Growing together in faith, joy at Camp Kappe

An instructor at Camp Kappe’s School of Environmental Education explains various plants in the camp’s green garden to a group of fifth-grade students attending a four-day visit at the camp near St. Mary Parish in Plantersville in Grimes County. (Herald file photo)PLANTERSVILLE — Away from the rush of school, work and busy schedules, Camp Kappe is a youth retreat facility and a sacred place where young people encounter Christ through nature, worship, prayer and the simple gift of being together. 

“Camp Kappe is a joyful place,” said Randy Adams, executive director. “We cry out for joy because our young people get to experience the warmth of Christ by seeing him in others and in creation.” 

Camp Kappe operates under the Archdiocese’s Office of Adolescent Catechesis and Evangelization, which provides formation, resources and opportunities for youth and young adults to grow as disciples.  

Adams, who first came to Camp Kappe as a camper over four decades ago, said the facility now welcomes more than 150 guests on weekends from parishes across Galveston-Houston and other dioceses. Along with lodging and a chapel for worship and prayer, the grounds invite young people to walk the trails, gather in the recreational center, or spend time outdoors observing wildlife, playing sports, and trying activities like archery, canoeing and disc golf.  

In addition to parish programs, the groups attending retreats at Camp Kappe include those spending weekends discerning a vocation to the priesthood or religious life, Confirmation retreats, diocesan scouting groups and religious order organizations. 

One group that recently attended a retreat at Camp Kappe was the Archdiocesan Youth Council, composed of high school leaders who help plan youth programs. 
Among them was Mason Collette, a parishioner from St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Houston, who said he was struck by how quickly he found a community of like-minded teenagers, where faith-filled conversations deepened spiritual connections. 

In addition to celebrating Mass, praying together and reading Scripture, one of Collette’s favorite moments at the retreat was the Saturday evening bonfire filled with skits and laughter, followed by time in the recreation center for games and fellowship. 

“Camp Kappe is incredible, both the people you’re with and the facility,” Collette said. “The experience brings everyone together. We’re all in different places and acknowledge it, but we know we are like-minded and trying to grow.” 

Like Collette, the staff also witnesses the impact of Camp Kappe in unique ways. On weekends, Kasie Schuler helps with hospitality and cooking for retreat groups, where she often sees the youths’ strong faith in action as they notice and encourage peers who may be struggling. 

“I really like to see the kids and their faith, and how they all come together, work together and support each other,” said Schuler.
 
She said the joy of Camp Kappe is not only watching campers support one another but also experiencing how they care for her and the staff. Whether lending a hand in the kitchen or offering words of thanks, their appreciation reflects a strong faith that strengthens her own and inspires her to serve others. 

“I see a little bit of God in everyone here, and I think that’s amazing,” Schuler said. “It just makes me feel good to be able to do something that makes a difference.” 

Another important part of Camp Kappe’s mission is the School of Environmental Education (S.E.E.), an accredited school that brings fifth-grade students each year for four days of hands-on learning. Students tend gardens, care for animals, explore pond studies, and discover God’s creation through lessons in renewable energy, life cycles and conservation. 

“When you see a young person at the S.E.E. encounter a chicken, goat or pig for the first time, or gather eggs from the chicken coop, it gives them a new way to interact with God’s creation,” Adams said. “It brings them happiness.” 

He said the faithful who contribute to the Diocesan Services Fund (DSF) directly support the S.E.E. program and retreats. DSF provides funding for more than 60 ministries throughout the Archdiocese. 

“It’s a remarkable gift for young people and parishes, especially those who may never have had the opportunity to visit a retreat center, to come to Camp Kappe,” Adams said. “Here, they can deepen and enrich their faith while being surrounded by the beauty of God’s creation. This sacred space offers not just spiritual renewal, but a chance to connect with nature and community in a truly transformative way.” 

He said thanks to the generous contributions of the faithful to DSF, the ministry has kept the retreat center going strong since 1981 and continues to provide new experiences for young people. 

As for those who may be considering attending a retreat at Camp Kappe, Collette offered some encouragement of his own. 

“Prepare yourself to step out of your comfort zone but understand you’re going to have a great time doing it,” Collette said. “Don’t be afraid to embarrass yourself because there’s a lot of opportunity to make friends. The more you put yourself out there, the more fun you’re going to have and the closer you’re going to grow toward God and with other people.” 

To learn more about Camp Kappe and S.E.E., visit archgh.org/campkappe. To contribute to the 2025 Annual DSF Appeal, which supports 63-plus ministries requiring critical funding, visit archgh.org/dsf. 

Every dollar donated to the DSF directly supports vital ministries that provide education and formation opportunities or deliver much-needed direct service to those in the Archdiocese.