McCOOL JUNCTION (SNR) – Camp Kateri Tekakwitha has released its schedule for activities in the summer of 2021.
The Catholic camp was created by the Diocese of Lincoln in 1999 to promote opportunities for all the faithful to pursue leadership, character, and spirituality by experiencing God’s peaceful sanctuary in nature. The campground is named after Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, who was beatified in 1980 and canonized in 2012. The first SKY Camp for junior high youth was held at Camp Kateri in the summer of 2001. The camp now hosts retreats, parish groups, and youth and family events.
In May of last year, executive director Russell Koos announced the camp’s difficult decision to cancel all events for the summer of 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This year, Koos said, precautions have been put in place to allow the camps to go on.
“We are excited about the return of summer programming at Kateri,” he said. “It may look a little different this year, but it’s the same great place kids know and love.”
He explained that the health department asked Camp Kateri to follow several directed health measures, including strict check-in protocol, increased sanitation, daily health checks, and the continued use of face masks.
“Ensuring a safe and healthy camp will require a strong partnership among all of us,” Koos said, but he looks forward to it.
“We cannot wait to have Kateri full of campers again; to hear their laughter, feel their devotion through prayer and worship, see new friendships being made, and watch them explore the outdoors and experience the wonder of God.”
This summer, Camp Kateri plans to host SKY Camp, Catholic Adventure Camp, and Tekakwitha Games (Editor's Note: see photos from 2016 event).
SKY Camp is a coed camp for students entering grades 5-7 and 8-9. Over three days and two nights, campers will participate in archery, campfires, a water fight, hiking, gagaball, and a variety of other group games. Spiritual lives will be filled with Mass, prayer, reconciliation and daily teachings sessions.
Catholic Adventure Camp is for students entering grades 4-6. Over two days and one night, the program uses immersive storytelling and imaginary play to help campers discover a new layer to their Catholic faith. “Knights Adventure” campers will train as knights and learn about their faith, to help defend the land from evil. “Western Adventure” campers will journey back to the Old West to lend a hand at “Lil’ Kateri Ranch,” and experience a re-telling of the “Prodigal Son.”
The Tekakwitha Games honor Saint Kateri through an Olympics-style competition that celebrates the faith. The games camp is coed, and held over three days and two nights, for students entering grades 5-9.
In the the Tekakwitha Games, campers complete contests and challenges to help their team win the “St. Kateri Cup.” Outdoor play includes capture-the-flag, archery, an “epic” water fight, and a variety of unique games. Daily encounters with the Lord include Mass, reconciliation, prayer, and adoration under the stars.
For prices, dates, registration and COVID-19 protocols, go to www.campkateri.org. Every camper receives a Kateri t-shirt, and scholarships are available.
“We recognize that the pandemic has created many hardships for families,” Koos noted, “and additional financial assistance is available.”
Volunteer counselors – students in grades 10-12 – are also needed. Counselors work directly with the campers and help deliver a spirit-filled experience. All volunteers will earn 24 to 72 school service hours, and receive a camp t-shirt. Applications can be found at www.campkateri.org.
Camp Kateri also permits rentals. To schedule a group or family event at Camp Kateri, please contact Koos at 402-319-3289; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or PO Box 127, McCool Junction, NE 68401-0127.
