Camp Ondessonk Newsletter

From The Director's Desk

By Dan King

On Thursday, March 18, 2021 – twelve days after Camp's wildly successful Virtual Homecoming Gala, the State of Illinois published guidance for the operation of residential summer camps. This is the news kids and parents from throughout the state have longed to hear. As anticipated, obeying the guidance will require a new approach to housing, food service, activities, and staffing. Nearly every part of the summer camp experience will be altered. The forests and canyons of Camp Ondessonk, however, will be the same for this summer's campers as for those who attended in 1959. We should all find this comforting.

The spring season and the renewal it brings are enhanced and contrasted by the year-long pandemic we are living. It reminds me of Today, the poem by Billy Collins. As tempting as it may be, we will not become complacent to the danger of COVID transmission and infection. Ondessonk's culture of compliance will be in place until the pandemic ends. Our campers and their families deserve nothing less. Constantly evolving, our plans are summarized in this Roadmap to 2021 Summer Camp.

Camp's Virtual Homecoming Gala was yet another reminder that the organization's strength is a product of the dedication of many supporters. Volunteer Gala Chair Belinda Bauer, Event Coordinator McKenna Sawchak, and their team of volunteers created a truly special night for Camp and its campers. Thank you, Camp Friends, for joining forces to raise net income of more than $125,000 to Keep the Camp Gate Open! Whether you are a volunteer, a sponsor, an auction item donor, a buyer, or a paddle-call contributor, we are grateful.

We publish an edition of the Ondessonk Newsletter two times each year; once in the Spring and once in the Fall. This edition is the third since the pandemic began. Each previous "pandemic issue" contained a list of suggestions for people eager to help the organization outlast the virus. Thank you, Camp Friends, for answering our pleas. The support of many like-minded individuals helped carry us this far. It will likely take Camp several years to rebound fully from the financial crisis. Therefore, the contents of "the list" remain relevant:

Wash your hands frequently, practice social distancing, wear a mask when in public, and please consider being vaccinated. 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. Please continue praying.
Participate in the Campfire Circle monthly giving program by giving an amount of your choice each month. Giving this way provides steady revenue that strengthens Camp and its campers. Please visit our giving page to enroll. At the beginning of the pandemic, we had approximately 19 monthly donors. We now have 234. Campfire Circle members provide a steady stream of mission supporting revenue. Whether $5 or $500 per month, their generosity makes a difference.
If you are comfortable doing so and you are willing to take steps to protect yourself and those around you, please participate in Camp's programs and services. When you visit Ondessonk for camping, lodging, meals, small-group seminars & retreats, and the slowly increasing programming options we will offer this Spring, you generate operating revenue that is helping Camp outlast the pandemic. Plus, you get to be at Camp Ondessonk! Click on our event calendar for information about booking unit camping, lodging, and other services & programs.
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. Virtual Homecoming Gala

"It truly was a magical night that brought the special Ondessonk spirit to our Camp Family around the state, the country, and the world."

Emcee Fr. Brian Barker

Auctioneer, Dave Schumacher

By McKenna Sawchak, Events and Marketing Coordinator

When the Gala Committee decided it was in guests' best interest and safety to make the 2021 Homecoming Gala a virtual event, there was concern that a virtual event would not be able to compare to an in-person event. Fast forward to the night of Saturday, March 6, 2021, when hundreds of Camp Friends tuned in to the Virtual Homecoming Gala's live-streamed event and outstandingly supported Camp Ondessonk. Because of you, the gala raised more than $130,000! Heepwah!

In case you missed the live streamed program, it began with pre-program entertainment, followed by a welcome message from our Executive Director, Dan King. Emcee Father Brian Barker and auctioneer Dave Schumacher led the evening with the Keep the Gate Open fund-a-need, live auction, Cabin Fever, and raffles. The program ended with a beautiful recording of the Echo Our Father, just like a traditional Ondessonk closing campfire.

