Camp, including completely new cabins; upgraded meeting spaces; a Eucharistic Adoration chapel; and high-adventure activities. The site, in Emmitsburg, MD, will have a capacity for 1200 campers per summer and is perfectly positioned to serve youth from the dioceses of Baltimore, Washington, Arlington, Philadelphia, Wilmington, and others in the East Coast region.
Download detailed case of support
The Lodge
The center of the action at Damascus, located within a 5-minute walk to all cabins.
Lakeside Retreat Centers
Two all-in-one retreat centers overlooking Lake Joy
Activity Barn
A country-style meeting, games, and recreation space.
Cabins
8 newly built cabins will be ready to welcome campers in the summer of 2026.
For more information or questions on how you can support this effort, email advancement@damascus.net