Camp Ondessonk NewsletterFall 2022
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From The Director's Desk
By Dan King
Summer camp ended on Saturday, August 6. We had an excellent summer. Our counselors, volunteers, donors, and administrative team worked together to serve 3,171 children – a seven percent increase over last year.
Though annual enrollment results have a weighty impact on Camp Ondessonk’s financial health, campers and their parents each measure our success in their own way. The kids are primarily looking for fun. Their parents like the idea of fun as well, but they are typically more interested in the emotional and spiritual growth of their children. Data from our post-camp survey of parents indicates we met and surpassed the expectations of both audiences, as 81% rated their child’s overall experience above average or excellent. Staff quality, the single greatest factor in creating happy campers, yielded even better results. As a group, our counselors are always solid. This year they were exceptional, as 91% of the survey’s respondents rated them above average (31%) or excellent (60%).
Planning for 2023 summer camp is underway. Our annual Open House and Homecoming will be held on Saturday, June 3. Summer camp session 1 begins the following day. Nine one-week sessions are scheduled, with the closing day of 2023 summer camp being Sunday, August 5. We are on track to launch registration on Monday, October 3. Many sessions will fill quickly, so begin making your plans now.
Next summer’s session schedule looks a lot like 2022 but I must share news of a change. After years of observing a slow shift in demand that began decades ago, we are not offering a Girls only session in 2023. Girls’ week was our last single gender summer camp session. The last Boys session was offered in 2018. In addition to weakening interest in a Girls only session, an additional factor in making this tough decision is related to staffing. It is very challenging to staff a session that requires so many female counselors when the remainder of the summer requires a close balance of male and female counselors. Though I know times and conditions change, I’m sad about the loss of this tradition. Single gender sessions were all that Camp Ondessonk offered during its first thirty years of ministry, including my camper years. First introduced in July of 1989, the popularity of coed sessions has finally surpassed the need for boys and girls only offerings. My two daughters attended Girls Weeks at Camp Ondessonk and they loved it. Though it hits close to home for me, I feel our decision is necessary considering all factors.
For those who do not know, male and female campers occupy cabin units on opposite sides of the lake during coed sessions of summer camp. Further, girl and boy units are not paired up for activities. In other words, unit life during coed sessions is like unit life in single gender sessions of the past. This change, however, comes with sacrifices - as is often the case. For example, I am one of many, many people who will miss the intense camp spirit present in a grotto full of singing girls. On the other hand, the grotto hasn’t been filled during Girl’s sessions of the recent past. Though I can’t guarantee I won’t become nostalgic, please know I sincerely welcome your calls or emails on this topic or any other.
The last two and a half years have been a challenging stretch for humanity. Like so many families and organizations, Camp’s financial situation quickly eroded due to COVID - especially during the first year of the pandemic. Though it was tough, we did our best to dance in the rain. Thankfully, countless Camp Friends, like you, danced along by sending children to summer camp, booking programs and services, volunteering, donating, and praying. We are extremely proud and profoundly humbled to report that our financial recovery is inching closer to completion. In fact, our balance sheet is beginning to resemble our pre-pandemic balance sheet. Thank you.
Please continue praying for the campers of Ondessonk. May their Camp continue to bring them the joy, love, and Gospel of Jesus Christ and the teachings of the Catholic Faith.
Be kind. Lift people. Love one another.
May God’s hands keep and guide the Campers of Ondessonk and may you find ways to keep camp in your life for the rest of your life.
Sincerely,
Dan King
Though annual enrollment results have a weighty impact on Camp Ondessonk’s financial health, campers and their parents each measure our success in their own way. The kids are primarily looking for fun. Their parents like the idea of fun as well, but they are typically more interested in the emotional and spiritual growth of their children. Data from our post-camp survey of parents indicates we met and surpassed the expectations of both audiences, as 81% rated their child’s overall experience above average or excellent. Staff quality, the single greatest factor in creating happy campers, yielded even better results. As a group, our counselors are always solid. This year they were exceptional, as 91% of the survey’s respondents rated them above average (31%) or excellent (60%).
Planning for 2023 summer camp is underway. Our annual Open House and Homecoming will be held on Saturday, June 3. Summer camp session 1 begins the following day. Nine one-week sessions are scheduled, with the closing day of 2023 summer camp being Sunday, August 5. We are on track to launch registration on Monday, October 3. Many sessions will fill quickly, so begin making your plans now.
Next summer’s session schedule looks a lot like 2022 but I must share news of a change. After years of observing a slow shift in demand that began decades ago, we are not offering a Girls only session in 2023. Girls’ week was our last single gender summer camp session. The last Boys session was offered in 2018. In addition to weakening interest in a Girls only session, an additional factor in making this tough decision is related to staffing. It is very challenging to staff a session that requires so many female counselors when the remainder of the summer requires a close balance of male and female counselors. Though I know times and conditions change, I’m sad about the loss of this tradition. Single gender sessions were all that Camp Ondessonk offered during its first thirty years of ministry, including my camper years. First introduced in July of 1989, the popularity of coed sessions has finally surpassed the need for boys and girls only offerings. My two daughters attended Girls Weeks at Camp Ondessonk and they loved it. Though it hits close to home for me, I feel our decision is necessary considering all factors.
For those who do not know, male and female campers occupy cabin units on opposite sides of the lake during coed sessions of summer camp. Further, girl and boy units are not paired up for activities. In other words, unit life during coed sessions is like unit life in single gender sessions of the past. This change, however, comes with sacrifices - as is often the case. For example, I am one of many, many people who will miss the intense camp spirit present in a grotto full of singing girls. On the other hand, the grotto hasn’t been filled during Girl’s sessions of the recent past. Though I can’t guarantee I won’t become nostalgic, please know I sincerely welcome your calls or emails on this topic or any other.
The last two and a half years have been a challenging stretch for humanity. Like so many families and organizations, Camp’s financial situation quickly eroded due to COVID - especially during the first year of the pandemic. Though it was tough, we did our best to dance in the rain. Thankfully, countless Camp Friends, like you, danced along by sending children to summer camp, booking programs and services, volunteering, donating, and praying. We are extremely proud and profoundly humbled to report that our financial recovery is inching closer to completion. In fact, our balance sheet is beginning to resemble our pre-pandemic balance sheet. Thank you.
Please continue praying for the campers of Ondessonk. May their Camp continue to bring them the joy, love, and Gospel of Jesus Christ and the teachings of the Catholic Faith.
Be kind. Lift people. Love one another.
May God’s hands keep and guide the Campers of Ondessonk and may you find ways to keep camp in your life for the rest of your life.
Sincerely,
Dan King
In this issue...
1. Returning To Where It Began
"As we return to live and work professionally within the Camp Ondessonk community, I’m reminded of how L.B. Sharp, one of the founders of the Outdoor Education movement in the mid-20th century, often described his approach to his work: ‘Not finished. Just begun." 