Of course, a Camp Ondessonk Gala would not have been complete without presenting the Lodge of Ondessonk & Tekakwitha awards. During the program, we honored four very deserving people. Congratulations again to the 2021 St. Jean de Brébeuf award recipients – Jackie Savage McKay and Belinda Bauer and the St. René Goupil award recipients – Tom Young and Joe Werner. You continuously go above and beyond through your generous contributions of time, talent, and treasure!

Thank you again to all who supported and watched the Virtual Homecoming Gala. It truly was a magical night that brought the special Ondessonk spirit to our Camp Family around the state, the country, and the world.

2. Paying the Magic Forward

"Because Ondessonk has given me so much, I give back to make sure that future generations are afforded the same opportunity for fun and fellowship..."

By Molly Kreidler, former Camp Counselor

"I loved working at the Barn during summer camp. There are so many wonderful memories I cherish of that special time. At the end of every day, we would run all the horses out of the yard and into the pasture, and sit on the fence watching them frolic around and roll in the dirt. It was truly magical to see these great animals that had just worked all day bringing joy to so many campers, run and play with abandon.

I'm Molly Kreidler, and I was a camper from 1998 through 2002, a CIT in 2003, and a staff member from 2006 through 2010. I have to say that Camp Ondessonk has made me a better person and has given me so much joy in my life. What I love most about Camp O is the community of lifelong friends that I've made and cherish to this day.

Because Ondessonk has given me so much, I give back to make sure that future generations are afforded the same opportunity for fun and fellowship that I experienced. That's why I joined the Campfire Circle monthly giving program. It's very easy to have an amount come out of my bank account automatically every month. I don't have to worry about it, and I know I'm helping Camp in the best way possible."

If you would like to join Molly by giving monthly to Camp Ondessonk, please go to https://ondessonk.com/giving/campfire-circle/ to pledge a monthly gift in the amount of your choice. The Campfire Circle makes it easy for you to become invested in the daily mission of Camp, knowing that the need for support is not seasonal, but year-round

3. Where are they now? Father Leo Hayes

Bishop Braxton & Fr. Leo Hayes Prepare for Communion

“Looking back, Fr. Leo said his involvement in Camp was "absolutely" part of God's plan.”

By Anna Spoerre

When someone mentions the founding fathers of Camp Ondessonk, the name of Fr. Leo Hayes often comes up. His involvement spans back to Camp St. Philip, the precursor youth camp to Ondessonk in the Diocese of Belleville. When Camp Ondessonk opened for summer camp in 1959, Fr. Leo served as program director. He remembers parents and campers streaming in while staff and volunteers nailed together the last beds in Brebeuf.

"Oh, it was hectic. I mean we were running around trying to get things ready. Parents were coming in and they were asking questions," he said with a laugh.

Fr. Leo may be lesser-known for discovering Augustine's Agony one off-season, and for stumbling across the rocky outcrop now known as the Council Ring where Lodge Ceremonies have taken place since that discovery.

As he celebrates his 60th year in the priesthood, Fr. Leo recalls the path that led him to serve God not only through the church, but also through Camp.

Decades earlier, Fr. Leo, who was raised in East St. Louis, was sitting in a senior class at St. Louis University High School listening to a teacher lecture on the sacraments. He had a girlfriend at the time and planned to attend the University of Illinois to become an engineer, "and make a lot of money." He wasn't paying the teacher much mind.

But then a voice visited him. "Pay attention, Hayes. He's talking to you," Fr. Leo said the voice of God called to him. "I said 'No way, God. I've got my plans and I'm well on my way,'" he recalled.

About six months later, after the voice kept returning to him, Fr. Leo entered into a negotiation with God. He agreed to go to seminary for one year and one year only. Then he planned to get on with his life. But after a year, he realized that the priesthood was where he was meant to be. He was ordained in 1961, two years into Ondessonk's establishment.

