News

Camp Tekawitha reunion is set

By Jeff Kurowski
Compass Assistant Editor

GREEN BAY -- "It was one of the major defining experiences of my life, and I would be half the person I am now if I didn't have those experiences."

That's how Bridget Riordan of Resurrection Parish in Allouez describes the impact of summers spent both as a camper and counselor at the Green Bay Diocese's Camp Tekawitha.

Riordan and other camp alumni will revisit those experiences May 23-25 (Memorial Day weekend) at the first-ever Camp Tekawitha reunion weekend. All former campers, counselors and staff members are welcome to attend.

"I hope that everyone can recapture a little bit of what they experienced in the past," said Riordan, who now serves on the Camp Tekawitha board. "I hope when they return to camp it reminds them of the great life-changing benefits they received there. It's also a chance to see friends they haven't talked to in a long time, friends who like to talk about life around a bonfire."

The camp, which sits on the south shore of Loon Lake between Shawano and Cecil, was originally founded as a Catholic girls camp in 1926 by Rose Van Lannen. Today, the camp serves more than 1,000 youth, ages 7-14, each summer. New facilities unveiled in 2002 allow the camp to serve as a year-round retreat and conference center.

One of the benefits of the reunion weekend is to allow alumni to see the state-of-the-art facilities, which include the lodge, health center, bunkhouse and St. Francis of Assisi Chapel.

"To be honest, I had a hard time with the changes," said Riordan. "My graffiti was on the wall at the old lodge. I'm into the traditional camp where things are a little bit hard. It still has that and the chapel is gorgeous. For me personally, camp offered a spiritual awakening. I remember a seminarian referring to camp as 'God's cathedral.' You really make that connection of faith and the natural surroundings."

For Mary Piezker, who became camp director in 2006, Camp Tekawitha is home. Her parents, Bobbie and Ralph Larson, served as co-directors of the camp for 34 years. Piezker was not only a camper, but also served as a counselor and volunteer.

"I think there is an emotional connection that every child who has been to this camp feels inside," she said. "Camp is alive with the spirit of St. Therese and Kateri Tekawitha. Their presence is felt every day."

Piezker added that one of the gifts the camp provides for children is an opportunity to be themselves.

"I remember when I was a counselor, there was a girl who spent eight weeks at camp," she said. "She had struggled so much with things at home. The camp provided her a place to get away from her difficulties. You can be truly who you are there. You don't have to live up to anyone's expectations."

In addition to offering the chance for alumni to return to camp, the board hopes to build an alumni association, said Eric Blumreich, development specialist with the Catholic Foundation who is assisting with the event.

"It's not only a social opportunity, but a spiritual opportunity to stay close to something that had an impact on their lives," he said. "They can bring their families, stay for the day or the entire weekend. Even for those who cannot attend, we would like to get their contact information to build an alumni database."

A "Friends of Camp Tekawitha Annual Appeal" and an alumni newsletter are also in the works, added Blumreich.

Activities planned for the weekend include skits and songs, camp Olympics and a memory table where former campers and counselors can display photos and keepsakes.

"We also need volunteers," said Blumreich. "We need people to lead activities, help in the kitchen and help with setup and cleanup."

Riordan, who worked at the camp from 1992 to 1996, plans to bring her two children for the weekend. Her siblings, who all worked at the camp, are also expected to be there.

"They don't have a choice," she said. "I think we can fill up the cabins for this first event. The camp is such a gem. This is a good chance for people to reconnect and to offer their support for the future to make it a viable, sustainable place that lives on for more and more generations."

Piezker said she hopes her parents are there for the reunion weekend.

"If they are not there, it's not going to be the same," said Riordan. "My mother (Kathleen Riordan, who was also a camper) passed away the year after my last summer working at camp. The Larsons planted a tree in her memory. They have been like second parents to me."

Riordan was first introduced to camp through a class presentation while attending Assumption BVM School in Pulaski.

"Some of the kids at school talked about their camp experiences," she said. "I'm so glad that I decided to go."

To register for the alumni weekend or to submit information for the Camp Tekawitha alumni database, contact Eric Blumreich at (920) 272-8162, 1-877-500-3580, ext. 8162 or e-mail: eblumreich@gbdioc.org.