A Summer Tradition: LA House of Ruth Girls Attend Camp Mariastella

This August, the girls of the Los Angeles House of Ruth had the opportunity to experience one of our most treasured summer traditions: Camp Mariastella. For decades, dating back to the 1980s, Sister Jennifer Gaeta and Sister Patricia McGowan have helped make it possible for the girls of House of Ruth to spend time at this special camp, where they can step away from the routines and challenges of everyday life and simply be kids. Camp Mariastella, founded by the Sisters of Social Service in 1941, was created to give girls an environment where they can build confidence, independence and friendships while discovering new experiences and appreciating the beauty of the outdoors.

At camp, the girls have the chance to discover nature, swim, hike, create art, participate in games and outdoor activities, and experience the simple joys of spending time together in nature. But Camp Mariastella offers something beyond activities: it gives girls the opportunity to try new things, develop self-confidence, make friends and discover strengths they may not have known they possessed. The camp has long emphasized independence, creative decision-making and personal growth, values that beautifully complement the Los Angeles House of Ruth’s mission of helping children and families move toward brighter, more independent futures.