Campers find something special at St. Therese’s Camp

St. Therese’s Camp in Wasilla works its way into one’s heart. Perhaps it is sling-shotting chickpeas at clay pigeons with friends. Perhaps it is seeing counselors bounce Fr. Dylan James off the “blob” and into the brilliantly shining waters of Neklason Lake. Or perhaps it is glimpsing God in the trees, in the mountains, in friends and community. There is a reason campers, counselors, and counselors in training keep coming back. 

Campers build a tipi of sticks. (Courtesy of St. Therese’s Camp)

“We’re about fun, faith, and friends, building bridges of trust to convey the faith,” says Camp Director Rudy Poglitsh, who has been at St. Therese’s Camp since 2014. 40-60 campers (grades 3rd-8th or 9th-12th) stay at camp Sunday through Friday enjoying “old-style play under supervision,” as Poglitsh says. “They get to play outside with friends like I did as a kid.” 

Campers enjoy archery, water sports, survival skills, games, dancing, singing, and growing friendships. Campers also grow their faith lives through daily Mass, Confession, and connecting with college-age Catholic counselors who live out their faith lives and desire to share their perspectives and gifts, inspire campers, and serve as models.  

Campers gather from the Matanuska-Susitna Valley, Anchorage, the Kenai Peninsula, and as far away as Texas. Some stay a week. Some come back for a second week. Some come back year after year. Some come back to help inspire another generation.

Campers pose in their tipi of sticks. (Courtesy of St. Therese’s Camp)

Poglitsh ensures his counselors have what it takes: “A four-page questionnaire and a two-hour interview minimum. Though some go for three hours if it’s a really great conversation.” Around 16 in all, split roughly equal male to female, the counselors play an important role in keeping camp running. This includes supervising activities, buildings, and counselors in training, as well as planning and guiding the morning, afternoon, and night sessions, which see campers participate in religious activities, games, and more. 

Counselors come from all over. Some come from Wisconsin, Ohio, Texas, California, but now a growing number are locals who fell in love with the camp as campers, including Jameson Hall from Kasilof. 

“Being a counselor is really a lot of fun and invigorating,” Hall says. “I really like being with the campers, connecting with them, and being there for them.” When campers return the next summer, according to Hall, “If they remember you, you know you’re doing something right.”

His family moved to Alaska from North Carolina six years ago and, like many of the counselors, learned about the camp through word of mouth. Hall himself was invited. Supervisor of Counselors in Training Caleb Wohlers of Soldotna told Hall about it several years ago. Wohlers had the same experience. Wohlers has been present at camp since before third grade and has developed a deep love for it. 

Campers balance on Lake Neklason. (Courtesy of St. Therese’s Camp)

Similarly, Program Director Claire Binz from Texas says, “This place can change your life.” She first came as a camper at the invitation of a friend. There, she says the camp and Alaska “found a small place in my heart.” She returned as a counselor in 2025 and serves as program director in 2026. Binz was more than happy to give a tour of the whole camp and reflect on all the different ways it can change someone’s life. 

“The kids are so energizing,” Binz says. She will receive her teaching certificate soon and says St. Therese’s Camp is a great opportunity to gain experience working with children. Opportunities for growth are mutual for the campers and counselors, especially when it comes to their faith. 

Campers learn how to make a campfire. (Courtesy of St. Therese’s Camp)

Fr. James, who has been present for many years at the camp, is a priest of the Diocese of Plymouth in the United Kingdom. He serves as an assistant professor at the Pontifical College Josephinum Catholic Seminary in Columbus, Ohio. He typically spends part of his summer celebrating Mass, hearing Confession, and providing spiritual direction at St. Therese’s Camp. 

During a recent Mass, he delivered a homily on how the beatitudes depict the countenance of Christ, asking campers questions that engaged them in spiritual reflection. For the counselors, Fr. James offers much direction. 

“The counselors come out as better Catholics. They have an attractive faith life to friends, family, and other people. It’s a sort of missionary kind of program,” Fr. James says.

St. Therese’s Camp is a labor of love. Supportive parents, high school-aged counselors in training, and other volunteers help with everything from serving food to assisting with activities to donating camp scholarships, making camp possible for hundreds of young people every summer.

“We want the kids to understand that a life of faith isn’t boring, isn’t tedious; it’s a relationship with Jesus. In a life of faith, you can have a lot of fun,” says Poglitsh.