Camp Ondessonk NewsletterSpring 2023
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From The Director's Desk
By Dan King
Spring and its palpable feelings of rebirth and renewal have returned. For Camp Ondessonk, the earliest stretch of the season means carloads of smiling hikers and waterfall chasers seeking spiritual re-creation, AKA recreation. For our staff, the change of seasons brings new energy to the hard work of running Camp Ondessonk, for we love to hear the resonating voices of youth groups, families, project volunteers, and other visitors.
Camp’s March 4th Gala proved to be a great show of support for our mission. Our campers are very fortunate to have received the backing of so many event volunteers, donors, and attendees. Heepwah, and thank you to all who contributed. Held every other year, our next gala is scheduled for Saturday, March 1, 2025.
Camp Ondessonk’s Annual Open House and Homecoming is scheduled for Saturday, June 3rd. We are bringing back this popular event after taking three years off because of Covid. Several activity areas will be open including the Lake St. Isaac swimming beach, canoeing and kayaking, handicrafts, and the climbing wall, among others. There is no entry fee. Please join us as we celebrate the opening of 2023 summer camp, which is the following day.
Summer camp registration has been underway since October. Enrollment is very strong. Even so, openings remain in numerous sessions. As you know, kids desperately need growth opportunities like those experienced at Camp Ondessonk. Please promote summer camp registration among the kids in your life. You can get involved in another way as well. The cost of Camp is a seemingly insurmountable hurdle for many children who would like to attend. Your summer camp scholarship gift will help us meet our 2023 goal of distributing $95,000 in funding to kids who simply wouldn’t be able to go to Camp if not for the generosity of people who understand and value the impact of an unplugged week of building skills and friendships at Camp Ondessonk.
Please continue praying for our campers. 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. Thank you for finding ways to keep Camp in your life for the rest of your life.
Sincerely,
Dan King
Camp’s March 4th Gala proved to be a great show of support for our mission. Our campers are very fortunate to have received the backing of so many event volunteers, donors, and attendees. Heepwah, and thank you to all who contributed. Held every other year, our next gala is scheduled for Saturday, March 1, 2025.
Camp Ondessonk’s Annual Open House and Homecoming is scheduled for Saturday, June 3rd. We are bringing back this popular event after taking three years off because of Covid. Several activity areas will be open including the Lake St. Isaac swimming beach, canoeing and kayaking, handicrafts, and the climbing wall, among others. There is no entry fee. Please join us as we celebrate the opening of 2023 summer camp, which is the following day.
Summer camp registration has been underway since October. Enrollment is very strong. Even so, openings remain in numerous sessions. As you know, kids desperately need growth opportunities like those experienced at Camp Ondessonk. Please promote summer camp registration among the kids in your life. You can get involved in another way as well. The cost of Camp is a seemingly insurmountable hurdle for many children who would like to attend. Your summer camp scholarship gift will help us meet our 2023 goal of distributing $95,000 in funding to kids who simply wouldn’t be able to go to Camp if not for the generosity of people who understand and value the impact of an unplugged week of building skills and friendships at Camp Ondessonk.
Please continue praying for our campers. 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. Thank you for finding ways to keep Camp in your life for the rest of your life.
Sincerely,
Dan King
In this issue...
1. Raising the Roof!
"This project truly has been a labor of love." 
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By Judy Blase Woodruff, Fund Development Consultant
Volunteers have made great strides to the Pete Korte Lodge staff duplex. As you can see from the pictures, the duplex is quickly taking shape. As you already know, 26 volunteers descended on Camp for an old fashioned “wall raising” January 14 when the exterior and significant interior framing was completed in just one day. Then, on February 25, volunteers “raised the roof” by installing roof trusses and plywood sheathing. During the following week, underlayment was placed on the sheathing, and PLD Construction installed the metal roofing for a minimal installation fee. Now that the duplex is “under roof,” interior work can begin. Coming up in April, Frank Pace along with the carpenters and volunteers from Holy Trinity Parish, will finish the trim on the roof and install windows and exterior doors. When complete, the duplex will house up to eight full-time staff members. Without the help and determination of our wonderful volunteers and the generosity of our donors, the cost to build the duplex would be prohibitive. This project truly has been a labor of love. Please join in thanking the following volunteers who have given their time to work on providing Camp with an excellent home for our full-time staff.