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By Judy Blase Woodruff, Fund Development Consultant
“Welcome Home!” Those were the words that greeted you by then Camping Services Director Evan Coulson. Whenever you stepped on Camp property, he made you feel excited that you were back home where you belonged – at Camp Ondessonk! Well, it’s time to turn the tables on Evan Coulson and Gabi Hodges, and give them a heartfelt “Welcome Home!” Evan is coming home to Camp to serve as the Adventure and Group Services Director beginning in September. In this role, he will oversee weekend guest reservations and support services for St. Noel Center, Fournie Lodge, and Camp’s many rustic lodging facilities. Additionally, he will coordinate adventure-based programs during summer camp and throughout the school year. He will assist with logistical support for Ondessonk’s outdoor education program, manage general recreational programming, and serve as liaison for Camp’s many partners who promote holistic wellness and expanded access to outdoor recreational opportunities throughout the region. The spark to return to Camp Ondessonk was based on several things. Most importantly, experiencing the passing of a parent earlier this year accelerated their desire to prioritize time with family, and we also know that Lucia is ecstatic over having her daughter and son-in-law back at Camp! Gabi said, “I was blessed with being able to come to Camp even before I first entered the world, as my mother and father spent a week or more almost every summer volunteering, usually in Handicrafts. As the youngest of three Hodges girls, I was carted up from Texas with my parents for many summers prior to being camper age. My mother likes to tell how I slept in a cardboard box as an infant when I first came to Camp.” Gabi was a camper from 1991 through 1994, then went on to become a CIT in 1995. She served on summer staff from 1995 through 2011 and from 2013 through 2016. In addition, from 2003 through 2005, she was a Seasonal Outdoor Educator. Evan states, “I was not fortunate enough to have experienced Camp Ondessonk as a camper,” but he worked as boating instructor for one Co-Ed session during the summer of 1995. That was the year Lucia introduced Gabi and Evan. They forged an immediate friendship over a hike to Crystal Falls and proceeded to enjoy a bond which grew steadily over the next 10 years of college degrees, military service, and eventually, an engagement. Evan “popped the question” on another hike back to Crystal Falls, and the rest is history! Former camper and counselor, Father Mark Steck, married Gabi and Evan October 14, 2005, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Equality, Illinois, and they enjoyed a celebration with family and friends onsite at Camp the next day. They both held a variety of jobs at Camp in the early 2000s, with each working seasonal outdoor education. In late 2005, Evan was promoted to Interim Program Coordinator, so Gabi was no longer eligible to work as a member of the OE staff, following Camp’s nepotism policy. Between 2010 and 2011, more than 70 members of the Camp Ondessonk Community pitched in to build Gabi and Evan a 120-square-foot tiny house at Camp. They enjoyed living in the tiny home for close to a decade, hauling it from Ozark, to deep East Texas, to northernmost Wisconsin. They were surrounded by their Camp Community the entire time; everywhere they looked, they could see something lovingly placed by an Ondessonk friend. In order to pursue professional career goals, Gabi and Evan departed Camp Ondessonk at the end of 2011. It was a dream of Evan’s to teach outdoor education and recreation at the university level and to become a life-changing mentor for future generations of outdoor educators as so many mentors had been for him. Departing the professional team at Ondessonk was tough, but Evan echoed what so many know, “you never really leave Camp.” After departing Southern Illinois, Gabi took a position as an aid in a Kindergarten classroom at the Stephen F. Austin State University Charter School in Nacogdoches, Texas, where she assisted in child engagement and experiential curriculum delivery in a project-based learning community. When back in Southern Illinois, prior to moving to Wisconsin, she worked as an aid in the New Simpson Hill School’s Pre-K classroom. At Northland College in Wisconsin, she was the Student Services Specialist working within the Registrar, Financial Aid, and Student Accounts offices. She was eventually promoted to Assistant Registrar, a rewarding role that supports students’ academic needs as they progress through their majors toward successful graduation. At Stephen F. Austin State University, Evan coordinated the Outdoor Pursuits Program where he supervised a campus outdoor adventure trips program, two challenge courses, a mountain bike rental program and trail system, a climbing wall, and an outdoor equipment rental center. He then had the opportunity to return to Southern Illinois University Carbondale to pursue a PhD in Forest Recreation where he researched rock climber pro-stewardship attitudes and behaviors as well as recreation ecology and the human dimensions of natural resources – the ecological and social sciences underpinning “Leave No Trace” outdoor ethics. Evan then accepted an academic appointment in the Nature & Culture Department at Northland College. Since 2016, he has served as professor of Outdoor Education, teaching classroom and multi-day, field-based courses in outdoor education. Additionally, he held an endowed professorship of sustainable regional development in Northland’s Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute. The interest to return to Camp Ondessonk in a professional role was building for Evan. “Each time I would bring Northland students onsite for travel classes, I would notice another intriguing development. I saw Ondessonk’s experiential education resources grown by Brian Croft and strategic outdoor recreational partnerships forged by Alissa Hollmann. I found myself intrigued by the work that Dru Kee and others put into developing, and successfully implementing, a Farm to Table program for Camp. I was excited by trail and signage improvements, and then the development of mountain biking resources shepherded by Greg Santen and others. The advancements in innovative programming and curriculum at the Ondessonk Stables brought by Megan Walters and Catherine Limkeman was impressive. And, finally, the establishment of after school program opportunities for local youth and the revisioning and development of summer teen leadership programming visioned by Nolan Hurst, Chris Bretscher, and others left me feeling inspired,” stated Evan. He went on to say, “In short, in the decade that I’ve observed Camp Ondessonk from afar, I’ve seen it living vibrantly into its potential – to not only be the premier summer camp in the central Midwest, but to also deepen the way it enriches people’s lives and adds intangible values to the region throughout the year.” To remain active as an educator, Evan will continue to teach select field-based outdoor education, leadership and program design courses for Northland College, much of which will take place at Camp Ondessonk in partnership with Camp’s outdoor education program. He will also maintain an active scholarly agenda, continuing to research stewardship attitudes and behaviors as well as conducting new studies examining aspects of leadership training programs which enhance a combination of passion and persistency leading one to success in challenging situations and settings. Gabi will continue to serve Northland College remotely in her current role as the Assistant Registrar. While devastating in so many ways, the COVID-19 pandemic showcased ways to work effectively from remote settings, which she will have the opportunity to do from their onsite residence in Ondessonk’s Health Center apartment home. Evan sums it up nicely by saying, “As we return to live and work professionally within the Camp Ondessonk community, I’m reminded of how L.B. Sharp, one of the founders of the Outdoor Education movement in the mid-20th century, often described his approach to his work: ‘Not finished. Just begun.’” We are happy to have you home again, Evan and Gabi! |
2. Update: Pete Korte Lodge
"Because of the generous support received from several key donors, this project will be completed soon, and the first housing built at Camp in more than 40 years will become a reality." 
