CEC Family Campout 2026

All are welcome to come and enjoy this faith-filled Campout at the CEC. Wonderful activities, food, faith and fun throughout the weekend.

Come have some fun as the CEC is transformed into a family campground for the weekend! Explore nearly 60 acres, part of a 225-acre preserve complex, of diverse habitats including prairies, forests, the Rubicon River, Otter Creek, a pond, and organic gardening areas.

We will have fun and faith-filled activities available throughout the weekend!

One ticket per family includes all immediate family members. Your ticket covers the entire weekend, but come when it works best for you! We also offer a daytime ticket option (Saturday only) for those wanting to join the fun without spending the night. Purchase a daytime family ticket and join us for as much as you want on Saturday!

Weekend Schedule

Friday Evening:

• Check-in and setup
• Guided twilight hike led by CEC staff
• Outdoor activities, exploration and adventure on your own
• Bon-fire with s'mores and praise and worship led by André Lesperance

Saturday:

• Check in and setup (for those arriving on Saturday)
• Family rosary at 10:00 AM
• Adult formation talk by Fr. Jim Kennedy SJ at 11:00 AM. Children will have the option of playing guided large-group games like capture the flag during this time.
• Outdoor activities, exploration and adventure on your own including hiking and canoeing
• Solar viewing with telescopes
• Monarch Butterfly tagging and insect catching
• Camper talent show at the amphitheatre (Bring your talent to present!!)
• Live animal encounters in the main CEC Neu Building
• Clare Gardens farm tour with visit to the farm animals
• Grill Out Dinner (tickets sold separately)
• Evening holy hour adoration and confession with Fr. Andrew Linn (CEC Chaplain)
• Bon-fire with s'mores

Sunday:

• 9:00 AM Mass with Fr. Jim Kennedy SJ
• Outdoor activities, exploration and adventure on your own including hiking and canoeing

Lodging Options

• Tent camping - site included with your ticket, bring your own tent
• Ticket includes ability to park pop-up camper, RV, or camping trailer at neighboring Camp SIM camping area adjacent to our amphitheater and short walk to the festivities. See map below. (no hookups)
• Bunk cabins - 5 available, each sleeps 6 (tickets sold separately)
• Camp SIM Retreat House - includes private kitchen, deck, bathrooms, and sleeping pads. Ping pong table on lower level. Contact info@catholicecologycenter.org to rent one or both levels.

You will have access to our indoor buildings, kitchen, flush toilets and showers throughout your stay. We have ample indoor spaces if the weather is inclement.

Meals are on your own except for the Saturday Grill Out Dinner (tickets sold separately). You may use our refrigerators and kitchen in JPII Hall to store and prepare food. The kitchen has pots, pans, utensils, dinnerware, etc.

No dogs will be allowed overnight on the CEC grounds. Daytime with a leash is permitted.

Questions? Contact info@catholicecologycenter.org

Refunds available up to two weeks before the event.

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS!