Camp Joshua attendee solidifies her pro-life stance

In eighth grade, I decided I should join clubs in school and become more involved in community activities. So, I joined the pro-life club, without knowing really what it meant or why I was pro-life in the first place.

Was it only because my parents raised me Catholic? Or because I thought all my friends were pro-life? Did I just want to seem involved? Or did I just think that babies are really cute?

In the club, students raved about the March for Life my school attended in Washington D.C., and for years I dreamed of going. Finally, I was old enough to attend the Pro-Life March this past January. After this amazing, life-changing experience, I knew I wanted to do more. But I didn’t know how.

After seeing many flyers and hearing people mention the camp, I signed up for Camp Joshua with no expectations other than hearing uplifting talks from Louisiana Right to Life’s Cody Reed.

I was welcomed by warm and smiling faces and, by the end of the first evening, I wished the camp was longer.

In just three short days we were given presentations that touched on the legality, philosophy, science and morality of abortion and other life issues. Although it was a challenge to soak up the incredible amount of information presented, I realized that I was not alone in the journey of being pro-life and was provided with the hope that our pro-life generation can one day impact the nation.

Every student should explore the Pro-Life movement and let Camp Joshua guide him/her on the way. If you want to take the next step in the fight for life and human equality, if you’re curious about what all of this is about, or if you’re questioning what you believe in, Camp Joshua is an awesome opportunity to explore the complex issues we face today and to sort through the many voices that our culture throws at us.

Camp Joshua helped me discover the many reasons I am pro-life, and I am positive that it can help other students too.

Brooke Duplantier is a junior at St. Mary’s Dominican High in New Orleans.

Camp Joshua, started in Baton Rouge in 2008, generally holds weekend camps for high school sophomores, juniors and seniors to be pro-life leaders throughout Louisiana in the spring. The more, in-depth Joshua Leadership Institute will be held July 27-31. All sessions are open to youth of any religious denomination. For details, visit www.camp joshuala.org or call Cody Reed, youth programs coordinator of Louisiana Right to Life, (866) 463-5433; email, creed@prolifelouisiana.org.