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By Judy Blase Woodruff, Fund Development Consultant
Imagine sitting on the porch of a brand-new staff home and gazing off toward the pasture, with horses grazing, and the sun painting a beautiful picture in the sky. This is the idyllic setting for the new Pete Korte Lodge, and it will be a place where full-time, hard-working staff can relax, re-charge, and collaborate. Site preparation has been completed for the staff duplex, and the footings have been poured. Piping lists have been sent to several plumbing supply houses for quotes. Rock has been delivered to the project site awaiting the rough-in materials. Korte Luitjohan Contractors will be onsite very soon to begin the plumbing rough-in. Once the plumbing has been installed, inspection can take place and the floor poured. Once the floor is poured, we should see major strides take place over the next few months. Ranger Mike Jennings would like to have the duplex under roof before winter. The duplex will have eight bedrooms – four on each side, which allows housing for male staff in one side, and female staff in the other. Or, it can provide housing for a family in one or both sides. You can see how this new home will provide flexibility in hiring and retaining high quality, experienced staff, and will provide the comfort and amenities that these hard-working staff members deserve. Because of the generous support received from several key donors, this project will be completed soon, and the first housing built at Camp in more than 40 years will become a reality. If you are interested in supporting this or other important Camp projects, please contact Judy Blase Woodruff at [email protected] or 618-791-5655. |
3. Impacting Future Generations with a Legacy Gift
"As a member of the Le Coeur Society, Carol will help ensure Camp will continue to be a great place for children and for everyone who feels at home at Camp Ondessonk." |
By Whitney Strang, Director of Development
When asked why she became a Founding Member of the Le Coeur Society, Carol Kreitner's response was simple, "I can never give enough back to Camp for all it has given me." Camp Ondessonk has been a special part of Carol's life since she traveled down the Camp Road in 1964 as a camper. "I attended Camp as a camper every year I could, I became a CIT, and then spent four years on staff in the early 1970s. I have been an active supporter of Camp ever since. I usually take one or two trips down to Camp every year and actively support fundraisers like dinners and trivia nights," she explained. Carol shared, "Camp has always been like home to me. In this crazy world, it is a place that brings me not only great joy, but peace. I feel it is my own little piece of the Shawnee National Forest that I share with my best friends." In January, she is going to celebrate her 70th birthday at the place she loves with some of the people she loves. The retired teacher saw firsthand the difference Camp could play in a child's life. "At Camp, a kid that is maybe a nobody at their school can be a somebody." She went on, "I just think every kid needs to go to Camp once in their life." As a member of the Le Coeur Society, Carol will help ensure Camp will continue to be a great place for children and for everyone who feels at home at Camp Ondessonk. To learn more about how you can join the Le Coeur Society through a legacy gift to Camp, click here or contact Whitney Strang, Director of Development, at 618-695-2489 x114 or [email protected]. If you have already included Camp Ondessonk in your estate plans, please complete this Le Coeur Society Letter of Intent and join Carol as a member of the Le Coeur Society. |
4. Lucia's Corner
"...the 1963 staff let me know I was welcomed, I belonged, and I became an Ondessonk Family member." |
By Lucia Hodges, Volunteer Coordinator
I've been asked to share some of my favorite things about Camp. Warning…this piece is personal and indulgently sentimental. One: the horses. The promise that I could "choose my own horse for the week" is what lured me to Ondessonk in the first place. The original barn was at Brebeuf Flats. There, as a camper, I bridled and saddled my horse, rode to Pine Lake, and earned the horsemanship Tongon – a leather disc that was the precursor to Camp's Arrowheads. Two: Haunted Village - aka Pakentuck - home of Mad Myrtle. Cedar Falls, the tallest waterfall in Illinois, was the location of my first Camp overnight. When I was awakened late at night by the sound of guitars and counselors singing around campfire embers, I was determined that I would one day be one of them. Three: Phantoms Canyon is a treasure with the plank of petrified wood visible in the cavern overhang and the professionally carved name "Mounce" on the split-rock wall. Early county plat books list the Mounce family as owners of the canyon before it was purchased by Camp in the early 1960s. Four: Chabanel, my CIT unit. There, the 1963 staff let me know I was welcomed, I belonged, and I became an Ondessonk Family member. Five: Lakeside, the original LaLemant staff cabin. It became my residence when I was named Unit Leader (at age 17) my first week on staff. Finally, the Camp Gate: symbol, portal, entrance to a place of wonder, growth, delight, and for some, miracles. The spirit of wonder and grace I discovered in 1960, as a first-year camper, is still viable beyond that Gate |
5. New Staff Spotlight, OE Program Staff
By Ondessonk Staff
Pictured Left to Right: Â Carolyn Harness, Mary Nester, Isabelle Linn, Benjamin Durham, Ben McCoy, Sebastian Aylward; Not Pictured: Patrick Whitaker
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Sebastian Aylward –
Hometown: Madison, Wisconsin Favorite Season: Fall What are you most excited about for the Fall Season? "Working and leading hikes in the fall colors." What is a hobby or fun fact you would like to share about yourself? "My favorite outdoor activity is canoeing." Benjamin Durham – Hometown: Newburgh, Indiana Favorite Color: Sunset Orange What are you most excited about for the Fall Season? "I am looking forward to making a positive experience for guests and students I am also excited to watch the weather change at Camp." What is a hobby or fun fact you would like to share about yourself? "I love listening to music and finding new genres and artists." Carolyn Harness – Hometown: Mt. Carmel, Illinois Favorite Day of the Week: Thursday What are you most excited about for the Fall Season? "Working in the barn more and seeing Camp through the seasons." What is a hobby or fun fact you would like to share about yourself? "I used to work at a Cat Café for two years and I'm so excited to continue work for nonprofits." Isabelle Linn – Hometown: Washington, Illinois Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Coffee with Oreos What are you most excited about for the Fall Season? "To begin my career in outdoor recreation at the place that sparked my love for the outdoors. Learning and growing with an outstanding group of people." What is a hobby or fun fact you would like to share about yourself? "I love coffee and live music. I paint, make hand-crocheted rugs, and am rekindling my love for reading." Mary Nester – Hometown: Belleville, Illinois Favorite Place You've Visited: The Grand Canyon What are you most excited about for the Fall Season? "Working with guests of all ages and giving them a more whole Camp experience." What is a hobby or fun fact you would like to share about yourself? "I LOVE mushrooms and fungi! I want to learn as much as I can about the ones that we can find locally." Ben McCoy – Hometown: O'Fallon, Illinois Favorite Plant: Cherry Trees What are you most excited about for the Fall Season? "Gaining new skills and learning from more experienced staff." What is a hobby or fun fact you would like to share about yourself? "I enjoy recreational exercises like long-distance running and hiking." Patrick Whitaker – Hometown: Decatur, Illinois Favorite Breakfast Food: Chicken Fried Chicken from Cracker Barrel What are you most excited about for the Fall Season? "Experiencing Camp in the fall with leaves changing and crisp air." What is a hobby or fun fact you would like to share about yourself? Patrick believes that now through New Year's Eve is the best time of the year and WILL be decorating his home with Christmas lights! |
6. A Ride to Send Kids to Camp
"Through the generosity of everyone who attended, participated in the auction, and worked to make the event possible, the event provided two full scholarships to campers this past summer." |
By Whitney Strang, Director of Development
This past May 21st, Camp Friend, Donna Amburn, hosted a third-party fundraiser to support the Camp Ondessonk Summer Scholarship Fund. The equines and their riders began mid-morning with a trail ride that ended with a potluck dinner and silent auction. Despite being a rainy day, the event had a great turnout. Donna planned the event to help provide scholarships for children who needed financial support to attend summer camp. Through the generosity of everyone who attended, participated in the auction, and worked to make the event possible, the event provided two full scholarships to campers this past summer. Our thanks to Donna and to all who contributed to make this event a success for Camp Ondessonk campers! If you would like to learn more about hosting your own third-party fundraiser, visit our website at https://ondessonk.com/giving/ways-to-give/. |
7. Rare Plant Discovery at Camp Ondessonk
"Each individual flower only blooms for a single day and only for an hour or so, although typically, populations produce flowers throughout the summer." 