* Korte & Luitjohn Contractors, Inc. Employees ^ Pete Korte’s Grandsons # Ondessonk Employees |
2. The Summer Administration Team
By Chris Bretscher, Program Director
As the days grow longer and temperatures rise, we are excited to introduce our amazing summer administration team for 2023. We have carefully selected this group of talented and passionate individuals who will create an unforgettable experience for our campers. It is my pleasure to introduce Dani Merz, Carolyn Harness, and Isabelle Linn.
As the days grow longer and temperatures rise, we are excited to introduce our amazing summer administration team for 2023. We have carefully selected this group of talented and passionate individuals who will create an unforgettable experience for our campers. It is my pleasure to introduce Dani Merz, Carolyn Harness, and Isabelle Linn.
Dani Merz, Summer Camp Coordinator
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Dani Merz will serve as our Summer Camp Coordinator this year. She has been a part of the Camp Ondessonk family for more than a decade as a camper, staff member, and volunteer. After a brief hiatus, Dani returned to us in the summer of 2021 as Head Counselor and served as the Teen Leadership Coordinator last summer. Dani’s wealth of experience and passion for creating welcoming and engaging camp environments is truly contagious. We are fortunate to have her at the forefront of our team this summer.
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Carolyn Harness, Head Counselor
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Joining Dani is Carolyn Harness, our Head Counselor. Carolyn’s parents both worked at Camp, and she spent many summers and Labor Day Weekends growing up amidst our creeks, bluffs, and forests. Throughout the years, Carolyn has worked as the Health Center Coordinator, Unit Leader, and Outdoor Education Instructor. Carolyn brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role and is committed to ensuring that every camper has positive role models and a transformative experience. She is most excited to get to know all the summer staff, whom she believes are “the lifeblood of the camp experience and, [she] suspects, the coolest people in the world.”
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Isabelle Linn, Summer Program Coordinator
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Rounding out our team is Isabelle Linn, who will serve as our Summer Program Coordinator. Isabelle also grew up as a summer camper, and has been working at Camp Ondessonk since 2017, serving in such roles as Handicrafts instructor, Business Coordinator, Specialty Programs Coordinator, and most recently, an Outdoor Education Instructor. She is passionate about creating unique and exciting programming that engages campers’ minds and bodies. She is excited to work with a great team to continue to grow and develop our summer programs, summer staff, and herself. Isabelle’s talent for bringing out the best in our campers and their experiences is truly remarkable.
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Together, our administration team will work tirelessly to ensure that your child’s summer at Camp Ondessonk is unforgettable. From the moment they arrive on our beautiful grounds, they will be welcomed into a community of warmth, kindness, and inclusion. Our team is committed to creating an environment where campers can learn, grow, and create lasting memories.
As we move closer to the summer season, I invite you to join us in welcoming Dani, Carolyn, and Isabelle and wishing them well this summer. We are fortunate to have such a talented and exceptional team leading the charge this summer, and we are confident that they will exceed all expectations.
As we move closer to the summer season, I invite you to join us in welcoming Dani, Carolyn, and Isabelle and wishing them well this summer. We are fortunate to have such a talented and exceptional team leading the charge this summer, and we are confident that they will exceed all expectations.
