Camp Ondessonk NewsletterSpring 2020
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From The Director's Desk
By Dan King
Camp Ondessonk is an excellent place to shelter-in-place, but we prefer serving families, schools, scouts, retreat groups, horseback riders, and hikers this time of year. Unfortunately, we are currently closed to guests. Social distancing, a phrase and concept fundamentally at odds with what Camp Ondessonk is all about, is currently a necessity to protect health and save lives. Please be assured that camp’s normal necessities are still intact - love, acceptance, friendship, and God.
Eleven employees and eight family members currently live at camp. An additional fifteen year-round staff members, some part-timers and some full-timers, live off-site. Like you, we are adjusting to the times. When the statewide shelter-in-place order was wisely announced on Friday, March 20, we were as ready as one could expect. The friendly office staff members that normally answer phone calls began working remotely from home the following Monday– something made possible by past technology investments. Like before, but with social-distancing and cleaner hands, the staff members that live at camp are busy with projects and day-to-day tasks like horse care, trail work, and program development.
Though its status is unclear due to the pandemic, we are busily preparing for the opening day of summer camp on May 31. Most of our 120 counselors are selected, activity areas are being prepared, schedules are being developed, and the gaga pit is getting a new playing surface. The maintenance crew even installed posts containing liquid soap dispensers at water spigots throughout camp. We’ll be ready! We are also preparing ourselves for the possibility that the pandemic will alter summer camp. We tend to be optimistic and we believe in happy endings, but this sort of planning is dictated by these uncertain times.
Many, many Ondessonk Friends have reached out to us in recent weeks to see how we’re fairing. We are grateful for the support. Once we explain that we’re healthy they often ask, “How can I help?” We made a list:
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
Eleven employees and eight family members currently live at camp. An additional fifteen year-round staff members, some part-timers and some full-timers, live off-site. Like you, we are adjusting to the times. When the statewide shelter-in-place order was wisely announced on Friday, March 20, we were as ready as one could expect. The friendly office staff members that normally answer phone calls began working remotely from home the following Monday– something made possible by past technology investments. Like before, but with social-distancing and cleaner hands, the staff members that live at camp are busy with projects and day-to-day tasks like horse care, trail work, and program development.
Though its status is unclear due to the pandemic, we are busily preparing for the opening day of summer camp on May 31. Most of our 120 counselors are selected, activity areas are being prepared, schedules are being developed, and the gaga pit is getting a new playing surface. The maintenance crew even installed posts containing liquid soap dispensers at water spigots throughout camp. We’ll be ready! We are also preparing ourselves for the possibility that the pandemic will alter summer camp. We tend to be optimistic and we believe in happy endings, but this sort of planning is dictated by these uncertain times.
Many, many Ondessonk Friends have reached out to us in recent weeks to see how we’re fairing. We are grateful for the support. Once we explain that we’re healthy they often ask, “How can I help?” We made a list:
- Participate in the Campfire Circle monthly giving program by giving $5, $10, or more per month. Giving this way provides steady revenue that strengthens camp and its campers. There’s an article in this newsletter about how to do so, but if you’re so eager to enroll you can’t wait, please visit our website to make it happen.
- Prepare yourself for “post pandemic” participation in Camp Ondessonk. Robust involvement will help camp rebound from the damage already done and any that is to come. Of note, we had to place a staff housing project on hold due to coronavirus uncertainty. When normal life returns, we will need help from donors and volunteers alike to improve housing for our staff so that they can be the best they can be for the campers. They deserve it!
- Wash your hands frequently, practice social distancing, and shelter at home. Camp needs you to do everything you can do to be well. This is, of course, for your health and the health of your family, neighbors, and community. We also need you for the rest of this list.
- Pray. We mean it. Please pray.
- 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. A MESSAGE FROM TRACY BECKHAM PHIPPS, PRESIDENT, CAMP ONDESSONK BOARD OF DIRECTORS
“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” |
Dear Camp Friends,
Thank you for being part of the Camp Ondessonk family! Whether you were a camper in 1959, a more recent camper, a member of Camp’s staff, or a volunteer, your participation has been part of the success Camp has enjoyed. It is because of you that Camp has thrived for 61 years. In an effort to continue serving our community, we are asking for your help in these difficult and uncertain times. As individuals, companies, and government agencies around the globe grapple with the outbreak of COVID-19, we all are making drastic changes to our daily lives in order to protect those who are most vulnerable in our society. Schools are closed. Events are cancelled. Outings and experiences that have been normal for so long are being redefined and readjusted. All of this is for the greater good of slowing down the spread of a virus so that we, as a society, can figure out how to effectively manage it. There are unfortunate realities associated with this. Small businesses will suffer. Individuals will face challenging financial situations. Many non-profits will navigate uncertain waters as well. Camp Ondessonk is no exception to this. Much of Camp’s annual budget relies on income that is generated during the spring season leading up to summer camp. Most of those events have already been cancelled. During these unprecedented times, we ask that you check on your loved ones, support your local small businesses, thank the workers who are taking care of us all, wash your hands, and consider continuing to support Camp Ondessonk. We hope to remain a refuge for children and children-at-heart for many years to come. Please consider supporting Camp financially over the next couple of months. The Campfire Circle monthly giving program is an easy way to participate at $5, $10, or $25 each month - or at an amount of your choice. The Camp family has strong bonds, and that unbroken circle of love remains solid. Please remember Camp Ondessonk in your prayers, as we are remembering you and your family in ours. Thank you for your support! Heepwah! Sincerely, Tracy Beckham Phipps, President, Camp Ondessonk Board of Directors |
2. The Four Winds Project
“As part of the Four Winds Project, Lodge members will complete 240 minutes of volunteerism.” |
By McKenna Sawchak, Events and Marketing Coordinator
The Lodge of Ondessonk and Tekakwitha is excited to announce the start of a new service initiative entitled “The Four Winds Project!” The Four Winds Project will allow active members to receive recognition for completing 240 minutes of service within one year, in the name of the Lodge of Ondessonk and Tekakwitha. 240 minutes represents completing 60 minutes of service for each of the Four Winds that called your name at the Lodge Ceremony when you were inducted. Your service can be broken down into a variety of different volunteer activities in the community. Not all 240 minutes need to be completed during one service project. Once complete, members will be asked to fill out an online form so they can receive recognition for their hours of work. As a service organization, this project is something the Lodge Officials and the staff at Camp Ondessonk are excited to launch for members throughout the world. Below are all of the participation requirements and the link to a project tracking form. As part of the Four Winds Project, Lodge members will complete 240 minutes of volunteerism. Lodge members are free to choose their own projects that fit within the following guidelines:
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3. ON THE MENU: SHROOMIE BOWTIES (FOR ALL YOU VEGETARIANS)
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By Dru Kee, Support Services Director
In a skillet combine: 2 tablespoons olive oil 2/3 cup yellow onion 1-pound mushrooms (your choice) 2 teaspoons salt 1/4 teaspoon allspice 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg Sauté then add: 16oz cream of mushroom soup, w/ 16oz of water 2/3 cup sour cream 1 teaspoon dark brown sugar 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon allspice 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon salt Pasta Prepare according to packaging 1-pound bowtie pasta |
4. DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION TRAINING - BECOMING AN ALLY
“We feel it is within our mission to educate our staff and focus on common understandings of diversity, equity and inclusion, and how we as an organization can contribute through teaching and service.” |
By Tony Vrooman- Sr. Director of Communications
Camp Ondessonk Leadership staff is engaging with the Southern Illinois University of Carbondale for further diversity, equity, and inclusion training for our full-time and summer staff. Nolan Hurst, Camping Services Director notes, “We feel it is within our mission to educate our staff and focus on common understandings of diversity, equity and inclusion, and how we as an organization can contribute through teaching and service.” The program is facilitated by Doctoral Student of Counseling Psychology Remya Perinchery, M.A, at SIUC. Camp Ondessonk staff training focuses on the following program topics: Introducing Diversity and Inclusion- a foundational training providing participants with knowledge on a variety of topics such as privilege, power, microaggressions, and intent vs. impact. The training gives brief overviews, so participants feel more comfortable engaging in dialogue related to these topics. Becoming an Ally- a follow-up training that builds on the concepts of Introducing Diversity and Inclusion and providing participants with skills related to advocacy and allyship. The training encourages participants to consider their own contexts and how they can use their privilege and power to be allies. Camp Ondessonk strives to be a leader in outdoor education and the camping industry. By focusing on continuing education programs such as further diversity, equity, and inclusion training, we continue our mission to provide- Exceptional outdoor and spiritual adventures empowering kids of all ages. |
5. Announcing the Lifetime Lodge Membership Program
Lifetime Lodge Membership Pins
"Among other things, your dues are used to support this summer’s Leadership Development programs for our Lodge members—a great investment in our young leaders of tomorrow." |
By Jamie Fields, Director of Development
The Loyal Lodge of Ondessonk and Tekakwitha represent a select group of campers, CITs, staff, and volunteers from Camp Ondessonk who work to keep alive the ideals of love and the respect for all persons, for the earth, and for the Great Spirit. Members are part of over 60 years of tradition and honor and strive to uphold these ideas while promoting the interests of Camp Ondessonk both at Camp and in their communities. Once inducted, you are a Lodge member for life and are considered an active member if dues are paid each year. But many have said, “I never remember to renew my dues.” In response to this we have developed the option to become a Lifetime Lodge Member, which will cement your status as an active Lodge member for life with a one-time fee of $250. All active Lodge members will enjoy free Lodge Reunion weekends and Lodge e-newsletters. Lifetime Lodge members will also receive a pin recognizing their lifetime Lodge membership and recognition on our website, e-newsletters, and stewardship report. Among other things, your dues are used to support this summer’s Leadership Development programs for our Lodge members—a great investment in our young leaders of tomorrow. In addition, your dues help support the activities of our 10 local Lodge Councils, whose members continue the tradition of service by participating in Camp work weekends, fundraising for the Scholarship Fund, helping at Camp events, and volunteering their time and talent serving their local communities. We invite all Lodge members to visit Camp, attend Lodge ceremonies or participate in a Lodge Weekend. No matter what your age, you always have a place within our Loyal Lodge. Gather around the Council Fire and renew your commitment to the Loyal Lodge of Camp Ondessonk today! To secure your Lifetime Lodge Membership, please visit our donation page. |
6. Stable News
"Rocky likes trail rides and getting outside of the arena, especially when the grass is tall enough for him to snatch a few bites along the way." |
By Catherine Limkeman, Equestrian Director
All of our horses work through a training progression and must pass a series of riding and behavioral tests as they move closer to becoming “camper horses”. During this progression, beginner riders can throw pretty much everything at the horses, and still the horses will continue to do their job and follow the horses in front of them at a slow and steady pace. We want campers to be able to sing as loudly and crazily as ever on a trail ride, while our horses continue to plod along the trail unbothered. As part of the preparation process, we assign our wranglers a project horse to train with in order to help horses master these skills and reach the next level in their progression. This year, the project horse was Rocky, the spotted pony. We acquired Rocky from a lesson barn in Bowling Green, Kentucky last summer. Rocky is one of our three POAs, or Ponies of the Americas, in the Ondessonk herd. POAs originated in Iowa from an Arabian/Appaloosa/Shetland stallion. This breed became popular quickly because these ponies were known for having the endurance and athleticism of the Arabian and the hardiness and beauty of the Appaloosa, all wrapped up in the size of an adorable Shetland pony. They are very versatile and found in many different riding disciplines, from trail riding to show jumping and junior barrel racing. POAs are truly appreciated in lesson environments for a child’s first riding experience; they tend to have a steady disposition that allows new riders to gain proficiency and confidence. We love this breed in the camp setting because POAs tend to enjoy the attention and work of camp, and their size makes them less intimidating to new riders. Rocky is six years old, making him the "baby of the herd" or the youngest equine at camp. Young horses tend to have more energy, are more curious, and approach things with more playfulness. Rocky fits all these categories except for his energy level. Rocky has more "Woah than go," and it is not uncommon to see him napping on sunny days. Though he loves attention, he does not enjoy pony rides and will take a few steps, then stop and hope that is enough to satisfy the customer. He prefers love and adoration without movement, but does enjoy an excellent adventure. Rocky likes trail rides and getting outside of the arena, especially when the grass is tall enough for him to snatch a few bites along the way. In herd dynamics, he is the hype man for some of the more macho horses. He often hangs out with some of the larger geldings and sports around with them: jumping, rearing, prancing, or merely snacking by their sides. We are hoping this year Rocky progresses to become a camper horse. Occasionally when he is feeling extra sporty, he enjoys hopping small creeks. As cute as it is to see this spotted little pony hop a creek, hopping things when not directed to do so earns him a "fail" marking - the biggest obstacle he faces in order to reach the next level in his training. Lucky for Rocky, this spring has given him plenty of small streams to practice walking through. And if he keeps it up, he will provide practice for wranglers when they are learning how to correct a horse’s unwanted behavior. Ironically, Rocky's most significant obstacle may end up helping him in other ways as he becomes an inspiration at producing top-notch training for the wranglers. We have lots of hope for our beloved little pony. We’re rooting for you, Rocky! |
7. Your Scholarship Gift at Work!
"Your donations ensure that every child who has a need can come to Camp Ondessonk this summer. No gift is too small, and every gift will help us meet this year's goal." |
"Thank you so much! Camp Ondessonk is the answer to our prayers for our daughter, not just the scholarship, but the quality of the Camp itself. When I looked at her scholarship essay and read that she felt so welcome at Camp last year, I was overjoyed. My husband and I know that our daughter is safe, having fun, and learning the joy of life and lessons toward becoming a strong adult." – Susan, from Belleville, IL.
Each year Camp Ondessonk distributes scholarship funding to families who need assistance to be able to send their children to Camp. Some families need a partial scholarship to make a week at Camp Ondessonk possible, and some require a full scholarship. The money that is available to distribute to scholarship applicants comes from the generosity of donors such as you! Please support our camper families by making a gift to the 2020 Scholarship Fund! Your donations ensure that every child who has a need can come to Camp Ondessonk this summer. No gift is too small, and every gift will help us meet this year's goal. Please watch your mailbox for a scholarship campaign letter coming soon or go to ondessonk.com to make a gift online today! |
8. Where are They Now? – Father Brian Barker
Reverend Brian Barker
Bishop Wilton Gregory and Father Brian Barker (mid 1990's)
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By Dan King, Executive Director
“Ondessonk campers explore the wonder, mystery and awe of God’s creation. They also explore their own lives and their part of the larger community. Everybody wins!” - Reverend Brian Barker My strongest memories of being an Ondessonk camper in the 1980s are of my counselors. The best counselors were perpetually kind. They seemed to be friends with everyone. They made us feel valued. When I signed-up my first year I was hooked by the promise of horseback riding, swimming, and lodging in treehouse cabins. It was my counselors who made me want to return. Those of you that were repeat summer campers at Ondessonk or elsewhere likely feel the same way. Father Brian Barker grew up in a big family in the South Suburbs of Chicago. His journey to his present-day role as Pastor of the St. Joseph (Marion, IL) and St. Paul (Johnston City, IL) Catholic Communities has literally taken him around the world as a traveler and veteran of many mission trips. After high school, Father Brian attended Villanova University in Pennsylvania. He majored in Economics and Finance and minored in Music. A gifted saxophonist and pianist, he played in the Villanova Pep, Jazz, Marching, and Concert Bands. Upon graduation from Villanova, Father Brian returned to the Chicago area to be a Catholic School teacher. Camp Ondessonk entered his life when a representative from the organization visited his students at Seven Holy Founders in 1983 to promote summer camp. That summer was Father Brian’s first as a Camp Ondessonk Unit Leader. He returned in that capacity nearly every summer until 2001. I was never a camper in one of his units. We did, however, become friends when I became a counselor. We all called him Brian, for his call to become a priest – something he’d considered for years, wasn’t answered until entering Mundelein Seminary in 1989. Brian was a fantastic unit leader. Most often assigned to the unit of Daniel, his campers always learned, grew, and had a great time. Though there’s no official count – at least not by me, I suspect Brian’s units won more Golden Arrowheads than any in the history of Camp Ondessonk. When I was a first-time unit leader, he and another great counselor of that time told me that I should always request to be scheduled for Monday all day exploration hikes because it is the best way to thoroughly learn the names of all forty campers within 24 hours of their arrival. Brian, the counselor, had a gift for helping his campers realize they were special. Ordained a Priest in 1994, Father Brian’s first assignment was as Associate Pastor in the Parish Communities of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Herrin and Holy Spirit, Carterville. He then became Pastor of St. John the Baptist in West Frankfort and eventually returned to Mundelein Seminary, where he served as Associate Dean of Formation. He came back to the Diocese of Belleville a couple of years later to be Pastor of St. Bruno’s in Pinckneyville. An educator for life, Father Brian loves it when a parish to which he is assigned has a school, not just because of the vibrant energy of a strong educational community, but because of recess on the school playground—another of his strategies for learning names. During the summer of 2018, I began to hear rumors that Father Brian may be returning to the diocese from his position as a Music and Scripture teacher at Cascia Hall Preparatory School, a Catholic High School in Tulsa, OK. By that time, Father Brian had been away from the diocese for nearly five years. Bishop Braxton assigned him to serve as Pastor of St. Joseph & St. Paul – my family’s parish! At an outdoor Mass to celebrate 25 years as a priest on a steaming hot day last summer, Father Brian stood before a large crowd and delivered a homily that still resonates with me. In his sermon he humbly apologized to parishioners of the first parishes to which he was assigned, stating something like, “I’m a better priest now than I was when I started.” He then went on to thank current and past parishioners for helping him become a better priest. Afterwards, I watched as he greeted many of the day’s congregants by first name. I know it’s not quite the same, but I feel a bit like I’m now a camper in one of Father Brian Barker’s units. Dan King – March 2020 P.S. Hey past and present campers! You could be like Father Brian Barker, Sister Linda (my 2nd grade teacher at St. Boniface, Edwardsville), Deacon Tom Powers (Holy Trinity, Fairview Heights and longtime camp volunteer), Annie Rose Keith (Director of Marian Educational Outreach - Diocese of Evansville and former camper & counselor), Father Steven Beatty (Pastor, St. Kateri, Ridgway; St. Mary, Harrisburg, St. Joseph, Elizabethtown, and Chaplain, Camp Ondessonk – also a former camper and counselor) or one of the many people serving the people of the Catholic Church of Southern Illinois or elsewhere. Tell someone you’re interested in serving the church. Or, if you know someone that would make a good priest, nun, director of religious education, deacon, etc., please tell them so. That may be the “nudge” they need. For more information on vocations, please visit https://www.diobelle.org/vocations or http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/vocations/index.cfm P.S.S. St. Joseph & St. Paul Parish is on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeIujlTKeduJOw2AAe8dPOA |
9. Ondessonk Snapshots
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Maple Sugarin’ Weekend 2020
We had a great time tapping trees and boiling sap on Leap Day! The weather was warm and sunny, and perfect for the "Sap Run," and the maple trees located down at Lalande were literally pouring out sap after we drilled into them. It was an all-ages event with moms, dads, kids, and grandparents alike enjoying this old tradition and the lovely late-winter weather. Everyone went home with a bottle of Ondessonk Maple Syrup to enjoy at their breakfast tables. We look forward to welcoming families for events such as this at Camp in the future. Keep an eye on our calendar later this year for engaging opportunities.
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Volunteer Trail Day 2020Camp is very proud of its ongoing partnership with the Bike Surgeon of O’Fallon, Illinois. Over the past two years, Bike Surgeon has been an integral part of the great additions to Camp’s trail network. Last year, we completed the new Lake Loop Trail, which winds and wraps around Lake Echon for nearly 4 miles, opening up rarely seen areas of Main Camp. This year, as a spur of the Lake Loop, we’ve created the new Homestead Trail that takes hikers and bike riders on a winding loop around the Durbin’s Barn and Morgan’s Field areas and gives users a new perspective on those familiar areas of Camp. The Homestead Trail will also connect with a new reroute of the old Cedar Falls Trail and the Bridge Trail, created in 2018, which connects the East and West Sides of Camp. A group of Lodge members, made up of campers and staff who volunteered their weekend to help Camp with projects, as well as many adult volunteers, worked together to complete the new Homestead Trail during the Volunteer Trail Day on March 7th.
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Ondessonk OnlineVolunteers Emma Klues and Drew Wieland orchestrated another successful “Ondessonk Online”, recreating a week of summer camp on Facebook. The Digital Summer Camp featured 17 engaging posts and reached over 48,000 people. One contributor stated, “I really enjoyed doing this with my daughter. I am a past camper and counselor and currently a volunteer. My daughter has been to camp two summers and loves it. This experience was a great way for us to talk more about camp!” Join us next time! All registered participants receive a Ondessonk Online Arrowhead.
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Camp O Trivia Night
On Saturday, March 7th, over 300 participants, volunteers and staff members, came together at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Fairview Heights for the Camp O Trivia Night. It was our largest trivia fundraiser to date. Heepwah!
10. Each Moment of the Year
Left to Right Maureen (Mo) Fitzgerald, Greg Santen, Oliver Passalacqua, Alex Pardo, Michael Steele, Jake Pasdertz, Jess Peak, Dru Kee, Nolan Hurst, and Grace Kessels
"The moments of beauty this time of year come not just from the blossoming of flowers but through the growth of a community." |
By Nolan Hurst, Camping Services Director
Ralph Waldo Emerson once wrote, "Each moment of the year has its own beauty." At Camp Ondessonk, those moments truly become apparent as the Year-Round staff watches new teams of Outdoor Education Instructors come together to develop old skills while learning new ones before groups begin to arrive at Camp Ondessonk. This Spring was no different as training brought together six talented instructors under the leadership of Spring Outdoor Education Coordinator, Jake Pasdertz. We are blessed to still have Oliver Passalacqua, Grace Kessels, and Michael Steele from the fall. Joining them this spring are Jess Peak, Maureen (Mo) Fitzgerald, and Alex Pardo. Jess returns to Camp Ondessonk as an Outdoor Educator after spending some time as a Wilderness Therapy Instructor in Utah. Maureen comes back to Camp Ondessonk after spending two years volunteering with the Peace Corps in Africa. Both Jess and Maureen worked together in 2017 and are excited to see how Camp has grown since their parting and what new ideas they can incorporate into the season. Alex will be joining the Ondessonk Community for the first time from Prescott College in Arizona, where he is studying Adventure Education. As winter ended, the staff came together from all over the country and jumped right into a successful three-week training! During this time, the crew learned the ins and outs of working at Camp Ondessonk and shared some tricks of the trade. The staff, both new and returning, spent time hiking Ondessonk Trails, camping at Durbin’s Barn, swinging through the air on the High Challenge Course, and learning the logistics of Camp; while discussing curriculum and experiential education is learning theories to apply in all aspects of their work. As training would come to an end each day, the staff, both seasonal and year-round, spent time together to learn more about each other and grow closer as the Ondessonk Spring Team. Although we faced unforeseen challenges with this year’s Outdoor Education schedule, we are looking forward to seeing all they can do this season as they work around Camp Ondessonk to make it the best it can be. The moments of beauty this time of year come not just from the blossoming of flowers but through the growth of a community. |
11. McKay Completes The Four Winds Project
Jackie McKay- Cleaning the walking path in Millstadt Park.
"Volunteering doesn’t always require huge gestures. McKay’s advice to Lodge members who are wanting to complete The Four Winds Project is to start small." |
By McKenna Sawchak, Events and Marketing Coordinator
In January, The Loyal Lodge of Ondessonk and Tekakwitha launched a new initiative, called The Four Winds Project. This project aims to promote volunteerism among its members. Jackie Savage McKay, a Lifetime Lodge Member, was the first to complete the required 240 minutes, or four hours of volunteering, while wearing her Lodge sash. Sometimes, getting started with a project is the hardest part, which is why McKay began with finding volunteer opportunities that fit her daily routine. McKay broke the required four hours of service down into three separate projects. During the first she picked up trash on two separate occasions for 30-minutes in Millstadt Park where she walks every morning. Because of the instant gratification that came with seeing a cleaner path on her morning walks, McKay decided the next project she would tackle was picking up trash along a 2-mile stretch on the highway, which took one hour. Lastly, McKay volunteered with a local Meals on Wheels program and delivered food to the elderly at the Senior Center in Millstadt. Because of the joy and sense of gratitude volunteering brought McKay while completing The Four Winds Project, she decided to continue her efforts into the future, creating sustainability within all three of her projects. Way to go, Jackie! Volunteering doesn’t always require huge gestures. McKay’s advice to Lodge members who are wanting to complete The Four Winds Project is to start small. She says, “Don’t try and take on a big project. The easiest way to go about volunteering is to find projects in your everyday life, like wearing your sash while you help carry an elderly person’s groceries.” The Loyal Lodge of Ondessonk and Tekakwitha can’t wait to hear more stories like Jackie’s. To learn more about The Four Winds Project, please visit ondessonk.com/community/the-loyal-lodge/four-winds-project/. |
12. Host a Third-Party Fundraiser for Camp Ondessonk
"Hosting a third-party fundraiser is a fun way to raise money for camp and its campers while sharing all the reasons you love Camp with your friends, family, and colleagues!" |
By Jamie Fields, Director of Development
As a non-profit organization, Camp Ondessonk relies on the generosity of its many loyal supporters to continue to sustain and enhance the programs that make Camp unique. If you are looking for a way to make a significant impact for Camp Ondessonk, consider hosting a third-party fundraiser. What is a Third-Party Fundraiser? A third-party fundraising event happens when a business, organization, community group, school, or individual hosts an event or program to benefit Camp Ondessonk. It is planned and executed independently from Camp Ondessonk by those third-party entities. Why should I host a third-party fundraiser for Camp Ondessonk? Camp is a self-sustaining non-profit organization. All operating revenue is generated by fees charged for services like summer camp, as well as funding provided by camp supporters. The gifts provided by donors leads to organizational growth for camp and personals growth for kids. Hosting a third-party fundraiser is a fun way to raise money for camp and its campers while sharing all the reasons you love Camp with your friends, family, and colleagues! Where do I start? Listed below are some ideas of the many ways that you can help raise funds and awareness for Camp Ondessonk. This list is by no means exhaustive; let your creativity guide you!
Once you’ve settled on a fundraiser, please contact Jamie Fields, Camp Ondessonk’s Development Director, at [email protected] or (618) 759-1697 for more information and to help you get started. |
13. Family Camp News
Carmen Cronin was engaged this past fall and plans to get married in November of 2021.
Elizabeth (Nimnicht) and Damon Abaray welcomed their sixth child in May. Adam Rainn Abaray was born on May 7, 2019, in Nashville, TN. Michael, Isaac, Liam, and Violet are happy to have a sweet baby brother, and big sister Delia Grace watches over him from heaven.
Austin Priebe and his wife Karina welcomed daughter Mayzie Rose Priebe on September 8, 2019.
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14. Campfire Circle
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It’s easy to make a difference in the lives of others by joining the Campfire Circle. Because YOU are the key to Camp Ondessonk’s success!
You are invited to help keep the Ondessonk campfire burning for future generations of campers. How, you ask, can you accomplish this important request? Your monthly gift of $5, $10, $25, or an amount of your choice, per month, makes a huge impact in keeping the excitement alive! Your monthly gift is easy through Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) or through monthly credit card payments. Click here to see how Courtney is making a difference by giving monthly to Camp. Become a member of the Campfire Circle when you support Camp Ondessonk with a recurring gift each month. This monthly giving program makes supporting Camp easy and enables you to give in a bigger way. Visit our website to enroll as a member of the Campfire Circle. You choose the amount of your monthly gift, and we will create an EFT from your checking or savings account or bill your credit card. Campfire Circle Perks:
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15. New Employee Spotlight
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Kavern Kerley, Assistant Ranger- Kavern lives in Ozark IL, and is married with six children. During Kavern’s free time he enjoys horseback riding and being in the outdoors with his family.
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16. Swimming Area Cabana Construction Process
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By Dan King, Executive Director
Have you ever wondered how building projects at Camp Ondessonk go from dream to reality? In February of 2019 Camp Ranger Mike Jennings and the maintenance staff began building a new Swimming Area Cabana. The project, the product of ideas that were loosely discussed for several years, was conceived after realizing that the swimming area benches, storage cubby holes, and campfire ring needed to be replaced because the area wasn’t fully meeting camp’s needs. Like most projects at Camp Ondessonk, this one required active involvement from donors, volunteers, and staff members. Check out the slideshow below if you’d like to learn about the building’s design and construction process. |
2020 Camp Ondessonk Board of Directors
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Tracy Beckham Phipps, President
Attorney Sandberg Phoenix & Von Gontard P.C. Sara Simonin, First Vice President/Secretary Foundation Specialist Enterprise Holdings Foundation Tip Belz, Vice President Retired Electrician IBEW – Local 309 Thomas Young Sr., Vice President Farrier, self-employed Belinda Bauer Retired Speech-Language Pathologist Reverend Steven L. Beatty Parish Pastor & Camp Ondessonk Chaplain St. Kateri Tekakwitha Parish, Ridgway, IL Katie Birge Executive Director Launch Indy Chris Cahnovsky Regional Manager Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Sandy Eversole Manager of Financial Planning Mercy |
Carrie Keller
Attorney SmithAmundsen, LLC Kyle Klues Structural Design Engineer Jacquelyn Savage McKay Retired Corporate Executive Assistant Kent Plotner Attorney Heyl, Royster, Voelker & Allen, P.C. Mark Sherfy Funeral Director & Manager Kassly Mortuary, Ltd Joseph Werner Building Contractor Joe Werner Construction Ex Officio Trustees: Most Reverend Edward K. Braxton, Ph.D., S.T.D. Bishop Diocese of Belleville Rev. Msgr. John W. McEvilly, V.G. Vicar General / Moderator of Curia Diocese of Belleville Jonathan Birdsong Superintendent of Schools/Director of Education Diocese of Belleville |