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By Chris Benda, Illinois Botanizer
Among the most exciting and rewarding aspects of being a botanist in Southern Illinois is making new plant discoveries. In this area of the state, there is a lot of naturally vegetated land where plants can thrive, including at Camp Ondessonk. These areas are vital to maintain the biological diversity of the state. In addition to my work as Naturalist at Camp Ondessonk, I coordinate the Plants of Concern program (plantsofconcern.org), a rare plant monitoring program that is a partnership between the Chicago Botanic Garden and Southern Illinois University, and that trains volunteers to conduct rare plant monitoring. In mid-June of 2022, I received a text from a Plants of Concern volunteer, "have you seen Phemeranthus parviflorus at Camp Ondessonk?" Despite hundreds of visits to Camp Ondessonk since my initial visit in 2009, I had not observed this rare species there. Also known by the common names Flower-of-an-Hour and Small-Flowered Fameflower, Phemeranthus parviflorus is an endangered species in Illinois. Each individual flower only blooms for a single day and only for an hour or so, although typically, populations produce flowers throughout the summer. In our area, this species blooms very late in the day, around 6:00 PM, in my experience. But even when not blooming, the succulent basal leaves of the plant make it easy to identify. In Illinois, this species grows on sandstone glades and primarily occurs in Johnson County, although a single small population exists in Union County and a few populations occur in Pope County. This occurrence adds significant data for the Illinois Endangered Species Protection Board and means that currently there are three state-listed plant species present on Camp Ondessonk property. The other two rare plant species present at Camp Ondessonk are French's Shooting Star (Primula frenchii) and Filmy Fern (Vandenboschia boschiana). To learn more, visit: www.illinoisbotanizer.com |
8. Amy O'Shaughnessy – Giving Easily with EFTs
"It's a simple, secure way for me to give and it saves Camp paying credit card fees, too. Campfire Circle is great for Camp, and giving by EFT makes it the easiest for me, too." 
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By Whitney Strang, Director of Development
In 2017, Amy O'Shaughnessy set up a monthly electronic funds transfer (EFT) with her bank to ensure children can experience the magic of Camp. "There were a few years when I meant to donate to Camp and then realized I had forgotten to do so." Amy explained, "Giving monthly means I'll never forget to make my contribution to a place that means so much to me, and as a public media fundraiser I know that giving a sustaining donation provides ongoing support that Camp can count on from month to month." Choosing to give via EFT rather than via her credit card made the process even simpler for Amy. "Credit card information needs to be updated when your credit card company sends you a new card, but your checking account information rarely changes…I know my contribution will happen, month after month, until I make a change." As a professional fundraiser, Amy understands the benefits to Camp when she gives in this way. She explained, "It's a simple, secure way for me to give and it saves Camp paying credit card fees, too. Campfire Circle is great for Camp, and giving by EFT makes it the easiest for me, too." "Making donations is just one more way we have to live our values," Amy shared. "I want Camp to thrive, so I give what I can to make that a reality, and I'd encourage someone else to do the same!" Referred to as a Bank Transfer in DonorBox or eCheck on Camp's giving page, you can join Amy by establishing a recurring monthly gift from either your checking or savings account. Your payments will appear on your bank statements automatically, and Camp will send you an annual receipt for tax purposes. Please visit DonorBox or Camp's giving page to sign up to make monthly gifts via an EFT and become a member of the Campfire Circle. |
9. Camp Ondessonk and the Bike Surgeon Ride Again
"With the support of the Bike Surgeon, Camp Ondessonk has two dedicated Summer Camp Mountain Biking Programs: Mountain Biking Adventure and Advanced Mountain Bike." |
By Tony Vrooman, Sr. Director of Communications
Camp Ondessonk recently sat down with Andy Gibbs who wears many hats at the Bike Surgeon in O'Fallon, Illinois. Andy has been working as a manager for the Bike Surgeon since 2015 where he works with customers, turns a wrench on bikes, and provides his expertise in the Retül Fit Studio, "Using a medically based fit protocol developed by Dr. Andy Pruitt and Bike Ergonomist Roger Minkow. Their Retül Fit Technology Suite allows for full 3D motion tracking, capture, and mapping of all fit landmarks on both the rider and the bike, ensuring riders the most efficient, powerful, and comfortable bike fit available,” explained Andy. Andy also has led all collaboration efforts with Camp O, including the building of more than 10 miles of phenomenal multi-use hiking and biking trails on Camp O property, maintaining the 30+ mile network of trails that border Camp and all the MTB Summer Camp programs at Camp Ondessonk; including Hike, Bike, Paddle and Climb, Mountain Biking Adventure, and Advanced Mountain Bike. "Working with new riders can be challenging, but one of my favorite new skills to teach is riding downhill properly. We work on body position and proper braking techniques," states Gibbs. With the support of the Bike Surgeon, Camp Ondessonk has two dedicated Summer Camp Mountain Biking Programs: Mountain Biking Adventure and Advanced Mountain Bike. Gibbs, who leads these programs, states, "Not only the kids but the staff progress and develop skills. Everyone says they are an advanced rider, but after a quick review, we discover what skills need to be established to help them become better riders." By leading Ondessonk's Advanced Mountain Bike program, Andy visited Bentonville, Arkansas, the Mountain Bike Capital of the World, for the first time. Gibbs stated, "The community was incredible, and support for the sport of cycling and mountain biking was extraordinary. We only got to scratch the surface of the unique trail system." Gibbs looks forward to future opportunities to dive deeper into the Mountain Bike Capital of the world's extensive trails. One of the Bike Surgeon's most prominent events of the year, Fat Tire Fest 2022, is being held at Camp Ondessonk from October 14 through 16. Bike Surgeon staff ensure trail preparation takes place all year round. As Fall approaches, leaf blowing and trail maintenance commence. Camp staff have helped by providing signage for navigation and degree of difficulty. Gibbs states, "Bike Surgeon staff have built approximately ten miles of trails that both beginners and advanced riders can enjoy. The event brings in participants from all over the country, and the camaraderie amongst the riders is incredible." To learn more about the Bike Surgeons' upcoming events, click here. Camp Ondessonk Day Biking Schedule: Day biking is permitted from mid-August through mid-May, seven days per week between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., unless Camp is closed for a special event or for certain holidays. Be sure to check our calendar at www.ondessonk.com/events to see when we are closed. Check in is Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the St. Noel Office. Check-in outside of normal business hours is by signing the visitor log book located at the kiosk in the lower Main Parking Lot. |
10. Financial Analyst Extraordinaire
"About 14 years ago, because of her expertise in finance, Jeanie was asked to join Camp’s Finance Committee. She, along with other committee members and the Board, have been instrumental in guiding the financial policies of Camp Ondessonk, in particular, retiring Camp’s debt on the new Dining Hall." 
