Interview
Making a deeper commitment to camp
Jessica Tette and Eli Mendez spoke with Catholic Courier Staff Writer Mike Latona about their experiences at Camp Stella Maris. Tette’s ties to the camp are lifelong — her parents met there, her father was executive director for 20 years, and she camped and worked there as well. Eli was a first-time camper in 2025 and had such a positive experience that he returned in 2026 as a counselor in training.
tour
A walk down memory lane
Father Ed Palumbos, a retired diocesan priest, first came to Camp Stella Maris as a camper, then as a counselor, and now as a celebrant at camp liturgies. Father Palumbos shared fond memories of the camp during a walking tour of the property.
Summer Fun
A variety of engaging activities await young participants at each of Camp Stella Maris’ summer sessions.
A camper scales the climbing wall July 15.
Campers enjoy some downtime on the steps outside the Leo cabin July 15.
Abby Milliman and fellow campers participate in a July 13 Mass using gestures unique to camp liturgies.
Making a splash
Swimming and other water activities make up a large portion of the Camp Stella Maris experience.
A camper uses a slide during an evening swim July 13.
Kids race down a slip and slide July 15.
Savannah Murphy (Left) and Harley Ophardt take a break from the water during swim time July 15.
Focus on the catholic Faith
From the time of its founding in 1926 by two seminarians, Camp Stella Maris has infused its programming with a strong dose of Catholic spirituality.
Campers gather for a July 13 Mass at the camp’s outdoor chapel, which was completed in 2023.
Father Ed Palumbos gives the homily during a July 13 Mass.
A statue of Mary has looked over the Camp Stella Maris beachfront since being blessed and dedicated in 1933.
Through the years
Dedicated clergy, religious, and lay volunteers and staff have played vital roles in Camp Stella Maris’ century of success.
Sisters of Mercy M. David Gardner and M. Gonzaga Wilson run an errand in the camp Jeep in 1959. (Photo courtesy of Sister Sheila Stevenson, RSM)
A postcard from the early 1900s shows the beach of Conesus Lake before the camp was established. (Photo courtesy of Douglas Morgan)
Campers from the Leo cabin pose for a photo in the summer of 1985. (Photo courtesy of Camp Stella Maris)
Photo in heading: A girl jumps from a platform into Conesus Lake during an evening swim July 13.
Story by Mike Latona. Design by Matt Saxon. Videos by Gina Capellazzi and Jeff Witherow. Photography, unless otherwise noted, by Jeff Witherow.
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