Tekakwitha – The Only Unit With Three Cabins
By Pati Egan
Like most new units, Tekakwitha was very popular. Each cabin held 12 campers. The staff slept in the same cabin as the campers. There was a small room in the front that had its own door. I believe there were only two bunk beds in these small “Counselor” rooms. This is the only unit in Camp that did not have a staff cabin.
Marci Harper recalls when a fire started in one of the cabins. A girl left a candle burning. I imagine clothing did not have fire retardant in those days. Marci recalls, “I don’t remember exactly what year it was, but one of the most memorable events happened on a Tuesday evening following the Scavenger Hunt. As we were all crowded around the old Trading Post / Original Administration Building waiting to find out which unit had won – the bell on the Chapel was ringing as an alarm. One of the cabins in Tekakwitha Unit was on fire. The maintenance crew ran to do what they could. Vienna and Harrisburg Fire Departments were called. The only access to the unit was by the Camp Road as there was no fire road yet. My recollection is that the fire pumpers pumped water from Lake St. Isaac up to the unit, and the Maintenance Crew spent the night monitoring the ashes.”
Marci recalls that the campers’ parents were called, and it amazed her that the next morning the parents arrived with new clothing, sleeping bags, the works for the campers who were in that cabin. “The parents were told that they had the option of picking up their campers in the morning. The next morning as we entered the Original Dining Hall, there were already parents there with suitcases and replacement sleeping bags and clothes. NO ONE WENT HOME! It still chokes me up that these families had so much faith and overall confidence in our responsibility to their children.”
Tekakwitha’s unit color has always been light blue. The Spirit Animal has always been a deer.
Tekakwitha, like all units, had its’ devoted followers. As the units were rebuilt into the look they have today; Tekakwitha lost some its luster and became one of the “older units.”
Tekakwitha is famous for the “Tekakwitha Beast” story that has been passed down from generation to generation. The story is older than Camp. Like most legends, there is probably some truth to it. The particulars of the story escape me. Perhaps it involved a large mountain lion. Tekakwitha does seem to be the only unit with a legend attached to it. I have passed by there probably 100 times and no “beast” greeted me.
Tekakwitha is an extremely popular unit on Friends Weekend. Since the cabins hold 10 people each it is perfect for families with young children.
Tekakwitha is now part of Monsignor Fournie Mini Camp Village. Mini Camp has grown in popularity so much that more room was needed. Tekakwitha got a complete rebuild. It has two exits in case of a fire. The bunks match the configuration of Aonetta and Chiwatenwha.
Tekakwitha, like all of the units, has undergone many changes. Mini Camp seems a perfect fit!
This unit has shown a lot of resiliency – from cabins burning down to becoming part of the Mini Camp Family! It is a unique unit with a unique history. The Legend of the Tekakwitha Beast sure hasn’t driven campers away – like most things it adds to the color and adventure of staying there.
This photo was taken during 2020 when Camp was closed due to Covid 19. I had no idea that grass could grow in Tekakwitha.
Click here to learn more about Camp Ondessonk’s History and Mission.