Camp Wojtyla

Camp Wojtyla is a wilderness camp serving Middle School and High School youth ages 10–19 years of age. The program is licensed and regulated as a “Resident Camp” by the  Colorado Office of Early Childhood (Child Care Licensing Division) and the Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). 

Many people ask us, what makes us different from other camps? There are wonderful camps out there— Scott and I grew up going to a variety of these fun and enriching camps. But, why, if there are so many great camps out there, did we start Camp Wojtyla? The answer is simple, we wanted it ALL. Many camps and outdoor programs offer incredible high adventure experiences like rock climbing and mountaineering. Still other camps offer faith formation and inspire growth in one's relationship with God. Some even offer them all throughout the same week... after you rock climb you'll learn a little about Jesus. We wanted to teach about our Lord, Jesus Christ and the life He has called us to WHILE rock climbing— engage the big questions of life AS we whitewater raft— KNOW what it is to depend on your brother in Christ within the adventure experience at hand. We wanted BOTH the amazing adventure experience AND the faith formation— TOGETHER. At Camp Wojtyla we seek to INTEGRATE the Catholic faith with adventure.

We know first hand just how much adventure can teach us about Jesus Christ, the Church He founded and the life He has called us to. We know how important it is to know one's faith, to read and understand the scriptures, and to have solid fellowship with other Catholics. We also know that extensive research points to the positive effects of outdoor experiences on self awareness, confidence, and leadership skills. Our lives are not compartmentalized, so why should camp be? St. Therese of the Child Jesus is quoted as saying "I choose all" when faced with a choice of many extreme goods. At Camp Wojtyla, we choose ALL— adventure and faith formation, integrated seamlessly— and that is what makes all the difference.

-Annie Powell, Founder & Director

Camp Wojtyla was launched by FOCUS, the Fellowship of Catholic University Students, in 2007 under the direction of Annie and Scott Powell, both of whom served as FOCUS missionaries. Annie attended and worked at several camps within the United States and felt an urge at the young age of fifteen to consider starting a camp that would help people know and love God in deep and profound ways within a wilderness setting. In 2004, Annie pitched the idea to FOCUS's president, Curtis Martin, who fully supported it, encouraged her to pursue advanced studies, and helped set Camp Wojtyla's path towards success. There were MANY committed people along the way, who shared this dream of starting a Catholic adventure program. Camp Wojtyla was born because of the passions and skills of these individuals. In 2010, the great success of Camp Wojtyla led us to launch our own non-profit organization, and Camp Wojtyla officially became it's own 501(C)(3), Camp Wojtyla, Inc.  

Named after Saint Pope John Paul II, who loved to minister to young people in the outdoors, Camp Wojtyla (pronounced voy-tee-wa) is a Catholic adventure program located on 1,200 pristine acres of wilderness in the heart of the Colorado Rockies. We believe that adventure experiences can be one of the most powerful tools for self-discovery and personal and spiritual growth. Climbing up a 13,000 foot mountain, our students learn perseverance, teamwork, and experience first hand God's glorious creation amidst breathtaking views.  

Everything at Camp Wojtyla is intentionally designed to bring out the best in each camper— and to bring each person into a closer relationship with God. We believe that this then empowers each camper to grow in their relationships with others (known as interpersonal skills, being a “person for others”), within themselves (interpersonal awareness, growing in virtue) and with the created world. Here at Camp Wojtyla, we sleep in Teepees, not cabins, as a Teepee allows one to hear the sounds of nature and view amazing starry nights. Each day has a variety of adventure activities designed to challenge, empower, and encourage each student to be the man or woman of God that he or she was created to be.