Our Directors >>

Our history >>

The property of Pendola Center was donated to the Diocese of Sacramento in 1959, in the memory of Frank Pendola, for use as a summer camp for  children. It was first used in the summer of 1960 under the direction of Fr. Keith Kenny with approximately 30 campers staying for one ten-day session. Since 1960, the camp has grown to include 8 seven-day sessions plus a one-week training session. In 2004 we added a one-week music camp and a second Family Camp weekend.

With over 45 years of operation, the camp now has second generation campers. Children of previous campers enjoy some of the same activities their parents enjoyed. Over 19,000 campers have slept in the cabins,  swam in the pond, and hiked the hills around camp.

The staff has grown from about 8 to over 35. Fr. Keith Kenny, was the first Director (1959-1963) followed by Fr. Leo McAllister (1963-1970), Fr.  Wallace (1971-1990), Stephen Tholcke (1991-2005) and Lori Rosene (2006-Present). The facility has seen  enormous changes including the addition of winter dormitories, complete kitchen  and dining hall, a beautiful chapel, plus new cabins. The programs have grown from three weeks of summer camp to 8 weeks, plus family camp, and Creature Camp.

The camp is supported by user fees, a golf tournament fundraiser, plus donations by other groups and individuals to our campership fund. The camp is part of a nonprofit organization.

Additionally, the offerings at Pendola Center are growing and changing to  include many new year-round opportunities to visit and experience our wonderful facility; Family Camp is available during the month of September, Creature Camp (our Outdoor School Program) is held during October, and several Retreat  Programs take place as well. Continue looking through our homepage for more  information on these varied programs and check back regularly to learn about our upcoming offerings...