by John Sorce
john.sorce@theleaven.org
WILLIAMSBURG — For more than 25 years, Prairie Star Ranch here has helped young people encounter Christ and grow in their faith. Now, it is preparing to enter its next chapter.
The longtime archdiocesan camp and retreat center will become a self-governed Catholic nonprofit organization, effective July 1, positioning it to expand that mission in the years ahead.
As part of this next chapter, Prairie Star Ranch will be separately incorporated as its own nonprofit organization (501(c)(3)) and is recognized as a Separate Juridic Person under canon law.
This will give the ranch the flexibility to grow and manage operations while better helping young people encounter Jesus Christ, in fidelity to the Church’s guidance.
“Even as a separate nonprofit, we remain in full communion with the archdiocese. This is not a separation, but a strengthening of our shared mission to serve young people, families and parishes,” said ranch executive director Greg Wellnitz. “The ranch continues to be supported by the archdiocese through the annual Call to Share appeal, and we remain deeply connected to serve parishes, families and young people.”
“The transition of Prairie Star Ranch is the result of the success and natural maturation of the ranch after 26 years of serving youth through evangelization,” added Archbishop Shawn McKnight. “It will still be a Catholic entity, with the archbishop serving as the sole member of the new civil corporation with certain reserved powers to ensure its Catholic identity and continuity of mission.
“I am grateful for Gregory agreeing to serve as its first executive director, and Deacon Dana Nearmyer, who is one of the founders of the ranch, for serving as director of camps and development.”
The ranch will serve as the head of three ministries moving forward: Camp Tekakwitha, retreat ministry and Rural Youth Ministry Outreach.
Together, these efforts will position Prairie Star Ranch as a regional hub where young people encounter Christ, parishes are strengthened and leaders are formed.
Camp Tekakwitha will continue to offer its high-energy, faith-filled summer experience, while retreats and parish outreach extend that impact throughout the year and into communities that often have limited access to youth ministry resources.
While the structure will be a bit different, the ranch’s core mission of providing first-generation encounters with Christ will remain the same.
“It’s a beautiful thing when the continuity of a mission is kept intact,” said Deacon Nearmyer. “Even though we’re going through a new phase, we still have the same drive and mission.”
“Not everything has to be from the chancery to be ‘Catholic,’” said Archbishop McKnight. “We have several other examples, such as School of Faith, School of Love, Catholic Cemeteries and Catholic Charities, all of which function as Catholic entities, but as with this new change for Prairie Star Ranch, operate as separately incorporated entities outside of the chancery offices of the archdiocese.”
The ranch will continue to be a place where its guiding principle remains to create an environment where conversion among youth is likely to occur.
“We’ve learned over the last quarter century what helps a young person begin to take ownership of their faith,” Deacon Nearmyer said. “The parents give the example, and we want to triangulate their wishes. Our goal is to create these environments where conversion is likely. We want to do that on-site, but we then want young people to take it home and live it in their daily lives.
“We feel like we’re going to be able to better support parents in fostering faith at home while providing retreats and camp experiences. We want to be three prongs with one mission.”
One new aspect will be the introduction of a board of directors, which will include several members of an advisory group that was started about a year ago.
“This is bigger than our vision,” Deacon Nearmyer said. “About a year ago, we convened an advisory group of longtime supporters and people with a great vision of Kingdom-building.
“We’re including those people and adding directors who will have the guidance and power for governance of the ranch.”
“[Wellnitz and Deacon Nearmyer] will be surrounded by a trusted board and key advisors who are strong supporters and advocates for Prairie Star Ranch,” said Father Mike Hawken, vicar general and moderator of the curia. “This new leadership model, along with retaining all current staff members, will be the foundation for continued growth.”
The ranch was co-founded by Deacon Nearmyer and Father Thomas Tank, who believes the ranch’s new direction will help it continue to thrive.
“I think Archbishop McKnight wants to elevate the standing and responsibility of sub-ministries like Prairie Star Ranch,” Father Tank said. “By having them be incorporated and freestanding emphasizes they are distinct, yet still very much part of the Catholic ministry of the archdiocese.
“Prairie Star Ranch has made a positive contribution in helping young people grow in their faith, and it will continue to grow into the future.”
Deacon Nearmyer hopes to continue to see generations bring their children to camp.
“It’s all about relationships,” he said. “My favorite thing is when former campers bring their kids back and share their stories. It’s powerful to see the continuation of faith and formation across generations.”
Wellnitz is looking forward to continuing to build those relationships.
“This structure allows us to respond more directly to the needs of young people and parishes, so that more young people can encounter Christ and grow in their faith. It ensures that our programs can continue to grow while remaining fully aligned with the church’s mission,” Wellnitz said.
“We are grateful for the partnership of the archdiocese and the trust of the communities we serve,” he said. “Our hope is that this next chapter allows even more young people to encounter Christ and carry that faith into their families and parishes.”
