Ah, summer camp memories. Did you think it was the best week of your life when you were 10, or was that just me?
Swimming in the pool, canoeing in the lake, pranks, games, sports, daily Mass, praying the Rosary with your cabin …
Wait, daily Mass and Rosary at summer camp? That’s what my sleepaway camp had, and time with God was woven into the fun so seamlessly. It was a really beautiful week, and a total blast!
A Catholic summer camp is an experience like none other. If you’d like your child (or grandchild, godchild, student, favorite niece or nephew) to have the amazing and maybe even life-changing experience of going to a great Catholic summer camp, check out these gems below!
We’ve divided the camps by region to make it easy to find one near you. (And a disclaimer: This list came recommended from Catholic parents, but Aleteia staff have not personally visited or attended these camps.)
West
Camp Wojtyla, Colorado, runs 16 different single-sex programs for middle school and high school.
“Camp Wojtyla (voy-tee-wa) is a Catholic outdoor adventure program nestled in the heart of the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Camp Wojtyla leads and challenges young people through adventures in the wilderness into a joyful and transformative relationship with Jesus Christ and His Church. Here, students live out of teepees and taste Colorado adventure through a series of expert-led excursions. We believe that creation, God’s first book, is one of our greatest teachers. Through the integration of incredible adventure experiences with faith formation, we teach about God and His Church in order to bring out the best in each individual.”
Annunciation Heights, Colorado, offers programs for boys and girls in grades 4-12, and family camps.
Annunciation Heights is a youth and family camp and retreat center located in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. We provide a place and program for youth, young adults and families to withdraw from a hectic and busy culture and come to know and experience a true friendship with Jesus.
Legendary Lodge, Montana, offers single-sex and co-ed programs for middle school and high school.
“Legendary Lodge Camps affirm the great Truths of the Catholic Faith for campers during a week-long adventure of fun and friendship. Salmon Lake is the setting for creating memories, building friendships and experiencing God’s profound love.”
St. Michael’s Abbey Summer Camp, California, is for boys ages 7-14 and run by the Norbertine Fathers.
“Where all boys have fun!”
Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Camp, Oklahoma, offers programs for boys and girls in grades 4-12.
“Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Camp exists to form and equip young people to not only keep the faith, but to embrace it wholeheartedly. Saint John Paul II was famous for saying that “life with Christ is a wonderful adventure,” and this adventure is what we invite campers to live during camp and beyond. Campers will come to know that the Christian life is not an outdated set of rules but a life of freedom and abundant joy.”
Midwest
Catholic Youth Summer Camp, Ohio, offers programs for boys and girls in high school.
“Live the adventure through high adventure activities leading to a high adventure faith.”
Camp Sancta Maria, Michigan, offers programs for boys and girls ages 8-16.
“Your son or daughter will experience 1-2 weeks full of fun, personal growth, and spiritual development.”
Pine Hills Camp, Michigan, offers programs for boys and girls.
“Pine Hills is a Catholic camp sponsored by Renewal Ministries. This year will be our 37th summer of bringing youth together for a week of faith alive in the Spirit, authentic friendships, and outdoor adventure.”
Camp Kateri Tekakwitha, Kansas, offers programs for boys and girls in middle school and high school.
“Camp Kateri Tekakwitha combines demanding outdoor activities with powerful, spiritual instruction bringing about a unique encounter with God. Although our adventure activities are memorable, often the love that campers experience through prayer is what they remember most.”
Institute of Christ the King Youth Summer Camps, Wisconsin, offer programs for boys and girl ages 9-17.
“Camps foster holy friendships among like-minded youth and encourage them to pursue the devout life with courage.”
Camp Gray, Wisconsin, offers programs for boys and girls from second grade up to freshman year of college.
“We foster an experience of what is real through Christ-centered community, outdoor living, and moments of true joy.”
Camp Tekakwitha, Wisconsin, offers programs for boys and girls ages 6-17.
“We are so blessed to work with youth to help them encounter Christ through the beauty of creation, the gift of community, and the joys of deep friendships. Join us this summer!”
Catholic Youth Expeditions, Wisconsin, offers programs for middle school, high school, and young adults.
“A Catholic Apostolate with a Mission: To Encounter Jesus Christ and Foster Catholic Christian Community through expedition retreats of prayer, proclamation of the Gospel, and outdoor adventure.”
Camp Wynncliff, Wisconsin, is for boys aged 10-15.
“Campers will gain knowledge and experience in wood-working, electronics or computer software programming under the direction of volunteer men. Outside of class, campers are under the supervision of young adult male role models and will attend daily Mass along with other daily devotions and participate in team sports and enjoy fun night games to include a scavenger hunt.”
Camp Tuck, Wisconsin, is for girls entering grades 6-9.
“Camp Tuck and Tiny Tuck are fun-filled summer leadership camps for girls offering a program of character building, sports, recreation and faith formation. Their aim is to encourage and develop the virtues necessary for becoming a positive influence on family, friends and society.”
