About

CAMP MONAHAN’S HISTORY

Established in 1945 & Located on the south shores of Lake Katepwa in the beautiful Qu’Appelle Valley, Camp Monahan becomes a temporary home to many youngsters and staff in the form of a Christian summer recreation youth camp each year.  Camp Monahan is owned by the Archdiocese of Regina and operated by the Camp Monahan Association.

The beautiful, 50-acre site of the camp owes its birth to scouting.  In 1941, A.G. (Bert) Morris, then the scoutmaster of Scared Heart troop, discovered Sheep’s Point on an overnight trip with the scouts.  Liking the spot, he took his troop for a two-week camping trip to the property the following year.  Soon inter-parochial camping developed with Bert Morris as Camp Chief and Monseigneur Anthony Gocki acting as Chaplain, business manager and swimming instructor.

Archbishop Monahan was so impressed by a report sent to him in the mid 40′s about the realities and possibilities of this camp for Catholic youth, that he decided it should be purchased.  A subsidiary of CPR, Canada Colonization sold the 400 acres for $1500.  cash.  Tenant, H.G. Schill bought 350 acres leaving the Archdiocese with 50 acres of waterfront.

The guide and scout camp evolved into a children’s camp in 1945 and was subsequently named “Camp Monahan”.  In 1948 the Knights of Columbus took over sponsorship.  Improvements were rapidly seen – a comprehensive camping program was set up, improved access, dining hall, and 10 cabins for campers and six for leaders.  Also, a chapel, boathouse and diving tower were all constructed.  A craft hall was opened in 1962 and in 1975 the Archdiocese funded an Olympic-size swimming pool.

In 1981 the Knights bowed out of the director operations but continue to be active sponsors  The Camp Monahan Association, a non-profit corporation, took over the operation of the camp at that time.  This organization includes various individuals working in a volunteer capacity who believe in providing a Christian camping experience to children of all walks of life.

Throughout the 1980′s a number of other changes have taken place.  The dining hall, no longer considered safe, became a temporary craft hall as renovations were made to the existing craft hall becoming the dining hall/kitchen facility.  This building was dedicated to the founder of Camp Monahan, Monseigneur Gocki.  In 1989, Our Lady of Sorrows church from Fort Qu’Appelle was moved to camp in two sections; one as a new craft hall and the other a new three-room staff/camper cabin, both located at Lakeshore.  Various other improvements, including cosmetics, have taken place throughout the years, with the majority of the camp retaining its original look.  The camp facilities are available on a rental basis to individual groups, schools, etc prior to and proceeding our camping season.

The camping program has also undergone some changes to meet the needs of children and families.  Since the mid 1980′s, co-educational camping has proven popular for 8-13 year olds, while Scamper camps for 6-7 year olds has evolved along with a new Mini-Camp for first time campers. Expanded programs for the 13-14 year olds has been introduced: Junior Challenge hiking trip, Senior Challenge canoe trip, as well as a new Leadership Challenge canoe trip and a three day Family Camp.  Overall the camping experience has remained much of what it originally was set out to be; an experience in fun, excitement and challenge all within a Christian atmosphere.

There have been many people who have come through the gates of Monahan.  Our facilities can accommodate a maximum of 120 campers plus 30 staff and support staff during a one-week period.  Throughout the many years Camp Monahan has been in operation, it is estimated that approximately 15,000 + campers, staff and volunteers have worked hard to make Monahan the special place it is.  It is a special spirit that burns on throughout the years and keeps campers and staff returning year after year.

Camp Monahan is owned by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Regina and operated by the Camp Monahan Association.