3. Northland College and Camp Ondessonk: a partnership in education
"With this partnership, a new generation of outdoor education professionals will hone their craft on Ondessonk’s trails." |
By Evan Coulson, Adventure & Group Services Director, Camp Ondessonk; Associate Professor of Outdoor Education, Northland College
Eight undergraduate students from Northland College, a small environmental liberal arts school in northernmost Wisconsin, are spending a portion of their semester this spring living and learning at Camp Ondessonk. These students, who study Outdoor Education at the college, are enrolled in their program’s Professional Development Experience semester and will be utilizing Ondessonk as an experiential learning laboratory that will bring their curriculum to life by exposing them to opportunities to engage in a variety of onsite operations at a full-scale, outdoor education and recreation facility. A major project for their semester will be to plan, facilitate, and then evaluate an outdoor education curriculum for Ondessonk’s New Simpson Hill School after school program. These students will develop engaging progression-based sessions that will aim to increase aspects of comfort in the outdoors, sense of place, natural history awareness, basic outdoor skills, and a sense of trust in their peers. While primarily focusing their efforts on developing and implementing their curriculum for the after school program, they will also benefit from exposure to many networking and professional development experiences available to emerging outdoor professionals at Camp Ondessonk. Since arriving in mid-March, these students participated in multi-day, team-building programming and a clinic on effective debriefing of experiential education activities facilitated by Ondessonk’s seasonal outdoor educators, as well as participated in a day-long trail building workshop facilitated by former Ondessonk outdoor educator and current Shawnee National Forest Wilderness Technician and Volunteer Coordinator, Alyssa Macuiba. In the coming weeks, they will have opportunities to participate in many additional professional development experiences, including a top-rope, rock climbing facilitator training, an adaptive climbing clinic, and a high ropes course facilitator training. Camp Ondessonk teaches what matters most. With this partnership, a new generation of outdoor education professionals will hone their craft on Ondessonk’s trails. |
4. Lucia's Corner
"I remember a time as a volunteer when a group of six to eight volunteers was a large group. Apparently, word of the family camaraderie, hard work, and fun has spread." |
By Lucia (Juenger) Hodges, Volunteer Coordinator
I have just reviewed the 2023 Volunteer Roster that I populate each year as I register all of the dedicated volunteers God sends our way each summer. We currently will be hosting 140, and there is room for more. In my eyes, it is a fact that Camp, from its inception, has never functioned well without these amazing, selfless people. If you are 25 or older, you are welcome to join us - a word of caution. If you see volunteering for Summer 2023 in your future, be aware that Sessions One, Two, and Four are at capacity, and Session 8 is close behind. We can accept only 25 volunteers per Session. There is no guarantee for those who have called and asked me to “hold” a spot. You are not officially registered until you have sent your VOLUNTEER APPLICATION. There are several of you, and you know who you are, I need you all…. Micki, Scott, Gail, Jeanie, Claire, Chris, and Marci. The application can be found on Ondessonk’s home page. Click here to learn more about volunteering at Camp Ondessonk. I remember a time as a volunteer when a group of six to eight volunteers was a large group. Apparently, word of the family camaraderie, hard work, and fun has spread. I know it is only March, and you are all very busy, but the application has been available since October. Summer is fast approaching. I’ll be anticipating hearing from you. P.S. We still need a medical professional for Session 5 (July 2-8). There’ll be fireworks! |
5. Welcome New Board Members
By Judy Blase Woodruff, Fund Development Consultant
As the year turned to 2023 a few short months ago, so too did Camp Ondessonk welcome new members to the Board of Directors. We thank those members whose terms expired in December 2022: Kyle Klues, Tracy (Beckham) Phipps, Sara Simonin, and Tom Young. Your dedication and work in behalf of our campers is truly appreciated!
We introduce you to five new board members, with Father Brian Barker fulfilling an open term beginning in November 2022, and Stephen Mahieu, Deacon Thomas Powers, Scott Richter, and Ryan Savage beginning their service on the board January 1, 2023.