South
The Pines Catholic Camp, Texas, offers programs for boys and girls from second grade to high school.
“The Pines offers a unique overnight summer camp experience that lasts from Sunday afternoon through Saturday morning. We have fun camp games and songs, plenty of activities to try, and lots of opportunities to meet new lifelong friends. Where we differ from other camps is in our genuine Catholic identity. We offer opportunities to grow in faith all through the beauty of the Sacraments.”
Tecaboca Camp, Texas, offers programs for boys and girls in grades 2-8.
“Fun and Friendship should define every summer camp. Add in the ingredient of our summer camp Catholic core values, and you have Tecaboca.”
Blossom Bluebonnet Girls Camp, Texas, offers programs for girls ages 8-13.
“Our mission is to help girls blossom in their authentic Catholic faith, realize the beauty of a religious vocation, and find friendships that will last a lifetime to create support to follow their path God has prepared for them. The girls will find joy, happiness, and peace while having fungoing on mud runs, playing water games, hiking, low-ropes, crafting, and singing around the evening campfires.”
Camp Chosatonga, North Carolina, offers programs for boys in grades 2-12.
“Located in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, our camp family is dedicated to giving every child opportunities to make life-long friendships, to enjoy adventures and the challenges of our varied activities, and to grow in resilience and faith within a consistent framework of Christian ideals.”
Camp Kahdalea, North Carolina, offers programs for girls in grades 2-12.
“Located in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, our camp family is dedicated to giving every child opportunities to make life-long friendships, to enjoy adventures and the challenges of our varied activities, and to grow in resilience and faith within a consistent framework of Christian ideals.”
San Pedro Center, Florida, offers programs for boys and girls in elementary school, middle school, and high school.
“Be transformed by faith, friends and fun!”
Gasper River Catholic Camp, Kentucky, offers programs for boys and girls in grades 3-12.
“The Gasper River Catholic Camp and Retreat Center’s mission is to extend the Diocesan mission through enhancing family life by providing safe, enjoyable, and spiritually enriching experiences within the Catholic tradition aimed at building faith community and Catholic commitment.”
Blessed Carlo Acutis Catholic Youth Adventure Camp, West Virginia, offers programs for boys and girls in grades 3-12.
“Grow with us in the infinite love of Christ in the beautiful hills of West Virginia. Are you hoping to grow in your faith? The Blessed Carlo Acutis Youth Camp, affectionately known as Camp Carlo, is dedicated to leading young people to Christ & His Church. Join us as we grow in Christ’s love while backpacking up a mountain, horse riding through hidden trails, sliding down mystic waterfalls and humbling ourselves in front of the true Presence of our Lord during Mass and Adoration.”
Northeast
Morning Star Summer Camp, New Hampshire, offers programs for girls.
“The summer months find the rustic yet gorgeous acreage of Montfort Retreat alive with campers from across the country, learning to live and love their Faith in these simple yet irresistible camp programs. The programs for young adults such as Morning Star Leadership Camp and Montfort Youth Retreat enrich the lives of seriously Catholic teens and have borne fruit in society and with vocations.”
Montfort Boys Camp, New Hampshire, offers programs for boys.
“The summer months find the rustic yet gorgeous acreage of Montfort Retreat alive with campers from across the country, learning to live and love their Faith in these simple yet irresistible camp programs. The programs for young adults such as Morning Star Leadership Camp and Montfort Youth Retreat enrich the lives of seriously Catholic teens and have borne fruit in society and with vocations.”
Camp Fatima for Boys, New Hampshire, offers programs for boys ages 6-15.
“Guided by our Catholic faith we provide a fun and engaging outdoor camping experience where campers and staff learn new skills and grow in faith, confidence, and friendship.”
Camp Bernadette for Girls, New Hampshire, offers programs for girls ages 6-15.
“Guided by our Catholic faith we provide a fun and engaging outdoor camping experience where campers and staff learn new skills and grow in faith, confidence, and friendship.”
Camp Marist, New Hampshire, offers co-ed programs for ages 6-16.
“For over 70 years, Camp Marist has nurtured campers’ personal growth in faith, mind, body and friendship through a wide variety of activities and a welcoming, family-like atmosphere.”
Camp Mattakeesett, New Hampshire, offers programs for girls.
“These five days offer great opportunities to learn about our faith and to grow as individuals.”
Pacific
St. Therese’s Camp, Alaska, offers programs for girls and boys in grades 3-12.
“Our summer program is filled with adventure, challenge, a vibrant and beautiful environment, and the joy of the Catholic faith.”
Honolulu Surf Camp, Hawaii, offers programs for boys and girls ages 13 and up.
“Honolulu Surf Camp combines expert surfing instruction with Catholic faith and values.”
Multiple Locations
Camp Veritas offers programs for boys and girls ages 12-18. Locations include Ireland, Maryland, Florida, and New York.
“Camp Veritas is a one week sleep away pilgrimage experience for teens. The recipe is play-and-pray with a full immersion in the Catholic Faith through sacraments and activities.”
And today we celebrate...