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By Judy Blase Woodruff, Fund Development Consultant
Who knew back in 1962, that then Camper Jeanie Reime (now Heller) would one day sit on the Camp Ondessonk Board of Directors Finance Committee? That was the only year Jeanie was a camper, but she remembers, “The Camp Director came to our grade school every year – at St. Mary’s in Belleville – and did an amazing job promoting Camp.” Jeanie had attended Camp Don Bosco, the St. Louis Archdiocesan camp, prior to attending Ondessonk. She states that Camp Don Bosco was okay, but she immediately fell in love with Ondessonk, as she enjoyed the great outdoors, the rustic nature, and sheer fun of being a camper there. She went on to be a Counselor-In-Training in 1964 with Nature as her specialty. Jeanie became a hiking instructor at Camp in 1965, and by 1968, she was a unit leader. She loved working with the kids. At the time, she didn’t realize it, but the leadership skills she learned from being on staff served her well for the rest of her life. She states, “I loved the camaraderie of Camp. It was total fun!” In 1965, her first year on staff, Jeanie was inducted into the Lodge of Tekakwitha. She participated in Lodge ceremonies each week for most of the time she was on staff. Her ties remain strong with Lodge as she now helps make Lodge sashes, which she considers to be a very important volunteer job. Jeanie feels that it is a true honor for a new Lodge member to receive their new sash. She states, “Lodge is the heart and soul of the future of Camp.” At St. Mary-of-the-Woods College, an all-women’s college, Jeanie became a math major. She didn’t want to teach, and didn’t like science, so her college advisor suggested she take business courses. Between her junior and senior years, in 1969, she worked for Kelly Services in order to observe various businesses. She worked eight weeks for the CFO of Stifel, and had enough exposure to an investment firm that she knew she wanted to be in the investment industry. Stifle hired her full time in May 1970. She worked in operations for a year and then transferred to the Research Department to become a securities analyst. At that time, very few women were in professional business roles. She began her MBA in 1973 taking night courses at St. Louis University while working full time at Stifel. There were 50 men, a nun, and her in her first class at SLU! She earned the Chartered Financial Analyst, CFA designation, in 1977. This designation is given to those who have completed the CFA Program along with acceptable work experience requirements. The CFA Program is a three-part exam that tests the fundamentals of investment tools, valuing assets, portfolio management, and wealth planning. CFA charter holders are qualified to work in senior and executive positions in investment management, risk management, asset management, and more. Now, as an equity analyst, along with the connections she has made over the years, Jeanie has been asked to be on national and international committees and boards. She continues as an investment professional with Smith Moore & Co., using her equity analytical skills to build portfolios for her clients. After being away from Camp for a number of years, Betty Driscoll, a close friend, began volunteering during summer camp with Marge Vail Downey and Marcella (Queenie) Harper Stephens (the Dessert Divas), and Jeanie eventually started volunteering when they did. That’s when she began making Lodge Sashes. She has been volunteering in that capacity for about 15 years now. About 14 years ago, because of her expertise in finance, Jeanie was asked to join Camp’s Finance Committee. She, along with other committee members and the Board, have been instrumental in guiding the financial policies of Camp Ondessonk, in particular, retiring Camp’s debt on the new Dining Hall. Camp remains on a strong financial footing because of the work of Jeanie and her fellow committee members. Jeanie sums up her involvement with Camp in this way: “I love visiting Camp because of the sheer beauty of the place. I love the lifetime friendships I have made from Camp. It is so much fun volunteering during the summer – seeing the excitement of the campers and the leadership of the staff. It is gratifying to see the children and staff members become better human beings because of their time at Camp. And, finally, I like being on the Finance Committee because I can bring my professional skills to the business of Camp.” |
11. The Gift of a Lifetime (Lodge Membership)
"Nicole, and all Lifetime Lodge Members, receive an exclusive Lodge of Ondessonk or Lodge of Tekakwitha Lifetime pin, a certificate stating Lifetime Membership, free unit or tent camping during open camping weekends throughout the school year, free Lodge Reunions, e-newsletters, and recognition on the website and in the annual Stewardship Report." |
By Whitney Strang, Director of Development
On her 50th birthday, Nicole Satti received a gift that will stand the test of time, a Lifetime Lodge Membership! Forty-one years ago, when she was just nine years old, Nicole enjoyed her first summer at Camp. Of her time as a camper she said, "I grew up in downtown Chicago and had never heard crickets or cicadas. I got to be a kid at Camp." She was inducted into Lodge as a camper and went on to be a CIT and staff member in the early 90s. Nicole's children also share her love of Camp. Her step-daughter was a camper before the pandemic and was on summer staff this year. For the past two summers, Nicole has volunteered during the same week her son was at Camp. Though Nicole's husband, Paul, never attended Camp Ondessonk as a kid, he knows how special it is to her and her children. "He likes to think outside of the box with gifts," Nicole explained. "This Lifetime Lodge membership is something that benefits a place we love." Paul asked Dan King, Camp's Executive Director, to present the membership while they were in Carbondale celebrating Nicole's birthday. Nicole, and all Lifetime Lodge Members, receive an exclusive Lodge of Ondessonk or Lodge of Tekakwitha Lifetime pin, a certificate stating Lifetime Membership, free unit or tent camping during open camping weekends throughout the school year, free Lodge Reunions, e-newsletters, and recognition on the website and in the annual Stewardship Report. You can gift Lifetime Lodge Membership today to a Camp Ondessonk Lodge Member who can join Nicole and the more than 145 Lifetime Lodge Members. |
12. Ondessonk Snapshots
Friends Weekend
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More than 400 guests gathered for Camp Ondessonk's annual Labor Day Friend's Weekend. The theme for this year's event was Halloween. Attendees dressed in costumes, decorated their units, and children participated in trick-or-treat stations filling their treat bags with plenty of candy. On Sunday, Camp friends danced the night away to live music provided by the Phonics.