Looking back, Fr. Leo said his involvement in Camp was "absolutely" part of God's plan. His legacy is now intertwined with the parishes he served, as well as the Camp he helped established.

Fr. Leo has driven past one of Ondessonk's billboards on Interstate 64 outside of East St. Louis many times. It's message -- teaching what matters most -- is how he best describes the legacy of the Camp he helped conceive. "Camp is all about giving," he stated; "and when you give, you are happy."

"I'm really happy that I was instrumental in making this available to all these kids afterwards," he said, wondering aloud how many campers have passed through Ondessonk's gates in the 62 years since.

Now 85, Fr. Leo lives at a retirement home in Shiloh, outside of Belleville. He still has his red lodge sash. He said he was the first Valiant Brave of the Loyal Lodge of Ondessonk, and he plans to be buried with his Lodge sash someday.

He looks back fondly at the fraternity of Ondessonk, at the camaraderie from the cabins to the units to the staff. "It was all about bonding, and that's the important thing about life," he said.

4. A Versatile Volunteer

L to R: Family friend Luke, Carol's son and daughter-in-law Josh and Andee, Carol, and Carol's daughter Mandy.

“While the nine years she attended Camp in her youth proved her love of and loyalty to Camp, the 13 years she has served as a volunteer has made a major impact on Camp.”

Raking leaves with Evan Coulson

By Judy Blase Woodruff, Fund Development Consultant

"So many of my memories of Camp Ondessonk are special, but the one that sticks out the most is when I was kayaking with my kids on Lake Echon during a Family Camp weekend. It touched my heart as I realized we were sharing a very special place together," stated Carol Nelson Klinger, Camp Ondessonk volunteer-extraordinaire.

Carol has had a long history with Camp Ondessonk starting out as a camper in 1969 followed by two years as a two-week camper, followed by a year as CIT, and then serving as a counselor for five years. While the nine years she attended Camp in her youth proved her love of and loyalty to Camp, the 13 years she has served as a volunteer has made a major impact on Camp.

With a background in information technology (IT), and a project management career with IBM, Carol has been instrumental in moving Camp into the 21st century with regard to technology. With her IT expertise, Carol teamed with other technology professionals on Camp's IT Committee, serving as Committee Chair for many years.

Over the past 10 years, Carol has been able to help offset the cost of technology upgrades by writing IBM Grants while collaborating with other Ondessonk employees and retirees of IBM who endorsed the proposals. Carol conducts needs assessments at Camp to identify the greatest needs for which to write a grant.

She has been instrumental in obtaining the following grants: to run fiber optics from Two Oaks to the Dining Hall in order to gain access to the network; for point-of-sale equipment and workstations for the Trading Post; for a video graphics workstation to help produce more professional videos; for much-needed laptops for staff; and for mapping software and training that has been used to map Camp property and trails more accurately.

In addition to technology, Carol also volunteers during summer camp in boating, nature, Council, trading post, and the office. She also has been seen pulling lily pads from around the canoeing area! Carol said, "That was just for fun!" During the fall, you will find Carol raking leaves with friends during Gardening weekends. As you can see, she is a very versatile and generous volunteer and accomplishes much in many areas around Camp.

Carol feels that her volunteer work at Camp allows her to give back to a place that gave her so much, and to see firsthand where Camp's biggest needs are. Volunteering allows her to meet other volunteers - renewing old friendships while building new ones. She also enjoys meeting and interacting with new and former staff.

Because of Carol's long-time dedication and service to Camp, the Lodge of Ondessonk & Tekakwitha honored her with the St. Jean de Brébeuf Award in 2017.

When Carol is not volunteering, you can see her hiking around Camp and surrounding Southern Illinois. She is an avid outdoorsman and naturalist. Thank you, Carol, for your steadfast devotion to Camp!

5. Summer 2021 Administrative Team

By Nolan Hurst, Camping Services Director

Summer 2021 will be filled with fun, adventure, and learning. To assist the year-round staff in planning and implementing the best summer possible, four Summer Administrators have been hired. This summer, joining us on the journey are Chris Bretscher, Julia Heath, Dani Merz, and Andy Limkeman.

Chris Bretscher joins the team as Summer Program Coordinator where he will ensure a smooth daily rotation, creative specialty and evening programs, and vital activity areas. Chris has been working seasonally at Camp Ondessonk since 2012 serving in many roles including Nature Director, Health Center Coordinator, Outdoor Education Staff, and more. Chris graduated from Southern Illinois University Carbondale in May 2020 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physiology and minors in Psychology and Chemistry. Chris's knowledge of Camp Ondessonk's past programming and his desire to continue making Camp Ondessonk a premier summer camp make him the perfect fit for this summer.

Julia Heath joins as Inclusion Coordinator. In this position, Julia will assist staff with challenging situations and campers with special needs. She will also work to create an inclusive environment for all campers and staff. Julia comes to Camp Ondessonk after working seasonally for eight summers in service to the Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri as a Program Coordinator, Waterfront Director, and Unit Leader. Julia recently graduated from Truman State University in May 2020 with a Master of Arts in Education specializing in Special Education. Julia's energy, open-mindedness, and experience make her an excellent addition to the summer administration team.

Dani Merz joins the summer administration team as the Head Counselor. In this role, Dani will support the summer staff and develop the summer's unit life experience. Dani has been a part of the summer team since 2010, when she started as a Leader-In-Training (LIT) and has taken on many roles, including kitchen staff, unit leader, archery volunteer, and more. Dani has always stepped in to help wherever she is needed. Dani graduated from Lindenwood University in 2014 with a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education. Dani's knowledge of childhood education and strong camp background make her the ideal candidate to support staff during the summer and to build a progressive unit life experience for all campers.

Andy Limkeman joins as the Adventure Coordinator. As Adventure Coordinator, Andy will focus on the day-to-day support of the adventure staff and campers, providing necessary logistics for trips in the field. Andy has worked seasonally for Camp Ondessonk since 2018 serving in roles ranging from program support and consultation to adventure coordinator. Andy graduated from Wheaton College in 2017 with a Master of Arts in Christian Formation & Ministry, specializing in Outdoor Adventure Leadership. Andy has led and coordinated various adventure and youth development programs at Camp Ondessonk, Touch of Nature, and Honey Rock Outdoor Center. Andy's diverse experience and knowledge make him a perfect fit to lead the adventure programs throughout the summer.

We are excited to have these four incredible people join our staff and together we are planning for a great summer. Heepwah!

6. Roadmap to 2021 Summer Camp

"We've found that children and adults alike are presently quite drawn to outdoor experiences."

Our leadership team periodically assesses and alters Camp's COVID operations plan as conditions change. As you know, COVID infections continue to impact our country, region, and even our local area. We have successfully provided our camp guests with highly valued outdoor education programs, family camping, and outdoor events in recent months. We've found that children and adults alike are presently quite drawn to outdoor experiences. Our efforts to responsibly provide quality services in the midst of a pandemic have required us to create and follow virus transmission mitigation protocols for every operation area. We intend to build on that practical knowledge as we prepare this Roadmap for summer 2021. Of course, we will carefully follow operating guidelines created by CDC, best practices as advised by the ACA, and, when published, additional long-awaited guidance issued by IDPH and IDCEO. We can't wait for the day we greet your arriving camper on the covered bridge. Further, we look forward to the opportunity to execute the plans we are working so hard to create. Read More

7. Afterschool Program

“With Arrowleaf and the Poshard Foundation's help, Camp Ondessonk is happy to be serving 45 students from New Simpson Hill School in this new and exciting program."