As the year turned to 2023 a few short months ago, so too did Camp Ondessonk welcome new members to the Board of Directors. We thank those members whose terms expired in December 2022: Kyle Klues, Tracy (Beckham) Phipps, Sara Simonin, and Tom Young. Your dedication and work in behalf of our campers is truly appreciated!
We introduce you to five new board members, with Father Brian Barker fulfilling an open term beginning in November 2022, and Stephen Mahieu, Deacon Thomas Powers, Scott Richter, and Ryan Savage beginning their service on the board January 1, 2023.
​Father Brian Barker
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Father Brian Barker is from Chicago, Ill. After graduating from Villanova University in 1982, he began teaching in the Chicago area. It was here that he heard about Camp Ondessonk. Having summers off from teaching, he first worked at Ondessonk in the summer of 1983. He worked each summer from that year up to the summer of 2001 as a unit leader, nature instructor, and handicrafts instructor. Father Brian, it should be noted, is most often associated with the unit of Daniel because he was its unit leader for many boys sessions spanning nearly two decades.
In 1994, Father Brian was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Belleville. He has served parishes in Herrin, Carterville, West Frankfort, Zeigler, Royalton and Pinckneyville. He also has served outside of Southern Illinois at parishes and schools in New Lenox, Ill., Racine, Wis., Mundelein, Ill., and Tulsa, Okla. He currently is pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Marion and St. Paul Parish in Johnston City in Southern Illinois. In addition, he serves as Chaplain for Camp Ondessonk. This is Father Brian’s second time being appointed to serve on Camp Ondessonk’s Board of Directors. His first appointment term ended early when he left the Diocese of Belleville for a few years to teach and serve, specifically in music ministry, at Cascia Hall Augustinian Preparatory School in Tulsa, Okla. When Father Brian returned to the Belleville Diocese, he immediately re-engaged in Camp and its mission. An avid hiker, he frequently leads spiritually enriching hikes with members of his parish family, sometimes choosing the trails of Ondessonk as their destination. |
Stephen M. Mahieu
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Born and raised in Peoria, Ill., Steve Mahieu learned about Camp Ondessonk while attending St. Vincent de Paul Grade School. From the moment the bus drove under the “Ondessonk Catholic Youth Camp” sign, he was enthralled with Camp and attended for the next three summers with a group of friends. He was a CIT during the summer after his freshman year of high school and worked at Camp a few weeks each summer for three years after that as part of the Nature crew. Steve is a member of the Lodge of Ondessonk & Tekakwitha.
After graduating from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, he attended the University of Iowa College of Law. While earning a law degree, Steve volunteered a week during summer camp. After graduating from law school, he volunteered again during a summer camp session. Steve began his legal career as an associate at the law firm Dykema Gossett PLLC, where he remained for six years. He is now Deputy General Counsel for Litigation and Intellectual Property with Kraft Heinz, a global food and beverage company. Steve and his wife, Mary, live in suburban Chicago with their two young children. Steve has recently volunteered his time for Camp by helping make revisions to its gift acceptance policy and horse donation policy. Now that his boys are getting older, Steve is eager to get back to Camp soon. |
Deacon Thomas J. Powers
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Deacon Thomas J. Powers was a camper at Ondessonk from 1976 through 1980. When he was in high school, he became an off-season volunteer and began volunteering during summer camp in 2011 to present day. His time at Ondessonk helped awaken his love of nature, and that love laid the basis of his personal spirituality. He is a Lifetime Lodge member and has served on the Mission Effectiveness Committee for six years.
