Serving our teen campers
Camp Tekakwitha's leadership program serves our oldest campers through a variety of
session options during the summer months.
Our goal is to help form young Catholic leaders who are active missionary disciples of their parishes, schools, and communities in a world that tells them differently. These young campers are the future! We are honored to help form them in faith, leadership, and personal growth.
teen leadership session options
Each of our leadership sessions are available for various ages as indicated below. These programs do not need to be followed in order, but they do build upon one another and are great stepping stones to follow for growth!
leaderquest i (ages 14-15)
Our LeaderQuest I program is designed to provide teens ages 14-15 the opportunity for growth in personal and team leadership through unique camp experiences and off-site activities.
LQI includes whitewater rafting, an overnight camping trip, teambuilding programs, and more!
Leaderquest II (ages 15-16)
The next step! LeaderQuest II involves further opportunity for growth in teambuilding with a focus on servant leadership. The session includes a high ropes course, overnight camping trip, and service work.
The skills developed will continue to make campers more capable leaders and help prepare them to serve in greater roles at Camp or at home.
Explorers (ages 15-17)
Explorers is a program for campers who seek adventure! Through the program, a small group of campers will travel off-site and embark on a four-day backpacking trip, complete with hiking, camping, and canoeing adventures. They are given the opportunity to grow in leadership, team building, and conflict resolution.
The goal of this program is to help campers develop character, learn the value of nature, grow stronger in faith, and gain confidence in leadership. Participants will be challenged physically, mentally, and spiritually while receiving tools to grow.
counselor in training (ages 16-17)
Our CIT program consists of one full-week training session to learn the ropes of being a counselor at Camp Tek. The counselors-in-training then spend one full week of summer camp working with our campers in a cabin as an "assistant counselor."
This is a great opportunity for growth in leadership, hopefully paving the way for a future role as a Camp Tek counselor!
leadership program faq
If we don't answer your particular question, please reach out to us via email and one of our team members will get back to you soon!
No! These programs do not need to be followed in order, but they do build upon one another and are great stepping stones to follow for growth! Consider the age of your child and their interests (do they love more outdoor adventure to consider Explorers?) and then reach out to us if you're still questioning what would be a good fit for your camper.
After you register, you will receive a confirmation email with a parent packet attached. This packet is specific to our leadership programs and includes a packing list, general itinerary, and other helpful information for your preparation!
If you have specific questions before registering, please reach out to our team.
Yes! Each program begins and ends the week here on-site. Depending on the session, the group will be off-site (at state parks, nature centers, or other set locations) anywhere between 2-4 days during their week.
Leadership campers still have the great opportunity to join our younger campers on-site in game of the night, trading post, Mass, and other beloved Camp activities, just for a slightly shorter amount of time.
Whether the group is on-site or off-site, they are camping in tents or hammocks for the week! They are provided with all the resources they need to have a great week embracing God's creation!
WINTER LEADERSHIP RETREAT
Check In: Friday, February 13th from 6-7 PM
Check Out: Sunday, February 15th at 3 PM
This experience is designed uniquely for teen high school students and draws from our summer leadership program concepts. The weekend will include time for community, formation talks, games, adoration, Mass, and all the traditional Camp fun. Stay tuned for the announcement of some great speakers for the weekend!
Come connect with new or old leadership program friends and grow in your faith together at our teen leadership retreat!
Open to teens ages 14-17!
What's the cost?
Registration for the 2026 teen leadership retreat will consist of a $175 fee per camper. This fee will include all food, housing, speakers, and programming for the weekend.
How do I register?
Please visit Ultra Camp to register your teen camper for this retreat weekend! Space is limited, so grab your spot and invite a friend!