By Nolan Hurst, Camping Services Director

Since 1959, during the school year and summer, Camp Ondessonk has been providing "exceptional outdoor and spiritual adventures empowering kids of all ages.” In the past, school programs at Camp Ondessonk have primarily consisted of overnight trips for classes or weekend outdoor education programs. This Spring, Camp Ondessonk is excited to be expanding our school year programming in a new partnership with New Simpson Hill.

On March 15, 2021, Camp Ondessonk started an afterschool camp program on Mondays and Wednesdays for New Simpson Hill students in first through eighth grades. With Arrowleaf and the Poshard Foundation's help, Camp Ondessonk is happy to be serving 45 students from New Simpson Hill School in this new and exciting program. Students who register to participate receive time to work on homework utilizing Ondessonk tutors and the internet; and participate in outdoor adventures such as nature explorations, archery, and climbing. The Ondessonk Staff are thrilled to have such a unique opportunity to help serve our local community.

8. Camp Ondessonk and SWIC Film Collaboration

"This is a great opportunity for my students to gain real world experience working with a client."
- Professor Dan Cross

By Tony Vrooman, Director of Communications

Camp Ondessonk staff and Southwestern Illinois College Film students collaborate on creating promotional videos for Camp Ondessonk. Professor Dan Cross states, "This is a great opportunity for my students to gain real world experience working with a client. They can add this project to their portfolios."

Many of Professor Cross's students are working toward a film pre-major degree. The degree focuses on film history, screenwriting, and video editing. To learn more about Southwestern Illinois Film Program, click here.

Ondessonk staff members provide SWIC Film students with video clips from previous summer camp sessions, a script for voice-over talent, and an overview of the project including audience demographics, video objectives, and video placement.

The completed videos will be broadcast through Camp Ondessonk's social media channels including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

9. DEI Work Group

By McKenna Sawchak, Events and Marketing Coordinator

The newly formed Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Work Group held its first meeting Wednesday, February 17, 2021. The team's goals are to ensure all campers and individuals have equitable access to Camp Ondessonk and to grow our community through the practices of diversity and inclusion.

In November, the DEI Work Group and all Camp Ondessonk staff members participated in an impactful and valuable diversity education program provided by Southern Illinois University Carbondale. To continue our educational journey, we will be participating in the Level 2 training in April, which will focus on practical ways to practice allyship among diverse community members.

Additionally, the DEI Work Group meets on a bi-weekly bias to discuss other real-time resources and educational materials. The next step is to frame out a complete implementation plan for DEI to truly make Camp Ondessonk a place where all volunteers, staff, and, most importantly, campers feel welcomed with open arms.

10. Lodge Dues are Due!

"Your Lodge dues are an integral part of supporting the work of nine Lodge Councils around the country along with helping with the cost of supplies for the weekly Lodge Ceremonies..."

January signals the time each year to renew Lodge Dues. But, if you have not already done so, it's not too late to send in your dues' payment for 2021. Dues are $10 for those below the age of 25 and $20 for members 25 and older. If you would like to become a Lifetime Lodge Member, there is a one-time dues payment of $250.

Once inducted into the Lodge of Ondessonk & Tekakwitha, you are an associate Lodge Member for life, but in order to be an active Lodge Member, dues must be renewed each year (except for Lifetime Lodge Member’s one-time payment of $250).

Your Lodge dues are an integral part of supporting the work of nine Lodge Councils around the country along with helping with the cost of supplies for the weekly Lodge Ceremonies that tell the stories of the North American Martyrs. In addition, active Lodge Members can attend reunions free.

To pay Lodge dues, visit www.ondessonk.com/giving/ then select One-Time Donation; Campaign = Lodge; Purpose = Lodge Dues

OR – print the form in the link below, complete, and mail to Camp Ondessonk, 3760 Ondessonk Road, Ozark, IL 62972
https://ondessonk.com/wp-content/uploads/Lodge-Dues-Renewal-Card-1.pdf

11. Ondessonk Home to Rare Plant Communities

Chris Benda

"We are very blessed to have not only a big, beautiful backyard, but also one that has areas we have kept pristine for 62 years that still support rare plant..."

Club Moss (Huperzia porophila)

French's Shooting Star (Primula frenchii)

IDNR heritage biologist, Christina Feng (pictured), with naturalist Chris Benda, rediscover the rare Filmy Fern (Vandenboschia boschiana) in a sandstone recess near Pakentuck, March 18, 2021.

By Greg Santen, Guest Services Director

One of my favorite things about Camp Ondessonk is our 983 acres. It is not just that we have such a big backyard – many camps are lucky to have hundreds or even thousands of acres to play in – but our backyard is special because of these particular 983 acres. We could have the same size property somewhere else in Illinois, but we would not have Phantom's Canyon, Cedar Falls, and the other natural wonders that make Ondessonk unlike any camp in America. Our land is also very special because of its plant life.

Biologists have been documenting rare plant communities on Camp property for more than 35 years. On March 18, 2021, Naturalist Chris Benda, who surveys natural areas on public and private land across Southern Illinois, and IDNR heritage biologist Christina Feng, recently rediscovered the State-Endangered Filmy Fern growing in a deep sandstone recess near Pakentuck. It was first observed in 1985 and since then was thought to have disappeared. It is also known to grow in a similar habitat near the Grotto. There are only nine known locations of this plant across the Shawnee Hills of Southern Illinois and two are located at Camp Ondessonk.

In the Phantom's Canyon area, there is a certain boulder near our southern property line that harbors a rare glacial relic called Club Moss (actually a type of fern). Biologists often visit Camp just to see this leftover of the last Ice Age that thrives on the moist, cold, shady side of the boulder. The existence of this rare fern justified designation of the adjacent Shawnee National Forest land as a Natural Area called Split Rock Hollow, simply because this species is found near there, however on private property.

Another of Camp's rare flora is the State-Endangered French's Shooting Star which grows in the driplines of the Shawnee's sandstone canyons and blooms in early-Spring. It exists in at least three areas of Camp property including Phantom's Canyon where it is remarkably prolific. French's Shooting Star used to be thought endemic to only Southern Illinois, but it has since been observed in a few neighboring states. Come visit Camp soon to see this springtime favorite because it only blooms for about a week then fades away until next year.

We are very blessed to have not only a big, beautiful backyard, but also one that has areas we have kept pristine for 62 years that still support rare plants, even though thousands of campers, hikers, and kids of all ages walk our trails every year. We should be proud as a community for living out our vision and values of promoting lifelong learning and stewardship of God's gifts in a spectacular natural setting. Chris Benda and I will be leading our Waterfalls, Wildflowers, and Winery Weekend this Spring, April 9 – 11, 2021. There is still availability to join in this relaxing and educational event. Visit our website and register today!

12. Ondessonk Snapshots

Ondessonk Online

Golden Arrowhead

Lauren Lilly providing Ondessonk Online Participants Horseback Riding Lessons

More than 75 Campers from all across the country participated in the 10th Annual Ondessonk Online. Emma Klues and fellow Unit Leader volunteers guided Campers on a week-long digital summer camp experience. Utilizing Facebook and Camp's website, participants uploaded their Snog pictures and told virtual stories at the opening campfire. They uploaded their encounters from their all-day exploration and posted their favorite Tuesday activity, all while getting ready to make foil burgers for dinner on Wednesday night. All participants received an Ondessonk Online arrowhead, and Goupil won the Golden arrowhead.

Getting Ready for Camp Webinars

Camp Ondessonk staff hosted its first of four Zoom Webinars on March 24th to assist parents and campers preparing for Summer Camp. These webinars are an excellent way for both new and returning campers’ families to hear about Camp Ondessonk's summer camp planning for 2021 and view a virtual unit tour. The next Getting Ready for Camp Webinars will be held on April 7th, April 24th, and May 6th. To learn more, click here.

First-Time Camper Open House

On March 27, Camp Ondessonk hosted the First-Time Camper Open House. Families met leadership staff and took a tour of the facilities. Camp Ondessonk staff followed virus transmission mitigation protocols, requested all participants to wear masks while on-site, and routinely cleaned all equipment after each use. Guests enjoyed complimentary baked chocolate chip and oatmeal cookies and learning about Camp Ondessonk.

13. Stable News

"Speaking of additions to the Barn, we will again have baby goats at Camp!"

By Catherine Limkeman, Equestrian Director

Greetings from the Stables!

The grass is starting to turn green, mud is extra squishy, and the horses have begun to shed out their winter coats—all of this signals that it's Spring, and it’s time to get the horses in shape for Summer Camp! For most of the winter, our horses' main job was to eat food and tolerate "mud season," with some light riding thrown in occasionally. Last year the horses carried a much lighter workload so all of the horses are a little extra flabby coming out of this winter season and need a consistent job. We are excited to have school groups and private lessons begin to pick up again! Having more activity helps them get their "summer bods" in order to be ready to carry campers comfortably all summer long! If you want to support our horses' spring workout and fitness plan, please sign up for a trail ride! They would love to have you!

Last year we retired a few more horses to give those horses a well-deserved forever-home where they can spend the rest of their days with one devoted family instead of the hundreds of families they encounter here. We are now looking to fill the holes left by our retirees. If you know of any opportunities to increase our herd, let us know!

Speaking of additions to the Barn, we will again have baby goats at Camp! Two summers ago, we introduced goats into barn programming, and because of their popularity, we are bringing them back and incorporating them into some of our spring programming this year. Not only are they cute, they also 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 through working with the animals. Adding the goats helps expand learning opportunities and presents kids with a more approachable barn animal alternative, especially for those intimidated by the size of the horses.

Camp Ondessonk is a place where all who come can find rest, rejuvenation, and adventure, and I pray the Barn is this kind of special place for you as well. Whether you decide to just drive by the pastures or walk up to the fences to take a look at the horses, or maybe even actually get into the saddle, we hope that the Barn will create a joyful space in your spirit during these next few months.

Yee-haw and Heepwah!

14. Family News

Kirsten James' puppy, Blu

Molly Winkeler's Cookies

Tony and Kim Vrooman's dog, Hamilton

Paige Daugherty began a new job as a Marketing Specialist and moved to Montgomery, Alabama. She and fellow camp alum Ethan Fowler moved into their first apartment together.
Ethan Fowler graduated from Auburn University with his Master of Natural Resources degree with an emphasis on restoration ecology.
Kirsten James is graduating from the University of Arkansas in May with a B.S. in information systems. Post-grad, she will be starting with General Mills as a sales analyst in Rogers, Arkansas. She also adopted a quarantine pup named Blu!
Anna Holloway Milano and husband Rocco moved into their (hopefully) forever home on the coast of Maine.
Maggie Couri earned a master's degree in history in May 2020 and immediately began another master's degree in teacher leadership. She will complete this degree in August 2021.
Molly Winkeler began selling decorated sugar cookies! You can follow her on Instagram @made.by.molls.
Carmen Cronin is in her third year of teaching Spanish and has been accepted into a graduate program for Hispanic Linguistics. She is FINALLY getting married in June to her fiancé, who has fallen in love with Camp and all the crazy Camp Family.
Katie Nordhues graduated from Oklahoma Univeristy with a B.A. in Geographical Information Sciences and a minor in German. She is currently working on her Master’s degree in Geography also at OU.
Josh Ourada graduated from Auburn University with a B.S. in Exercise Science, had a change of heart, and began pursuing aviation. He has received several pilot licenses in ten months and now flies as a contract pilot out of Savannah, Georgia.
Danielle Goetz and her husband bought a house in O'Fallon, Ill. She began a new job training dogs at Helping Hounds Training in Belleville, Ill.
Tony and Kim Vrooman adopted their second rescue dog named Hamilton.

15. LEAVING A LEGACY

"Your thoughtful legacy gift is the final expression of commitment to and love of Camp Ondessonk that will ensure Camp’s success in future years..."

By Judy Blase Woodruff, Fund Development Consultant

Legacy giving, or planned giving, is a gift that you arrange to have distributed from your estate after your death. It enables you to create a powerful philanthropic legacy by making a direct impact on causes important to you.

Camp Ondessonk plans to teach what matters most well into the distant future. Because Camp has a long-term commitment to its mission of providing exceptional outdoor and spiritual adventures, you are asked to consider leaving your legacy to Camp. Through a planned gift, you are saying that Camp is important to you, and that you want to make sure Camp Spirit is experienced by campers for many years to come.

A newly formed planned giving committee is working to establish a Camp Ondessonk planned giving society that will recognize those who create a legacy to Camp in their estate plans. If you have remembered Camp in your estate plans, please contact Judy Blase Woodruff at 618-791-5655 or [email protected]. We want to identify those of you who have provided for Camp in your will or by other means.

Your thoughtful legacy gift is the final expression of commitment to and love of Camp Ondessonk that will ensure Camp’s success in future years – when a whole new generation of campers and staff come through the Camp Gate!

Stay tuned for more information about the newly created planned giving society. For more information about planned giving, click here.

16. CAMP O DAY!

By Judy Blase Woodruff, Fund Development Consultant

June 28th will be here in no time! Why am I so excited about June 28th, you ask? Sunday, June 28, 1959, was the very first opening day of Summer Camp at Camp Ondessonk! This day is important to the history of Camp, and many feel that a commemorative celebration should take place each year. It will become a special day of recognition and remembrance among our Camp Ondessonk Family – a sort of Founders Day.

We are planning to celebrate in several ways.

Social media posts will recognize special dates and events that have taken place throughout the past 62 years.
Campers will participate June 28, 2021, in a special day of celebration.
There will be a “day of giving back” through:
- donations to support the mission of Camp Ondessonk;
- in-kind gifts to provide supplies needed for programming;
- pledges from volunteers to help with work projects around Camp.

You are part of Camp’s history, and we hope that you can participate in one or more ways on June 28th - Camp O Day! More details will appear in next month’s e-newsletter. Heepwah!

2020 Camp Ondessonk Board of Directors

Tracy Beckham Phipps, President
Attorney
Sandberg Phoenix & Von Gontard P.C.

Thomas Young Sr., Vice President
Farrier, self-employed

Jacquelyn Savage McKay, Secretary
Retired

Sara Simonin
Organizational Specialist
Enterprise Holdings Foundation

Belinda Bauer
Retired Speech-Language Pathologist

Reverend Steven L. Beatty
Parish Pastor & Camp Ondessonk Chaplain
St. Kateri Tekakwitha Parish, Ridgway, IL

Katie Birge
Associate and Head of Platform
M25

Steve Bushong
Professor
Southwestern Illinois College

Chris Cahnovsky
Regional Manager
Illinois Environmental Protection Agency

Dennis Dusek
Retired Orthopedic Surgeon

Sandy Eversole
Manager of Financial Planning
Mercy

Carrie Keller
Attorney
SmithAmundsen, LLC

Kyle Klues
Structural Design Engineer

Kent Plotner
Attorney
Heyl, Royster, Voelker & Allen, P.C.

Scott Wobbe
Security Specialist
United States Air Force

Ex Officio Trustees:
Most Reverend Michael G. McGovern
Bishop
Diocese of Belleville

Very Reverend John C. Iffert, V.G.
Vicar General
Diocese of Belleville

Jonathan Birdsong
Superintendent of Schools/Director of Education
Diocese of Belleville