Invitations to the event were extended to the following individuals:
Invitations to the event were extended to the following individuals:
- Camp Ondessonk Staff Alumni, 25+ years of age
- Adults 25+ who have volunteered at least eight hours for Camp Ondessonk since Labor Day of last year (September 1, 2021)
- Adults 25+ that have made cash or in-kind gifts totaling $100 or more to Camp Ondessonk since Labor Day of last year (September 1, 2021)
Baby Goats in Tutus
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Three summers ago, Camp introduced goats into barn programming. Because of their popularity, we are incorporating them into some of our fall and spring programming this year. The goats add a new element of animal husbandry education to our programming. Our passion is to help cultivate care for all living things in our students, campers, and staff through fun activities and working with animals. Adding the goats helps expand learning opportunities and gives participants a more approachable barn animal alternative. Not to mention, baby goats in tutus might be the cutest thing you've seen in quite a while.
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Learning More About Camp Webinars
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The Learning More About Camp Webinar is an excellent way for new and returning camper families to hear about Camp Ondessonk's summer camp planning for 2023 and to see a virtual unit tour. You will meet some of our leadership staff and have the opportunity to ask Camping Services Director Nolan Hurst and Senior Director of Communications Tony Vrooman questions about the Camp O experience.
Save the dates:
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13. The Relationship Between Personal Growth and Equestrian Programming
"To help transfer the personal growth home, we have an aspect of our Horse Camp and Horse Adventure programming to help name the learning that has taken place. We give them a horseshoe belonging to an Ondessonk horse so they can have a physical object to help them remember their experience." 
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By Catherine Limkeman, Equestrian Director
Camp Ondessonk’s staff strives toward its motto, “teaching what matters most.” On one level, Ondessonk’s programming teaches many complex skills: Canoeing, tying knots, building fires, riding horses, and shooting a bow and arrow. But on a deeper level, those hard skills are pathways to learning secondary competencies: independence, courage in new situations, comfort in silence, perseverance, camaraderie, and compassion for others. The question is, how do we take the lessons learned at Camp and apply them back home? Much research is being done about transferring lessons from one environment to another. Someone can attend a conference, a retreat, or a summer camp and feel inspired, but then go back to their routine, and many lessons discovered soon fade away. No lesson learned is in vain, but everyone wants to know how you make a lesson “stick” so that the confidence you learned, that obsession you conquered, and the attitude you achieved stay with you. In many ways, the research validates that Camp programming is ideal for learning! It engages your whole body and all your senses, is a different environment than is typical, has a social component, and has a clear beginning and end, is the ideal learning environment, and produces the most growth! That essentially describes summer camp! So, the question is, how do we take that growth home and apply it in an environment other than Camp? A kid can find the courage to climb up to the top of the climbing tower. How do they take that courage and apply it to the schoolyard? One of the essential components of transferring growth home is 1) naming what has happened, 2) defining what they have learned, 3) having that growth affirmed by a community, and 4) having a tangible object representing their lesson. At Ondessonk Stables, we are fortunate to have the ideal learning environment. The therapeutic properties of horses help make the Camp experience more impactful to our campers. To help transfer the personal growth home, we have an aspect of our Horse Camp and Horse Adventure programming to help name the learning that has taken place. We give them a horseshoe belonging to an Ondessonk horse so they can have a physical object to help them remember their experience. During the “Final Debrief Ride,” we have them name something like an emotion they were without while at Ondessonk and that they want to continue to be without when they return home. Some examples are: anger, fear, self-doubt, screens as an escape, judgment, self-harm, etc. Depending on the group, we either give them a rock that represents the feeling or emotion they want to get rid of, and they throw it into a pond as they ride by it, OR we have them write that thing on their horse with chalk and have them groom it away so that it is erased. Naming that thing and removing it from their lives with their horses adds a social aspect to affirm their growth. We then have them think about what they learned at Camp that week and how far they have progressed. That aspect is part of their final goodbye to the horse they were assigned all week. After turning their horse out to pasture, they write the thing they learned on a piece of poster board that all the campers of that season have written. Examples range from: “saddling” or “steering a horse” to “it’s fun to go out of my comfort zone” or “that I am worth loving.” Lastly, the campers name something they want to take back home. The campers receive a horseshoe that once belonged to an Ondessonk horse. Campers choose a word and write on the horseshoe along with the name of their camp horse that week. This horseshoe is their keepsake and physical representation of their summer Ondessonk journey. Seeing the horseshoes lined up with their words is a clear picture reminding us why Camp is important. We will get comments like confidence, love, belonging, perseverance, courage, etc. This personal growth is why we work hours in the hot sun! Camp teaches invaluable lessons and changes lives. But the best lessons learned at Camp involve a horse friend who silently loves you and is happy to wait until the next time the campers return to embark on a new adventure together. |
14. Family News
Isaac Biver
Carmen Cronin's rescue puppy, Murph
Paige Daugherty and Ethan Fowler
Author, Catherine Downen
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Chase Halgerson and wife, Regan
Nikki Niggemeyer and her fiancé
Kate Murnane and husband, Matt Korte
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Samm Lukert and fiancé, Ethan Burlingame
Amy O'Shaughnessy and family
Kelsey (Greenwell) Partenheimer and her husband
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Maddie McGeffers
June Louise Snoddy
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15. Volunteering with Friends and a Mission
"As a camper and staff, I learned many life lessons and skills at Camp, but my connection with God was through nature. This has continued throughout my life and if another child can meet God through Camp, then I want to help Camp continue for as long as I can." 
