Sarah’s family didn’t know how much more they could take. Her father had just lost his job. Her mother was battling a severe Lupus flare-up. Sarah and her siblings were each facing their own health challenges, and the weight of medical bills and emotional strain left the family feeling overwhelmed and defeated.
But then, something beautiful happened.
Through the generosity of a Camp Tekakwitha campership, Sarah was able to attend summer camp. What she found there was more than just a week of fun. It was a life-changing encounter with Christ.
At Camp Tekakwitha, Sarah explored God’s creation, tried archery and kayaking, made s’mores by the fire, and most importantly, discovered the light of Jesus amid her family’s darkness. She returned home with her heart ablaze, filled with hope and a renewed sense of kindness and purpose.
Her mother shared, “The metaphor of God allowing struggles while growing new blessings—flowers in the valleys—hits me deeply. I know He hasn’t left us alone or forgotten about us. One way I know this is because Camp Tekakwitha has been our family’s ‘flowers in the valley.’ The seeds of faith planted in Sarah’s heart are starting to bloom, and it’s so amazing to witness.”
The Camp Tekakwitha Endowment: A Legacy of Faith and Transformation
Stories like Sarah’s are made possible through the Camp Tekakwitha Endowment, which supports the camp’s greatest needs—from scholarships and building improvements to year-round and summer programming. This endowment ensures that no child is turned away due to financial hardship and that the camp continues to thrive as a place of spiritual growth, community, and joy.
“When you give to the Camp Tekakwitha Endowment, you’re supporting a camp while investing in the faith journey of a child,” said Josh Diedrich, Executive Director of the Catholic Foundation. “You’re helping them encounter Christ in a way that stays with them for life. Sarah’s story is one of many. Your gift truly becomes a flower in someone’s valley.”
McKenna Runde, Executive Director of Camp Tekakwitha, has seen how their endowment has helped more children have life-changing encounters with Jesus.
“Camp Tekakwitha is a sacred space where young people encounter Jesus in the beauty of creation and the joy of community,” said Runde. “The endowment allows us to say ‘yes’ to families in need, to maintain our facilities, and to dream big for the future. Every gift helps us continue our mission of planting seeds of faith that will grow for generations.”
Creating a Legacy of Faith and Joy
Supporting the Camp Tekakwitha Endowment is a powerful way to leave a legacy rooted in faith, joy, and transformation. But it’s not the only way.
Through the Catholic Foundation, you can establish an endowment that supports the Catholic parish, school, diocesan ministry, or organization that has shaped your life and your faith. Whether your heart is drawn to youth ministry, outdoor evangelization, or helping families in need, your legacy can reflect the values and causes you hold dear.
By planning today, you ensure that future generations of campers will continue to encounter Christ, grow in faith, and experience the beauty of God’s creation.
For more than 25 years, the Catholic Foundation has helped families across northeastern Wisconsin leave a legacy of faith by supporting Catholic ministries and building a culture of compassion, excellence, and hope.
If you’d like to explore how you can create your own Catholic legacy, contact Josh Diedrich at 920-272-8197 or email [email protected].
Your gift can make a lasting impact for faith, for families, and for generations to come.