Born in Dallas, Texas, Tom grew up in a military family and moved around several times as a child. He attended St. Albert the Great School in Fairview Heights, Ill., from 5th through 8th grades and attended Althoff Catholic High School. He earned an Associate of Science Degree in Plant Biology from Southwestern Illinois College and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Forest Resource Management from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Deacon Tom worked in what is now called Urban Forestry for several years, both in the St. Louis and Chicago Metro areas. He then attended educational courses in banking and worked in operations for Harris Bank and Builders Bank in Chicago. He became increasingly involved in banking compliance, and that topic has been the focus of his career since 1996. He currently works as Assistant Vice President, Business Operations Analyst with U.S. Bank in St. Louis. In 2001, Deacon Tom began formation in the Diocese of Joliet for the Permanent Diaconate. He was ordained September 10, 2005. He, his wife, Sandee, daughter, Samantha, and son, Maxwell, moved back to Fairview Heights in 2010 to be closer to family. At that time, Bishop Edward Braxton assigned him to his old home parish - Holy Trinity (formerly St. Albert the Great). |
Scott D. Richter
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Scott D. Richter was born in Belleville, Ill., and grew up in O’Fallon – his family were members of St. Clare Catholic Church. Scott attended St. Clare Grade School and O’Fallon Township High School. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Biology and minor in Chemistry from Southwest Missouri State University and a Master of Business Administration Degree from Lindenwood University.
In 1999, Scott was hired by Mallincrkrodt Pharmaceuticals and still works there as an In Process Quality Engineer. In the first three years with Mallinckrodt, during his free time, he would work as a substitute teacher at local Catholic Grade Schools and at O’Fallon Township High School. Scott and his wife, Erin, were married in 2012 living in Belleville for a year before building their home in Swansea. While they do not have children, they are parents to fur babies - Westie Fiona and Scottie/Westie Mix Ivy. Scott was a camper at Ondessonk from 1987 through 1990; CIT in 1991; and staff member in 1992 and 1993 (rotator, unit staff, and lifeguard). Since the early 2000s, Scott has consistently volunteered during summer sessions in activity areas, assistant unit leader, and maintenance. He also volunteers weekends during the off-season. He has served as sub chief for the Metro East Lodge and is a Lifetime Lodge Member. |
​Ryan Savage
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Ryan Savage and his family were members of St. Albert the Great Parish in Fairview Heights, Ill., where Ryan also went to grade school. Passionate about outdoor activities, Ryan and his father enjoyed hunting, camping, hiking, boating, swimming, archery, float trips, and horseback riding. His family had a clubhouse in Golconda, Ill., where he grew up in the Shawnee National Forest. He was a camper at Camp Ondessonk the summer of 1997.
Ryan graduated from Althoff Catholic High School and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. While in college, he interned for Holland Construction Services and is still with the company after 16 years. He oversees the company’s municipal and K-12 markets. Ryan has certifications as LEED Accredited Professional; OSHA 30-Hour Certification; AGC of America Construction Project Manager Course; SIUE Construction Leadership Institute; ASHE Healthcare Constructor Certificate; and Capital Development Board – Project Management Training for Contractors. Ryan and his wife, Becky, met through work networks as Becky is a licensed architect. They reside in Millstadt, Ill., with their sons Nolan and Nash, and are members of St. James Parish. Ryan states, “Kids need to be outside exploring. I am now taking my sons on outdoor adventures with me as much as my father did.” He feels that all children can development a passion for the outdoors and believes it is important to create and provide that opportunity for children who might not otherwise have it.” |
6. The Roaring 20's Gala
Left to right: Lodge Officials Luke Schauster and Tom Unkraut, Goupil Awardees Kyle Keserauskis and Jo Ann (Wetstein) Mayer, and Brébeuf Awardees Jeanine (Reime) Heller, Stephen Rheinecke; Dr. Christopher Wangard, and Lodge Officials Tristen Payne and Katie Dutton
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By Whitney Strang, Director of Development