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By Whitney Strang, Director of Development
Jim Conroy didn't just enjoy his time at Camp as a child, he flourished in life because of Camp Ondessonk. "I have used the small skills I learned, like the 'J' stroke in canoeing, making foil burgers, and fire building frequently throughout my life. I gained immeasurable confidence as a camper, and learned leadership skills as a Lodge member planning work trips and other events. All of this has shaped who I am today," he explained. Jim grew up in Springfield, Illinois, and his relationship with Camp began in 1974 as a camper, which he enjoyed for five summers. During his last year as a camper, Jim was elected and initiated into the Lodge of Ondessonk. He became very active in the Springfield Council and spent several spring breaks during high school volunteering at Camp helping to build new units. He joined the CIT program after going river rafting in Colorado with Gene Canavan and was on staff as nature instructor (ordinance and kitchen during girls' season) until the summer after graduating from high school in 1982. He returned to Camp for the 50th Lodge Reunion in 2007, but it was his visit to Camp in November of 2020 that would truly reconnect him with Ondessonk. "November of 2020, I had a business trip to St Louis and was able to spend three days at Camp hiking and enjoying the COVID room service at St Noel," Jim shared. "During my trip I came across the rocks near Tommy's area. There was a statement written on a sign that was something like — we hope to introduce children to God through nature. This was very powerful for me. I feel as though this was my primary take away from my time at Camp. As a camper and staff, I learned many life lessons and skills at Camp, but my connection with God was through nature. This has continued throughout my life and if another child can meet God through Camp, then I want to help Camp continue for as long as I can." Longtime friend, Jean (Schwartz) Weiss, encouraged him to return to Camp again this summer as a volunteer. Jim said, "Jean contacted me and said some of our 'crew' including Michelle and Dave Bretscher, Chris Midden, and others were planning to volunteer. Jean and I had kept in touch but had not seen each other in maybe 20 years. Given the lessons of COVID and feeling as though life is too short, I decided volunteering was a great idea! I really wanted to see Camp friends." During Session 3 of summer camp, Jim traveled from his home in Connecticut to reconnect with friends and to help introduce children to God through nature. The experience was meaningful and memorable. He made new friends with other volunteers and reconnected with people he hadn't seen in 40 years. Jim shared, "We picked up as if we had only been apart for four months. The common experience and language of Camp O has been the foundation for lifelong friendships. It won't be 40 years before I am again in the company of these amazing friends!" |
16. Reimagine your Ondessonk experience with amenities
"Fournie Lodge – Featuring three bedrooms and two bathrooms, the Fournie Lodge can be divided into two separate suites, or larger groups can enjoy the entire facility." |
Camp Ondessonk has long been known for its 983 acres of pristine wilderness for outdoor enthusiasts, but now also offers a range of lodging options, amenities, and services. Your weekend getaway or week-long sabbatical has never been easier to plan, with plenty of opportunities for guided outdoor activities and delicious food options.
Lodging Fournie Lodge – Featuring three bedrooms and two bathrooms, the Fournie Lodge can be divided into two separate suites, or larger groups can enjoy the entire facility. The main unit of the Lodge features an open concept kitchen, two bedrooms with a queen-sized bed in each, a bath, and a living room with a cozy fireplace and a large wall of windows overlooking the lakes and the surrounding grounds. The second unit of the Lodge features a living room with a futon, a bedroom with a great view of the lakes that features a king-sized bed, bathroom, kitchen, and dining area. Both contemporary kitchens are fully equipped for meals and entertaining, including an outdoor grill on a scenic back deck. The amenities include TV, WiFi, firepit, free private parking on premises, and a front load washer and dryer in each unit. St Noel Retreat and Conference Center The St. Noel Retreat and Conference Center is a modern, climate-controlled facility with nine hostel-style rooms, meeting and dining space in the basement, kitchenette, and shared sitting area/library. The building has audio/visual equipment, free WiFi, and event meeting spaces. St. Noel Retreat and Conference Center is open all year. It is the perfect place to get away for the weekend, host a retreat or youth group, or enjoy the beauty of Camp Ondessonk and the surrounding Shawnee National Forest without having to "rough it." The newly renovated facility offers the following amenities:
Camp Ondessonk's Signature Treehouses One of the highlights of an Ondessonk visit is the three-sided treehouse cabin units that take full advantage of their natural surroundings. The Treehouses are intentionally designed and located to maximize visitors' experience of tranquility and inspiration of nature. Some units offer cabins at ground level for ease of access, one unit is built under a shelter bluff with its own waterfall, and other unit cabins are walled in for a bit more security. Whichever unit you choose, you will be immersed in the natural world in a unique setting. Most cabin units have 5-6 cabins and sleep around 40 guests in total. All cabin units have fire pits, benches, picnic tables, a water spigot, an outhouse, and are close to a shower house. Activities Trail Rides Camp Ondessonk has one of the largest equestrian programs in the Midwest with more than 65 horses on site. Guests may customize their trail ride experience to match their skill level. Guided Trail Rides can include one hour for beginners, half-day and all-day rides for intermediate, and an all-day and overnight ride for advanced riders looking for a new experience. Guided Hikes With more than 983 acres to explore, take advantage of one of our guided interpretive hikes and explore local flora, rock formations, and waterfalls. Food Meal Options Let us do the cooking! Pre-order your meals before you arrive. We have options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Enjoy a picnic lunch under the forest's canopy or a foil dinner by the campfire; we have you covered. |
17. Outdoor Education Staff Training
"If you find yourself at Camp on a Monday or Wednesday afternoon this Fall, you might also see one of our Afterschool Program groups of local students from New Simpson Hill Grade School playing games, learning new skills, and exploring all that Camp has to offer." |
By Chris Bretcher, Program Director
Now that September is upon us, the days grow shorter, and a cool breeze relieves the forest of the summer heat, Camp Ondessonk is wrapping up our Outdoor Education Staff Training and preparing for a full and exciting Fall season. We have many returning schools, scout troops, open camping and specialty weekend guests, and several new groups scheduled to cross the covered bridge this season. There is, however, always room for many more to come and enjoy the cooler weather, fall foliage, and slightly quieter 983 acres. We have something for just about everyone to enjoy this Fall. School groups can look forward to adventures through the forest, up into the high ropes course, and around many of our classic activities like Archery, Canoeing/Kayaking, and Woodscraft. After a day full of these exciting activities, students will enjoy songs and stories around campfires, explorations of the nocturnal world, and lively games of Wilderness Fort around the lake. Schools and retreat groups can also rejuvenate their spirit and grow their faith and relationships through our many retreat program offerings. From Solo Reflection Hikes and lessons centered on recognizing God at work in every moment to interactive prayer services and group affirmations, we can tailor a retreat to meet the needs of any group. If you find yourself at Camp on a Monday or Wednesday afternoon this Fall, you might also see one of our Afterschool Program groups of local students from New Simpson Hill Grade School playing games, learning new skills, and exploring all that Camp has to offer. We also are open for day hiking, camping, and weekend activities for much of our Fall season. If you or anyone you know is interested in getting outside and enjoying Fall at Camp Ondessonk this season, please check out our website for more information on pricing, lodging options, and our online reservation form. You can also call our office at (618) 695-2489 or email us at [email protected]. We are excited to welcome each and every one of you across the Covered Bridge this Fall. Heepwah! |
18. Dump and Bake Cheesy Chicken
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By Javette Cox, Food Services Director
SERVES: 6 PREP TIME: 10 MIN COOK TIME: 50 MIN INGREDIENTS: 2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts (can use thighs) ½ cup cooked, chopped bacon 3 tbsp olive oil 2 tbsp red wine vinegar 1 (1 oz.) packet dry Ranch Seasoning & Salad Dressing mix (fun fact: Camp made our own!) 8 oz. cream cheese, diced into small squares Chopped parsley for garnish, optional DIRECTIONS: Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Spray a 2 quart baking dish with cooking spray. Place chicken and bacon in the prepared dish. In a small bowl, whisk together oil, vinegar, and dry salad dressing mix and pour over chicken and bacon. Cover tightly with foil. Bake covered for 45 minutes or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. Add the cream cheese and return to the oven (uncovered) and bake 5 minutes or until cheese is melted. Remove from oven, and while still in the baking dish, use two forks to shred the meat. Stir the mixture thoroughly. Garnish with parsley if desired. I modified this recipe to be cooked in our tilt skillet. Ingredients remain the same, but I adjusted the cooking procedure, and it was a big hit with the campers and staff. You can also do this in a slow cooker. |
19. Favorite Hiking Trail
"Day hiking and biking is permitted from mid-August through mid-May, seven days per week between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., unless Camp is closed for a special event or for certain holidays." 
