A Project of the Catholic Diocese of Birmingham in Alabama
Camp Tekawitha is a little slice of wilderness in St. Claire County, Alabama. It was purchased from Mrs. Ethel Owen Zuber in 1950 to create a summer camp for Catholic boys and girls. The camp was built under the leadership of Fr. John Brunson who selected the property, raised funding and oversaw construction. Fr. Brunson also became the first camp director. At it's height, the camp had a capacity of 140 campers.
The Knights of Columbus have always been a big part of Camp Tekawitha. From the very beginning they provided material support for the operation of the camp. As time went on and the Bishop decided to get out summer camping the Knights picked up the ball and operated the camp. Taking full management responsibility, the Knights of Columbus State Council continued to serve Catholic youth for two years. For various reasons the camp was closed sometime around 1989.
In February of 2010 Bishop Robert Baker decided to begin the process of reopening the property as a location for Boy Scout camping and to provide the Kateri Circle a place to gather. The Kateri Circle is a group of Native American Catholics.
The Bishop delegated management of the camp to the Department for Catholic Education and Lifelong Formation and its Office for Youth. The director of the Office of Youth is the Camp Operations Director.
The camp is located in Southwest St. Claire County near Springville, Alabama. It is quite easy to drive into the camp but camping will require gear to be hand carried to the campsite. The property is not open to the public. Tours can be arranged but permission must be granted to enter the property - it is posted "No Trespassing." In addition there is no hunting on the property and fishing is only with express permission. Use the "Contact Us" page to let us know of your interest.
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ABOUT THAT TURTLE LOGO
The Knights of Columbus have always been a big part of Camp Tekawitha. From the very beginning they provided material support for the operation of the camp. As time went on and the Bishop decided to get out summer camping the Knights picked up the ball and operated the camp. Taking full management responsibility, the Knights of Columbus State Council continued to serve Catholic youth for two years. For various reasons the camp was closed sometime around 1989.
In February of 2010 Bishop Robert Baker decided to begin the process of reopening the property as a location for Boy Scout camping and to provide the Kateri Circle a place to gather. The Kateri Circle is a group of Native American Catholics.
The Bishop delegated management of the camp to the Department for Catholic Education and Lifelong Formation and its Office for Youth. The director of the Office of Youth is the Camp Operations Director.
The camp is located in Southwest St. Claire County near Springville, Alabama. It is quite easy to drive into the camp but camping will require gear to be hand carried to the campsite. The property is not open to the public. Tours can be arranged but permission must be granted to enter the property - it is posted "No Trespassing." In addition there is no hunting on the property and fishing is only with express permission. Use the "Contact Us" page to let us know of your interest.
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ABOUT THAT TURTLE LOGO
- The logo is in the shape of a turtle for two reasons: 1. Kateri Tekakwitha, the native American saint for whom the camp is named, belonged to the Turtle Clan of her people. 2. We have tons of turtles at camp. 3. The turtle is symbolic of many important things to the native people, it can represent "wisdom" and the creator of the world. Important reminders as we enjoy this special gift from our creator.
- The fleur de lis is of course "flower of the lily" in French. It represents Kateri who is known as the "Flower of the Mohawks."
- The CT in the middle of the logo is based on the original camp logo, still seen in the design of the main gate. In our logo the T has a special meaning, it is the "tau cross," an image often used to represent the cross of Christ.