Camp Ondessonk celebrated its 2023 Roaring 20s Gala Saturday, March 4, 2023, at the Four Points by Sheraton in Fairview Heights, Ill. This bi-annual Gala is Camp Ondessonk’s largest fundraising event that benefits campers by providing funds to purchase program equipment and for operational expenses that keep Ondessonk programs competitive, maintaining high quality standards. The Gala provided the perfect opportunity to celebrate Camp Ondessonk with some of the people who have helped build and sustain it throughout the years. Father Steven Beatty served as the evening’s Master of Ceremonies and Auctioneers Jeff Foulks and Mike Alwood entertained the crowd during the live auction and Cabin Fever. Among the highlights of the evening was the presentation of awards, established by The Lodge of Ondessonk & Tekakwitha, to deserving Camp Friends. The Merit of St. René Goupil Award was presented to Kyle Keserauskis and Jo Ann (Wetstein) Mayer, both of whom have contributed countless hours of service to Camp Ondessonk. The St. Jean de Brébeuf Award was presented to Jeanine (Reime) Heller, Stephen Rheinecker, and Dr. Christopher Wangard for their important contributions to the success and development of Camp Ondessonk. The evening also included presentations from Annie Rose (Martin) Keith and Bobbie Knopke who shared their unique perspectives of how Camp Ondessonk has impacted their lives. We are grateful for the generosity of our event sponsors that include Steve & Teresa Bushong, George Boatwright & Nancy Newman, Dr. Chris & Maureen Wangard, Mike & Kathy Wenzel, Mike & Judy (Blase) Woodruff, Barnes Lumber, Steve & Mary Mahieu, John & Judy Sonderman, M.O.W. Printing, Jackie (Savage) McKay, and Thomas Young, Sr. The event was also supported by committee members who helped plan the evening along with many event volunteers who worked to make it a memorable experience for the guests in attendance. The Gala proved to be incredibly successful, amassing $121,000 in gross revenue. The outpouring of support from Camp Ondessonk’s 2023 Gala will continue to benefit campers for years to come. Thank you to everyone who attended the in-person event and participated virtually in this year’s Gala. |
7. 2023 Lodge Awardees Recognized for Dedicated Service
Left to right: Kyle Keserauskis, Jo Ann (Wetstein) Mayer, Jeanine (Reime) Heller, Stephen Rheinecker, Dr. Christopher Wangard, and Executive Director Dan King
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By Whitney Strang, Director of Development
Every two years Camp Ondessonk recognizes members of the Camp Community who exemplify leadership and commitment to Camp with awards established by The Lodge of Ondessonk & Tekakwitha, Camp’s service organization for campers, staff, and volunteers. The awards presented include the Merit of St. René Goupil Award and the St. Jean de Brébeuf Award. The 2023 recipients of these awards were celebrated during Camp’s The Roaring 20s Gala Saturday, March 4, 2023. The Merit of St. René Goupil Award is given to an outstanding non-Lodge member who has rendered meritorious service to Lodge, Camp Ondessonk, and their community. The 2023 Recipients of the St. René Goupil Award are Kyle Keserauskis and Jo Ann (Wetstein) Mayer. Always ready at a moment’s notice to travel to Camp and help with maintenance projects, Kyle Keserauskis began serving as a summer volunteer about 10 years ago. Rounding out a foursome that often includes Jim Shively, Jim Stern, and Ken Haas, he has helped complete many important projects at Camp including upgrading the St. Noel rooms, power washing the Noel deck, painting the exterior of the St. Noel building, mowing the many acres of Camp lawns, working “Week Zero” to help prepare Camp during staff orientation for the start of summer camp, and working the last week of Camp to help prepare for the Education and Recreation Season. Kyle has been part of the barbeque crew for the annual golf benefit and has helped with numerous parades in Belleville. Kyle is a quiet force behind many projects, and we thank him for his gifts of time, talent, and treasure he so freely gives to Camp Ondessonk. Jo Ann (Wetstein) Mayer enjoyed Ondessonk as a camper for five summers beginning in 1968. Now known by campers as Nurse Jo, she has been a dedicated volunteer in Camp’s Health Center since 2016. Jo worked as a critical care Registered Nurse in the ICU, Emergency Room, and in other medical specialties for 37 years before retiring in 2018. Working in these environments makes her uniquely prepared to handle any situation a camper may experience. Although no longer working full time, she retains her license so she can volunteer in the Health Center each summer. In addition, Jo drives down to Camp every Sunday during summer camp to help with medical-services-related check-in tasks helping to keep the check-in process consistent and streamlined. We extend our thanks to Jo for being a dedicated volunteer who cares for the campers of Ondessonk with such love and devotion. The St. Jean de Brébeuf Award is given to an active or associate Lodge member for rendering meritorious service to Camp