Camp Kateri Tekakwitha, located near McCool Junction in southern York County, Nebraska, offers young people an opportunity to explore their Catholic faith in an outdoor setting. Established by four couples from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Newman Center 50 years ago, the camp provides a range of activities that blend adventure with spiritual growth.

The Diocese of Lincoln purchased the site in 1998 to create a permanent location for Sky Camps and other outdoor Catholic camps. Activities include archery, gaga ball, obstacle courses, and water fights. New additions for 2025 feature high school camps, zip lines, slip-and-slide kickball, and rosary-making events.

Chere Kane, one of the camp's cofounders, stated: “We wanted to share the love of Jesus in the teachings of His Church.” The camp moved locations over time before settling on its current 80-acre site.

Jacob Brouillette serves as Camp Kateri's program director. He emphasizes that "Jesus does not desire a life of monotony," and describes the camp as offering "joy, freedom and adventure." Father Harlan Waskowiak is both spiritual advisor and executive director. He highlights the benefits of disconnecting from technology at Camp Kateri: “It allows them to broaden their horizons...especially in their Catholic faith.”

Leadership Camp is a weeklong event for altar servers entering grades 6-9. Father Jonah Brox credits his discernment toward priesthood to his experiences there: “The camp helped me to fall in love with the faith.”

Marian Camp aims to help junior high girls encounter God's love through prayer and activities like archery and crafts. Sister Kateri Toler noted: “These moments are beautiful opportunities to step back and enjoy...the Church is fully alive.”

Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, Camp Kateri has grown thanks to contributions from various volunteers and supporters. The recent "Starlit Lily Gala" fundraiser raised nearly $8,000 for operations.

Brouillette envisions further development for Camp Kateri with plans for new facilities and activities aimed at enhancing community engagement while fostering spiritual growth.