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By Emily Bretscher, Event & Marketing Coordinator
Echon Trail: Easy to Moderate. Shares road briefly, Switchbacks. Entire Trail: 4 miles (3 miles w/ shortcuts) East Echon: 2 miles (1.5 miles w/ shortcuts) West Echon: 1.75 miles (1 mile w/ shortcuts) One of my very favorite hiking trails at Camp is the Echon Trail, specifically the eastern portion during the Fall. The East Echon trail shows off some of the lesser bluff lines of Camp that are just as gorgeous as those surrounding main Camp and areas like Packentuck. This trail offers great sights and terrain for hikers and mountain bikers alike. The Echon Trail's east terminus is located at the entrance to Chabanel, and its west terminus is next to the unit of Daniel. The trail emerges onto the Camp Road briefly to cross the footbridge over the creek at Raganeau and shares the Camp Road to cross the Spillway between Amantacha and Garnier. Part of the beauty of this trail is found in its flexibility and versatility granted by the number of shortcuts available throughout. There are four shortcuts near the units of Daniel, Amantacha, Lalemant, and Goupil that divert switchbacks for those wishing to take a shorter route around the lake. This trail is great to take when there is an unknown time frame to explore, because it can be made as long or short as the outdoor enthusiast desires. The Echon Trail is considered easy to moderate and is perfect for young kids and families to explore along with more experienced hikers who want a relaxed trail to enjoy. Next time you are in the area, come visit Camp Ondessonk and hike the Echon Trail! Day Hiking Schedule: Day hiking and biking is permitted from mid-August through mid-May, seven days per week between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., unless Camp is closed for a special event or for certain holidays. Be sure to check our calendar at www.ondessonk.com/events to see when we are closed. Check-in is Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the St. Noel Office. Check-in outside normal business hours is by signing the visitor log book located at the kiosk in the lower Main Parking Lot. |
20. Mark your Calendar for Giving Tuesday
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By Whitney Strang, Director of Development
Tuesday, November 29th will mark yet another year that Camp Ondessonk will participate in Giving Tuesday, the global movement that encourages generosity among individuals, communities, and organizations. Held annually on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, millions of people worldwide give back on this day to support the organizations they love. In 2021, two challenge gifts helped inspire the Camp Family to give more than $45,000 to benefit the campers of Camp Ondessonk; making it the most successful in Camp's history. With your help, we can do it again! All members of the Camp Community and beyond are encouraged to give back on Tuesday, November 29th to build on last year's success. Through online giving, sending gifts through USPS, phone calls, and even text, there are multiple ways to participate in this Global Day of Giving. Your generosity will help end the 2022 fiscal year strong, and begin 2023 on a positive note. Please join in supporting Camp Ondessonk on Giving Tuesday 2022. |
21. Benefits of Working Remote
"By staying at Camp Ondessonk, as soon as your workday is complete, you can easily access more than 25 miles of trails for biking and hiking." |
By Nolan Hurst, Camping Services Director
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, many people received the opportunity to work remotely. As the world returns to normalcy, workplaces continue to recognize the benefits of employees working remotely. The setting and amenities at Camp Ondessonk provide the perfect environment for you to work remotely and enjoy all the Shawnee National Forest has to share. When working remotely, you can have lower stress, more accessible access to exercise and the outdoors, and time to spend with family. Working remote helps your schedule and mood. You can remove travel time from your plan, allowing more time to enjoy that last cup of coffee outside in the fresh air or join family time faster, boosting calmness and rejuvenation. Remote work also enables you to find a safe place to relax and work simultaneously, increasing motivation and productivity. Camp Ondessonk offers many of the essential tools you need for a successful remote work situation. In recent years, Camp Ondessonk has increased its internet capability inside and outside to provide guests with strong internet throughout our Main Area and climate-controlled lodging. Camp provides two great climate-controlled spaces you can rent any day from September through May. To learn more, visit our website to view the Fournie Lodge (house-style set up with private kitchens) and St. Noel (hotel-style rooms with shared kitchen). By staying at Camp Ondessonk, as soon as your workday is complete, you can easily access more than 25 miles of trails for biking and hiking. Should your family join you, there are plenty of opportunities for them to explore the region during the day and have excellent family bonding by the fire at night. Your stress-free outdoor workspace is just around the corner. Let Camp Ondessonk be your next remote work location, do not wait to reserve your stay! |
2023 Camp Ondessonk Board of Directors
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Chris Cahnovsky, President
Regional Manager Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Jacquelyn Savage McKay, Vice President Retired Katie Birge, Secretary Associate and Head of Platform M25 Sara Simonin Organizational Specialist Enterprise Holdings Foundation Tracy Beckham Phipps Attorney Sandberg Phoenix & Von Gontard P.C. Carrie Keller Attorney General Counsel, Budrovich Companies Steve Bushong Professor Southwestern Illinois College Thomas Young Sr. Farrier, self-employed Dennis Dusek Retired Orthopedic Surgeon |
Jean Weiss
Retired Entrepreneur Kyle Klues Structural Design Engineer Ken Wetstein Vice-President for University Advancement Eastern Illinois University Scott Wobbe Security Specialist United States Air Force Ex Officio Trustees: Most Reverend Michael G. McGovern Bishop Diocese of Belleville Very Reverend Steven L. Beatty V.G. Vicar General Diocese of Belleville Jonathan Birdsong Superintendent of Schools/Director of Education Diocese of Belleville |
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