Youth • Families • Communities
A star-shaped compass rose with four points, colored in brown with a white circle at the center, set against a black background.

Who We Are

Prairie Star serves youth, families, schools, parishes, and communities through Camp Tekakwitha, Retreat Ministry, and Rural Outreach. Through prayer, community, adventure, and the sacraments, we create environments where encounters with Jesus Christ are likely.

Explore Our Camps
Explore Our Facilities
Explore Our Facilities
A stylized star-shaped compass rose with a dot in the center on a white background. 
Mary, star of the prairie, pray for us

Authentically Catholic

We are intrinsically and boldly Catholic. The sacramental life—anchored in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, regular confession, and Eucharistic Adoration—is the heartbeat of all three ministries. We operate in full fidelity to the Magisterium of the Catholic Church. Our shared patroness is Mary, Star of the Prairie. It is our constant prayer that her maternal intercession guides every counselor, retreatant, camper, and parish leader into a deeper relationship with her Son, Jesus Christ.

Marble sculpture of a woman, a man, and a child, with the woman and man holding a staff with a flower and a spear, respectively, against dark background. 
Faith. adventure. encounter.

One Mission. Countless Encounters.

Prairie Star Ranch exists to help youth and families encounter Christ and connect with His Church through the beauty of creation, authentic community, and life-changing experiences. Through Camp Tekakwitha, Retreat Ministry, and Rural Outreach, we accompany people of every age as they grow in faith, embrace adventure, and deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ.

Today, Prairie Star Ranch serves as a self-governed Catholic nonprofit in communion with the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. While our organizational structure has evolved to strengthen and sustain our ministry for the future, our mission remains unchanged: creating places where encounters with Christ become lasting discipleship.

A group of five young women smiling and standing close together outdoors during daytime, with a house and trees in the background. They are wearing casual sports t-shirts and shorts, each with a name tag and backpack.
A group of five young women smiling and standing close together outdoors during daytime, with a house and trees in the background. They are wearing casual sports t-shirts and shorts, each with a name tag and backpack. 
The Prairie Star journey
A compass rose with a white circle at the center, four points extending outward in north, south, east, and west directions, all colored in brownish-red, with black background

Every encounter is a step toward mission

Prairie Star believes that authentic community, meaningful challenge, prayer, and sacramental life help people become more open to the work of the Holy Spirit. We accompany people along this journey and help draw them more deeply into the life of the Church.

Learn More About Camps
Group of smiling people lying on the floor, some making peace signs, in a circle.
A person wearing a helmet climbing a ropes course with a safety harness, surrounded by a climbing net and trees under a clear blue sky.
Colorful kayaks lined up on a rocky shore by a body of water with trees in the background and a cloudy sky overhead.
Person climbing an outdoor wooden rock climbing wall wearing a safety helmet and harness.
Group of children wearing helmets and standing with bicycles outdoors on a grassy area, smiling and making peace signs.
Three smiling young adults standing outdoors with trees in the background. They are wearing casual clothing, backpacks, and have face paint and accessories, indicating they are at a sports event or festival.
People in swimsuits playing and splashing in a lake near a waterslide and a water trampoline under a clear sky.
Two glass bottles, one filled with red liquid and the other with clear liquid, are placed on a wooden surface next to a gold bowl filled with sliced white cheese.
A brown horse with a black mane stands in a fenced outdoor riding arena, wearing a saddle and purple bridle, with trees and a building in the background under partly cloudy skies.
A person creating a blue and white artwork, with art supplies and paper on a checkered red and white table.
Child girl aiming an arrow at an archery target outdoors, with other targets set up on stands and a woman standing in the background.
A band performing on stage with multiple musicians playing guitars and drums, in front of a crowd making heart shapes with their hands, inside a wooden-paneled room with windows and outdoor greenery visible.
Two smiling young men standing on a sandy beach at a lake, wearing life jackets and swim trunks, with water and trees in the background. People are in the water and on a floating platform in the distance.
White marble sculpture of a woman, a man holding a stick, and a child, set against a dark background.
Two young girls in pink T-shirts with a logo, wearing bike helmets, standing with their bicycles outdoors on a sunny day, smiling at the camera.
Two girls sitting outdoors under a large tree, smiling and enjoying each other's company. 
Our journey & heritage

Rooted in Faith, Built for Community

From a humble equestrian property in 1998 to a thriving 300-acre sanctuary, explore how Prairie Star Ranch and Camp Tekakwitha have grown through twenty-five years of faith, outdoor adventure, and community.

A person lighting candles in front of a display of religious icons and portraits, including saints and Jesus, inside a church or chapel.
Group of young girls posing and smiling by a tree near a river with outdoor gear around.

Come and see where faith comes alive

A person sliding down a water slide with their hands up, wearing a yellow life jacket and colorful swimwear, with water splashing around.
Group of six smiling teenagers standing outdoors on grass with trees in the background, dressed in casual summer clothing and accessories, in a park or open field.

Contact Us Today

A compass rose with a white circle at the center, four points extending outward in north, south, east, and west directions, all colored in brownish-red, with black background

We would love to hear from you! If you have any questions about Prairie Star, our facilities, or our programs, please don't hesitate to reach out. Fill out the form below with your details, and a member of our ministry team will get back to you as soon as possible.