By Kevin Roman
TFP Call to Chivalry Camp: Hungary’s Great Catholic Heroes Teach “Advance Always! Retreat Never!”
From November 18-22, young Catholic boys from across the country participated in the Call to Chivalry Fall Camp held at the White Buffalo Resort in rural Arkansas. The event was organized by the American Society for the Defense of Tradition, Family and Property (TFP) and Tradition, Family, Property–Louisiana. This year’s theme focused on the Catholic history of Hungary.
The Virtue of Chivalry and Hungary’s Great Heroes
The camp promoted talks and daily activities that stressed the importance of chivalry and its long-lost virtues so needed today.
During the rough-and-tumble games, chivalrous behavior was encouraged and unchivalrous conduct was penalized. Every aspect of the camp had in mind the moral and character formation of camp participants.
The camp also aimed at giving the boys good role models to admire. To do this, TFP speakers focusing on great Hungarian heroes that included Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, Saint Stephen of Hungary, Saint John Capistrano and crusader John Hunyadi.
The Hungarian theme was present during outdoor games. Team captains invoked their Hungarian patrons before each game. “Pray for us!” came the resolute response after shouting out saint names. The boys also encouraged each other with expressions “Viva Cristo Rey!” and “Advance always, retreat never!”
Catholic Hikes and Nightly Campfires
These fall campers especially liked the hike up the cliff across the river from the campground. After crossing the river in boats, the young men scrambled up the cliff to their destination—a large cross 450 feet above the river. From the summit, the group prayed the rosary and sang hymns and crusader songs, which echoed over the plain below.
The hike served to remind camp them that crusaders are called to embrace the crosses of hardship and suffering. However, those who take up their crosses find true peace and joy.
On another day, the boys hiked the Indian Rockhouse Trail which included an exploration of the nooks and crannies of a big cavern.
Every night after dinner, participants gathered around the campfires. The day would end with boys listening to inspiring stories. They also enjoyed homemade hot cider and the traditional s’mores and hot chocolate.
A Grand Finale to a Blessed Camp
After a very blessed camp, the event closed with the recitation of the Holy Rosary in a solemn procession with flags, torches and a statue of Our Lady. Next came the medieval banquet which featured salmon, freshly-caught fish, shrimp alfredo pasta and a Dobos Torte cake in the shape of the Belgrade Castle defended by Hungarian John Hunyadi.
Each camper received a magnificent framed picture of Saint Stephen of Hungary on horseback.
Fortified in their faith, the boys went home inspired by Catholic heroes and ready to confront the spiritual battles that await them in this fallen modern-day world.
These events enkindled a fiery zeal for the Catholic Church in their souls. Thus, the Call to Chivalry Camps play a role in forming the next generation of Catholic leaders who will take up the crusader Cross in defense of moral values and Christian civilization.
As the spiritual battles rages, these boys are ready to always advance for good and never retreat in the face of evil.
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