Camp Karol is named in honor of Saint John Paul II whose birth name was Karol Wojtyla. In Polish, his native language, Karol means Charles. This underscores the strong link Camp Karol has to our Saint Charles Retreat Center of the Diocese of Lake Charles.
Saint Charles Center’s extension through Camp Karol allows for a broadening of programs with the young people of the diocese in mind. 

The Lodge at Camp Karol will be open to others including church parish groups, vocation groups, and serve as an overflow facility when the Saint Charles Center is booked. It will also be available to groups outside the Diocese of Lake Charles. 

This jewel of the diocese is on more than 100 acres situated along the Calcasieu River between the Saint Charles Retreat Center and St. Theodore Catholic Church.

The idea for a Catholic youth camp in Southwest Louisiana was initiated in 2005. After 10 years of independent effort, 89 acres of property known as Bear Island, along with its assets and equipment was donated to the Diocese of Lake Charles in November of 2015. 
Bishop Provost placed the project under the direction of Father Whitney Miller, director of Saint Charles Center, at that time and the vision evolved into Camp Karol with an additional 12 acres purchased by the Diocese. 
The project of Camp Karol became one of the goals of the Return to the Lord Capital Campaign conducted by the Diocese in 2016. Fundraising efforts continue for other projects at the camp including more bungalows to house a total of 144 overnight guests. 
 

1087 Bozo Road
Lake Charles, LA 70611
337-905-0651