Ondessonk, Lodge, and their community. The 2023 recipients of the St. Jean de Brébeuf Award are Jeanine (Reime) Heller, Stephen Rheinecker, and Dr. Chris Wangard. Jeanine (Reime) Heller was a camper at Ondessonk in 1962 and became a Counselor in Training in 1964, with Nature as her specialty. She became a member of Camp’s staff as a hiking instructor in 1965, and by 1968, she was a unit leader. Jeanie was inducted into the Lodge of Tekakwitha in 1965 and participated in Lodge ceremonies each week for most of the time she was on staff. Her ties remain strong with Lodge, as for the past 15 years, she has made approximately 1,000 Lodge sashes, because she believes that it is a true honor for a Lodge inductee to receive their sash, as it is a symbol of their dedication to Camp. Because of her expertise in finance, Jeanie was asked to join the Camp Ondessonk Finance Committee about 14 years ago and has been instrumental in guiding the financial policies of Camp since. Camp continues to be on a strong financial footing because of her untiring work on the Finance Committee. We thank Jeanie for her support of Camp, the Lodge, and her community. Stephen Rheinecker’s commitment to Camp Ondessonk began when he was a camper in the 1970s. Fifty-some years later, his dedication continues. He has served the organization in about every way possible. A partial list of his paid jobs includes wrangler, maintenance crew, kitchen crew, head cook, unit leader, frontier trip leader, and the all-encompassing position of “other areas as needed.” He has also served Camp on dozens of volunteer construction projects, the Properties Committee, and as a member of the Board of Directors. No matter the job, he leads with contagious enthusiasm and his “never say never” attitude and persistence helped encourage his fellow volunteers during the renovation of Fournie Lodge. Steve, his wife, Mary Helen, and daughter, Jen, have contributed time, talent, and treasure way beyond the Fournie Project. Their dedication to the stables goes back to the 1970s as they regularly make time to participate in Stable Round-Ups. Thank you, Steve, for your commitment to Camp Ondessonk. Dr. Christopher Wangard became enamored by Ondessonk when he attended summer camp during the summers of 1981 through 1986. To this day, he is grateful to his parents for encouraging his summer camp experiences. Dr. Chris, a Pediatric Emergency Physician, became a Health Center volunteer in 2001 and has returned for one or two weeks every summer since. A founding member of Camp’s medical services committee, Dr. Chris is a key part of a small group of talented individuals who help oversee this critically important area of the operation. Dr. Chris developed Camp’s current Health Center operation’s procedures and serves the organization as on-call consulting physician, even when he is not on-site. Early in 2021 Dr. Chris’s contributions to Camp’s medical care transcended Camp Ondessonk, ultimately impacting summer camps throughout the state of Illinois. At that time the Illinois Department of Public Health was reluctant to prioritize the creation of COVID operation’s guidance for overnight summer camps. Without such guidance, Camp Ondessonk, and other residential camps in Illinois, would not be allowed to operate in 2021. With the help of a Camp Friend with access to high-ranking public health officials, Dr. Chris submitted a beautifully written pediatrician-to-pediatrician plea to Dr. Ngozi Ezike, who was serving as the Illinois Department of Public Health Director. His letter focused on documented and personally observed increases in post-traumatic stress, depression, anxiety, and suicidality among children. Emphasizing that the camps of Illinois could be operated responsibly by utilizing common-sense disease transmission mitigations, Dr. Chris wrote, “while summer camp may not be a cure-all for the societal impact of the pandemic, for those children and adolescents who participate as campers or staff, the beneficial impact during typical times is profound and likely to be amplified in the face of pandemic-related hardship.” His message resonated with Dr. Ezike. She issued an order to begin drafting summer camp-specific guidance within twelve hours of receiving the letter. Camp Ondessonk served 2,970 children during the summer of 2021 while observing mitigation practice without experiencing a known COVID outbreak. The children at all of Illinois’ summer camps, especially Camp Ondessonk, are incredibly fortunate to be so skillfully and passionately served by Dr. Christopher Wangard. His ongoing gifts of time, talent, and treasure are noticed, appreciated, and admired. |
8. A Labor of “Love”
"Throughout their early married life, the Kathmann’s labor of love resulted in many years of service to Camp Ondessonk in various ways, and we appreciate their dedication to the place that we all love." 
