Camp Kappe fosters spiritual renewal among the pines in Plantersville for young Catholics

A group of Catholic school students listen during an outdoor lesson at Camp Kappe in Plantersville. Camp Kappe, operated by the Archdiocese’s Office of Adolescent Catechesis and Evangelization, hosts weekend retreats for youth and young adults from parishes within the Archdiocese and dioceses of Austin and Beaumont and can host more than 150 guests. (Photo by Marcus Norwood/Herald)

PLANTERSVILLE — Four generations of Catholics have cherished their experiences at Camp Kappe Youth Retreat Center, where they have deepened their faith and reconnected with God, one another and His beautiful creation. Located on 130 acres of wooded land an hour north of Houston in Plantersville, the camp continues to nurture discipleship among young people today — from fifth graders to young adults.

“Through formation programs, the School of Environmental Education (S.E.E.) and young adult retreats, they come to this place to renew themselves, grow spiritually and participate in the greater mission of the Church,” said Randy Adams, executive director of Camp Kappe. “Our hope is that they will go forth to evangelize and share the Gospel in other places within the Archdiocese and beyond.”

Designated as a center for youth retreats, camping and spiritual-growth programs, Camp Kappe is operated by the Archdiocese’s Office of Adolescent Catechesis and Evangelization. Weekend retreats for youth and young adults from parishes within the Archdiocese and dioceses of Austin and Beaumont can host a little over 150 guests. A peaceful chapel provides space for Mass and prayer, while a recreational center features a pool, ping pong, foosball, air hockey, and an outdoor pavilion with basketball, volleyball, soccer and community-building games. Additional activities include archery, canoeing, a scenic nine-hole disc golf course, and nature trails for exploring the woods and observing wildlife.

At the heart of Camp Kappe’s mission is the S.E.E., an accredited program offering fifth-grade students hands-on learning experiences over a four-day stay. Students explore renewable energy, life cycles and resource conservation, and learn about humans’ impact on the environment through activities like gardening, pond studies, caring for animals and orienteering.

Amanda Smith, assistant principal at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic School, said her own experience at S.E.E. as a fifth-grade student left a deep impression, and now, as an educator, she sees those same lessons shaping a new generation of students. With so many children spending time indoors and on electronic devices, Smith finds the amount of outdoor time provided at Camp Kappe invaluable, as it gives students a chance to unplug, connect and pray together in nature.

“One of the most beneficial aspects of Camp Kappe, aside from gaining independence and bonding with their peers, is learning to be good stewards of God’s creation,” Smith said. “The camp encourages them to disconnect from screens and engage in meaningful conversations while surrounded by God’s natural beauty.” Nathaniel Wooten, director of S.E.E. at Camp Kappe, said the retreat center has served thousands of students since its establishment, including his own camping experience in 1998.

Global Village, first introduced in the 2005-2006 school year and updated in 2021, evolved from a previous activity called “Starving Breakfast.”

This program engages students in Catholic social teaching through a variety of interactive experiences. One key activity illustrates how people live in different regions worldwide, contrasting their living conditions. Students are divided into groups representing countries with varying economic levels and asked to share food items — such as beans, meat, corn, and water — to create a meal together.

This collaboration not only demonstrates the interconnectedness of global communities but also reinforces the importance of human dignity and stewardship, reflecting core Catholic values.

“They explore the importance of sharing resources and ensuring that everyone on Earth is cared for,” Wooten said. “Witnessing poverty is an education; having to share and work with others to meet their needs is a real gift. It’s a true blessing for students to realize that this is a daily reality for people around the world.”

Smith said fifth-grade classes at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton have attended S.E.E. for many decades, and she considers the program an integral part of the school’s curriculum. The most impactful lesson for her as a student was the “Starving Breakfast” activity, which emphasized the daily realities many people face and the importance of the Corporal Works of Mercy, gratitude and sharing with those in need. “I witnessed the same ‘light bulb’ moment with my students when they participated in the Global Village activity now offered,” Smith said.

After the activity, many students expressed how blessed they were to live in a country with an abundance of resources and how important it was for them to share with each other to accomplish their goal.” Camp Kappe is one of more than 60 ministries supported by the Diocesan Services Fund (DSF).

Adams said without this financial assistance, the S.E.E. program, parish retreats, and various facilities and activities would not be available. “In 1981, when the Archdiocese purchased this property, I was a high school student, so I got to experience firsthand Camp Kappe in its very beginning when it consisted of only four buildings,” Adams said. “Because of DSF, we now have this beautiful campus where not only my children but also my grandchildren can return to experience the camp. Kappe allows all parishes and schools, no matter their economic status, the ability to provide their youth a unique and wonderful retreat opportunity to commune with God.”

In addition to contributing their treasure through DSF, Adams encourages those interested in volunteering to share their time.

Volunteers help prepare the camp for summer programs, maintain trails and cabins, care for livestock, and support new initiatives, such as the upcoming launch of a STEM camp in 2025. Discover more about Camp Kappe and how to volunteer by visiting www.archgh.org/campkappe.

To donate to the DSF that supports the retreat facility and 60-plus ministries, go to www.archgh.org/DSF.

The DSF supports all ministries, including direct services and education, which rely on this critical funding. Out of each gift given to DSF, 100% of every dollar goes directly to support these ministries.