The Diocese of Saint Petersburg is pleased to announce the appointment of Mark DeNote as the new Camp Director for Our Lady of Good Counsel Camp, effective December 1, 2025. Click here to read an article about Mark .

Mark brings a strong combination of leadership experience, program management, and a heartfelt commitment to serving young people in a faith-centered environment. He spent ten years teaching in Catholic schools and seven years working as a marketing and communications professional, experience that will serve him well in guiding the operations, outreach, and continued mission of the camp.

Prior to his appointment as Camp Director, Mark served Good Counsel Camp in several key roles, including as a camper, counselor, Vice President of the Good Counsel Camp Alumni Association, and Chair of the recently formed Good Counsel Camp Advisory Council. His long-standing involvement and dedication to the camp’s mission have given him a deep understanding of its traditions and enduring impact on generations of campers.

Mark is deeply aligned with the mission of Good Counsel Camp and the Diocese of Saint Petersburg, recognizing the camp’s unique role in nurturing spiritual growth, friendship, and a deeper encounter with Christ through the beauty of creation. He brings a thoughtful leadership style, a steady pastoral presence, and a sincere passion for forming the next generation in faith.

As Camp Director, Mark will oversee all aspects of camp operations, staffing, programming, and community engagement. He is committed to honoring the camp’s legacy while guiding it into a renewed and vibrant future. Mark is excited to welcome campers back for Summer 2026, and additional details about the 2026 camp year will be forthcoming.

We are grateful for Mark’s “yes” to this ministry and invite the community to join us in welcoming him. Please keep Mark, our camp staff, and all the young people we serve in your prayers as we begin this next chapter at Our Lady of Good Counsel Camp.

Father James Johnson, who serves as president of the Good Counsel Camp Board of Directors, shares an update on ambitious efforts to enhance this beautiful retreat and camp facility in Citrus County that has been owned by the Diocese of Saint Petersburg since 1947. He also shares excitement about summer camp 2026. Click here to read the article on Gulf Coast Catholic.

As we seek to provide a foundation for long-term success for future generations, the Diocese of Saint Petersburg is pleased to share a few updates regarding the Master Planning Process at Our Lady of Good Counsel Camp.

Master Planning Committee Selects Architectural Company 

Hepner Architects, a Tampa-based company that is known for designing creative solutions that inspire young people, has been selected to plan the infrastructure, design the spaces, and create the framework for a new and improved Good Counsel Camp.  The roadmap they develop will bring the Diocese of Saint Petersburg’s vision to life for a sustainable, faith-filled, safe, and enriching experience for all campers and staff.  Master Planning will preserve the history of the Camp and secure its future for the next 30 years plus.  This is the first time that a Master Plan will be created for Good Counsel Camp.

Over the last several months, four different architectural companies have visited Good Counsel Camp to see firsthand the breadth and depth of this regional treasure, which has benefited thousands of lives over the past seven decades. Then, each of the companies spent time creating presentations for the Master Planning Committee to explain their strengths and describe how they would contribute to the success of Good Counsel Camp.

Now that a company has been selected, the first phase, known as the Discernment Phase, begins to clarify goals, scope, budget, and timeline. This initial phase can take six months or longer.

Building and Infrastructure Enhancements are Being Prioritized

The Diocese of Saint Petersburg Office of Construction is researching and implementing critical improvements that are needed to ensure smooth operations for the reopening of summer camp in 2026.

Roof Replacement: Eleven of the 12 cabins and all three bath houses have roofs that are older than 27 years old. They have exceeded their life expectancy. Roof replacements are being scheduled for August and September of this year.

Modernization of Plumbing: The campus plumbing system is nearly 80 years old. Many of the materials in place, such as cast iron, create problems as the years pass. The plumbing system and materials are currently being reviewed to determine how to ensure that the sinks, toilets, showers, and all water usage needs are reliable.

Safety and Security Upgrade: A security grant valued at $100,000 has been obtained to enhance security on campus for the safety of all campers and staff members. The Office of Construction has been diligently working to implement security recommendations and install the additional security upgrades.

Modernization of Pool Filtration and Overflow: The pool needs an overhaul of its filtration and overflow collection methods. The 93,000-gallon pool is a source of refreshment and recreation for campers. However, to ensure that it stays operational, this critical maintenance will be scheduled for completion in time for our 2026 summer program.

Thank you for your interest in receiving Good Counsel Camp Master Planning updates! Our next update will have plans relating to staffing, programming, and marketing. 

If you have questions, please contact Jeff Falanga, Interim Camp Director at jfalanga@dosp.org.

We are excited to announce a new Master Planning process has started at Good Counsel Camp to update camp facilities and enhance programming. The planning process is called, “For the Good” because it’s an undertaking that is intended for the good of the Camp and future campers.  These improvements are much needed and will provide the foundation for long-term success for future generations.

The Camp’s Board of Directors recommended that Good Counsel Camp proceed as expeditiously as possible and suspend operations of the summer camp program for 2025. Bishop Gregory Parkes accepted this recommendation. This means Good Counsel Summer Camp for 7–15-year-olds is suspended for 2025.  But 2026 opportunities are expected to be better than ever before! Stay tuned because a brighter future awaits!