Local Youth & young adult

Camp Tekakwitha registration opens soon

Prairie Star Ranch, which covers nearly 300 acres in Williamsburg, has been home to adventure camps and retreat ministries since 2000. The ranch welcomes nearly 18,000 guests and hosts over 100 retreats each year. LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

by Amy Reinhardt
Special to The Leaven

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — The snow and cold temperatures have many longing for summer. For students between 5th and 12th grade, summer means Camp Tekakwitha in Williamsburg.

Msgr. Tom Tank had the original idea for the archdiocesan youth camp in the late 1960s, but it wasn’t until approaching Deacon Dana Nearmyer and his wife Debbie decades later that Camp Tekakwitha became a reality.

The camp’s nearly 300 acres has been home to the adventure camp and retreat ministry since 2000. The ranch welcomes nearly 18,000 guests and hosts over 100 retreats each year.

“Our aim is to provide a place of encounter for all our guests, where hearts are transformed by grace and sent out as full and free disciples,” said Greg Wellnitz, director of Prairie Star Ranch.

Its Catholic mission and stunning landscapes make Prairie Star Ranch perfect for Camp Tekakwitha. The camp is popular in the archdiocese because of its blend of outdoor adventure, prayerful liturgies and genuine camaraderie.

“Our big hope for campers is establishing a deeply personal relationship with Jesus and his bride the church,” said Deacon Nearmyer.

The various camps offered by the archdiocese not only focus on fun, physical activities, but also spiritual ones, giving participants a chance to grow in the faith. LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

Not only does Camp Tekakwitha host weeklong camps for students, it also organizes family camps. These invite families with kids 2 years of age and older to play and pray together at Prairie Star.

Shannon Lowe, a parishioner at St. Agnes in Roeland Park, attended Family Camp in 2023 and 2024 with her husband and two of her children, Reese and Cooper. This upcoming summer will be the first time her 2-year-old Reilly will join in on the fun.

“Camp has been impactful for my kids,” she said, “because they associate faith with fun. The staff really shows the young kids that a life with Jesus is a life full of adventure.”

Lowe learned about Camp Tekakwitha through a rave review her best friend gave in 5th grade. She became a camper the following year and returned in 7th and 8th grade. During her college years, she spent her summers as a camp counselor.

“It was one of the most transformative and positive experiences of my life,” she said.

In addition to its many faith-building opportunities, Camp Tekakwitha offers many traditional camp activities, including kayaking, canoeing, swimming, archery, rock climbing, ropes courses, mountain biking, etc.

This year will see a new addition.

“I’m thrilled to announce an exciting update to our high ropes course,” said Wellnitz. “Campers will have the opportunity to explore seven new high elements and a new entry experience, all while fostering their relationship with God and others — 30 feet in the air.”

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann chooses the camp’s theme each year. The theme is always centered on the needs of the youth.

“Pilgrims of Hope: Journeying with Christ” is the central theme for Camp Tekakwitha 2025. In today’s society, many middle and high schoolers struggle with loneliness, anxiety and depression.

Coming to a welcoming, joyful environment focused on Jesus restores hope in these campers. That’s why so many return summer after summer to soak up this rewarding, faith-centered experience. 

“As parents, we try to plant seeds of faith in our children and give the rest to God. Camp Tekakwitha is fertile ground,” said Lowe.

St. Kateri Tekakwitha is the camp’s namesake. She was a Native American with a deep respect for nature. The young convert frequented the woods to speak to the Lord and listen to his voice in nature.

The saint was only 24 years old when she died in 1680, which has made her an inspiring symbol to young people. It’s no surprise the camp is named after her.

Camp Tekakwitha has ignited hearts for nearly 30 years, and there’s no sign of slowing down. Whether returning for their second summer or attending for the first time, it’s important for parents to know the registration dates. (See below.)

Lowe said there’s no doubt her children will attend Camp Tekakwitha once they reach 5th grade. She strongly encourages her fellow parents to consider it, if they haven’t already.

“Take the leap,” said Lowe. “We invest so much time and money into extracurricular activities for our kids, but do we invest time and money into their faith? Camp Tekakwitha is a lifelong gift you are giving to yourself and to your children.”

Registration opening dates

• Jan. 28 at 9 a.m.
High School Extreme (campers entering 9th-12th grades in fall 2025), Women’s Retreat (women campers 18+) and all Family Camps

• Feb. 4 at 9 a.m.
Jr. High 7th/8th Grade Middle School Camps (campers entering 7th/8th grade in fall 2025)

• Feb. 11 at 9 a.m.
5th/6th Grade Kateri Camps (campers entering 5th/6th grade in fall 2025)

To register, go online to: archkck.org/camp-tekakwitha.

About the author

The Leaven

The Leaven is the official newspaper of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas.

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