Camp St. Peter in the Black Hills
Steadfast Faith, Forged Through Adventure
Camp St. Peter isn't just about teaching the doctrines of the faith; it's about igniting a fierce love for them.
Ready for a Summer of Transformation?
Experience adventure and build steadfast faith at Camp St. Peter. Among the rugged mountains and granite peaks of South Dakota’s Black Hills, Camp St. Peter Catholic summer camp offers boys aged 13-15 the opportunity to fortify their faith, gain knowledge, and revel in the majesty of God’s creation. While tent-camping near Custer State Park, young men will strengthen their bodies, souls, and spirits.
Camp St. Peter - Sessions 1 & 2: July 25 - August 19, 2025
Located at Black Hills, SD
Cost: $550.00
Application Deadline: May 1st
Enduring. Inspiring. Strong.
The granite mountains of the Black Hills are a reminder of the foundational of faith we strive to build in the Catholic men of tomorrow. Named after St. Peter, whom Jesus called “Rock,” this outdoor adventure of spiritual formation is designed to galvanize boys’ faith through outdoor adventure. Young men will be immersed in traditional Catholic teaching by Seminarians, frequent the sacraments, and be renewed in joy while hiking, playing sports, and building friendships.
At Camp St. Peter, campers will:
- Fortify their faith
- with daily Traditional Latin Mass (Extraordinary Form).
- Strengthen their understanding
- of Catholic teaching through catechism classes and spiritual talks.
- Engage in the beauty of creation
- and physical formation through playing sports and hiking in the breathtaking Pocono mountains.
- Grow in faith and character
- under the guidance of seminarians from Our Lady of Guadalupe Seminary (FSSP).
Who Are Your Camp Guides?
At Camp St. Peter (CSP), we’re dedicated to forging faith and character through exemplary leadership. Our camps are staffed by seminarians from Our Lady of Guadalupe Seminary, who exemplify the virtues of spiritual leadership and a passion for the outdoors. By guiding young men with reason, authentic faith, and loving-kindness, our camp leaders inspire boys to navigate life’s challenges with endurance, true joy, and faith. Our team is trained in St. John Bosco’s Preventive Method of Youth Education, Safe Environment Training, CPR, and First Aid, ensuring the safety and well-being of every camper. Through their lives and examples, our leaders strive to direct young hearts towards Christ in an environment where faith and joy triumph.
Why Families Choose Camp St. Peter
Like you, we want young men to be grounded in their Catholic faith, surrounded by a supportive community, and engaged in meaningful, character-building activities
Opportunities to encounter God.
Develop faith forged through adventure at Camp St. Peter, set against the captivating landscapes of the Black Hills in South Dakota. Here, we believe that a truly Catholic life is full of irrepressible joy. Camp St. Peter isn't just about teaching the doctrines of the faith; it's about igniting a fierce love for them. Young men encounter God through His clergy and the beauty of nature, building a strong foundation of faith and friendship with peers as they camp in tents in Custer State Park.
- Faith in Action
At Camp St. Peter, spiritual growth . With the guidance of dedicated FSSP priests and seminarians, boys are challenged to be restored in their love for God. Daily participation in the Traditional Latin Mass (Extraordinary Form) and engaging spiritual discussions lay the groundwork for a strong, enduring faith.
- Adventure with Purpose
Your camper’s summer will be packed with opportunities for spiritual and physical formation. Whether hiking through the rugged trails of Custer State Park or engaging in team sports, boys learn resilience, leadership, and teamwork. Our activities are designed to challenge and inspire, helping campers build character and true friendships of virtue with like minded Catholic boys
- Mentorship and Guidance
True Catholic men are formed through example. Our staff — seminarians from Our Lady of Guadalupe — serve as mentors that live out the joy and holiness of Christ and love for the outdoors. Our team is trained in St. John Bosco’s Preventive Method, as well as in safety skills like CPR and First Aid.
What Parents Are Saying
“The foundations you laid for them in their younger years have carried with them as they have become adults. They still refer to the stories and lessons they learned at camp as they make life decisions. They still talk about the seminarians and priests, this many years later, as being strong influences. And we can tell that this made an impact on them as men, especially in the areas of remaining strong Catholics and purity.”
“I’m a firm believer that souls are being preserved/saved here. How can one give sufficient gratitude for that? All I can say is to encourage you to keep it up, and assure you of our prayers.”
“The camps are really good and continue to stay great! All four of my older sons have gone as either campers, junior counselors, and/or senior counselors, and they all loved it.”
Here is what to expect.
Like you, we want to see youth become Catholic men who live out their faith with courage and joy. While camping in South Dakota’s Custer State Park, young men are challenged to build a faith as strong as the Black Hills’ granite peaks as they experience an outdoor adventure that strengthens both their Catholic belief and character.
Once all the campers arrive, Camp St. Peter in the Black Hills will begin with prayer followed by dinner, orientation, and assigning teams. 12 days later they will go home restored to joy!
Here is what a typical day at camp looks like.
- 6:15 AM: Campers Up
- 6:35 AM: Morning Prayer, Meditation, Confession led by FSSP seminarians and clergy
- 7:00 AM: Daily Mass (Extraordinary Form)
- 8:20 AM: Tent cleaning
- 8:40 AM: Breakfast
- 9:00 AM: Formation Drills and Orienteering Training
- 9:15 AM: Hiking in the Black Hills, games, and spiritual talks
- 12:00 PM: Lunch
- 1:15 PM: Team Sports
- 4:45 PM: Praying the Rosary
- 5:15 PM: Trivia Games
- 5:30 PM: Dinner
- 6:45 PM: Games and Team Sports
- 8:00 PM: Gather around Campfire/ Campfire Songs
- 8:40 PM: Vocation Stories
- 9:15 PM: Night prayer
- 9:30 PM: Bedtime
During the week, we’lll hike through Custer State Park, visit Mt. Rushmore and the Badlands, and engage with God through the majesty of creation. Throughout Camp St. Peter, boys will compete for our annual Best Camper and Best Captain awards recognizing outstanding character and leadership. The week culminates in an Iron Man competition featuring endurance challenges, catechism competitions, and a camp-wide relay race.
Registration Information
Dive into a summer experience of spiritual growth, friendship, and thrilling outdoor adventure at Camp St. Peter. Here’s how to start your camper (boys aged 13-15) on this thrilling journey of spiritual transformation in the mountains of South Dakota:
- Step 1. Complete the Application
Begin the journey by filling out our online application form. This gives us information about your camper and starts the process for Camp St. Peter, Custer State Park, South Dakota (about 30 miles south of Rapid City). Choose Your Session:
Session 1: July 25-August 5, 2025
Session 2: August 8-August 19, 2025
*All applications must be received by May 1st.- Step 2: Submit the Registration Fee
Secure your camper’s spot at Camp St. Peter with a 20% deposit which must be sent within 72 hours of acceptance. This amount covers all activities, meals, and accommodations.
A full refund (minus processing fees) will be given to participants who cancel more than 60 days before the first day of camp. Payment can be made through our secure online portal.
- Step 3: Confirmation and Preparation
Once we receive your application and registration fee, you’ll get a confirmation email detailing what to pack, arrival and departure times, and other important details to prepare for camp.
Campers can be dropped off by car or picked up from the airport by camp staff.
