Southern Nebraska Register
Camp Kateri Tekakwitha in McCool Junction will host its annual Starlit Lily Gala Sunday, Sept. 28.
The event starts with Sunday Mass at 4 p.m. It will continue with a camping and outdoor education experience for parents, supporters and benefactors. A cocktail hour will begin at 5 p.m. with hay rack rides and camp songs, followed by live music at 6 and dinner at 6:45 p.m. After a program, the event will conclude with a campfire and Dutch oven cobbler – a favorite of campers for years.
“Camp Kateri is a resource to the whole diocese, and we want you to be a part of it,” said Jacob Brouillette, camp director. “It has been a place of encounter for so many who have been greatly affected by their experience at camp.
“Many religious, many priests, many holy couples and families have attributed their growth in faith and pursuit of their vocations to Camp Kateri in one way or another,” he added. “What a gift we have to give to the diocese and to the future Catholics and converts in Nebraska!”
Camp Kateri aims to form young people in the joy of the Catholic life. This summer – between May 18 and Aug. 16 – the facility served 350 campers during eight events with Camp Kateri programming such as SKY Camp, and hosted many more during Marian Camp, Leadership Camp, Camp V-2, and Camp St. Michael.
Funds raised at the Gala – and support received throughout the year – will contribute toward making the camp opportunity affordable, further development of the grounds, and a larger summer staff dedicated to working with diocesan youth.
“We have increased our staff size from six in 2023, to 14 in 2024 and 2025,” Brouillette said. “It has been a much-needed change to help the culture of our summer staff so that we might thrive in our mission of serving the campers, allowing us to be more dynamic and present for our campers.”
He said staff members will host and serve the gala Sept. 28, allowing parents and benefactors to “see the life and love of mission from our staff.”
Tickets are $70 each or $600 to reserve a table of eight. Tickets for those 23 and younger are $30. RSVPs are required by Sept. 20, as seating is limited. Tickets are available at the website, www.campkateri.org. Those unable to attend who still want to support the mission may also make donations at the site.
“We want to dream big for the future of Camp Kateri,” Brouillette said. “We can now start asking, ‘How can we bring more campers? How can we make our programming and property more impactful for those who attend? How can we make sure they all grow in relationship with Jesus and see His presence here?’
“Help us to continue this mission for years.”