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By Judy Blase Woodruff, Fund Development Consultant
Courtship for Jo Kane and Jim Kathmann meant the creation of a Native American shirt, breeches, and headdress. They became engaged in 1960, and that was the year they spent hundreds of hours together at Jo’s house designing and constructing what was to become one of the most detailed costumes used in Lodge ceremonies at Camp Ondessonk. The Kane and Kathmann families were members of St. Philip’s Parish in East Saint Louis, and Monsignor John T. Fournie, pastor at the Parish, introduced Jo to Camp St. Philip in Grafton, Ill., where, at age 16, she worked as a lifeguard, since she had her Water Safety Instructor certification. Jo can thank her sister, Janet, three years her senior, for introducing her to her future husband. Her sister was the same age as Jim Kathmann, and they all attended St. Philip’s Grade School. Jim and his friends often visited the Kane’s home, and as fate would have it, Jo and Jim began dating when Jo was a senior in high school. The dream of a Diocesan youth camp in the Shawnee National Forest was often discussed with Jo and Jim by the parish’s assistant pastor, and original Camp Director. The conversations talked about bonfires, activities, and a Native American ceremony that would induct campers into an honor camping society. This honor camping society began in 1957 at Camp St. Philip and was a marketing tool to entice campers to return to the Camp year after year. The Lodge of Ondessonk & Tekakwitha grew to become a society with much greater meaning in years to follow. So, when Jim was asked to help create a costume to be used in a Native American ceremony, he immediately went to work. After all, Jim and Jo would be spending hundreds of hours side by side on this project. Thus, their courting time was spent together, creating a detailed costume that withstood many years of use at Camp Ondessonk. Since Jo’s mother was a seamstress, she was able to guide the measuring of the costume. But they had to find the perfect piece of buckskin that would make the best shirt. They found the buckskin at Tandy Leather in St. Louis. They took the buckskin to Jo’s house and sat on the living room floor, laid it out, and drew it out with markers. They measured and re-measured because they wanted to be sure the costume would fit both Jo and Jim since Jim was 6’2” with 37” sleeves and Jo was 5’10”. They found that the buckskin was hard to cut through, so Jim lay down boards to make a smooth surface on which to cut the buckskin. They used a leather punch purchased at Tandy to make holes in the neckline and sides in order to “sew” the pieces together with rawhide. Making the fringe on the shirt was next to impossible because they had to cut each strip individually. Once the shirt was completed, they returned to Tandy Leather to find a piece of buckskin for the breeches, and repeated the process. When it came time to create an authentic headdress for the ensemble, they had help from Ron and Dale Besse, also members of St. Philip’s Parish and Grade School. At the time, Dale was involved in Native American Lore, and he would instruct Jim and Jo in how the headdress should be constructed. They obtained eagle feathers with the ends of each feather wrapped in parchment paper. It was important that there were matching feathers on each side of the long train. Across the front was a 2” band that ran from temple to temple which was adorned with intricate bead work along with beaded rosettes. First, Jim had to make a loom by hand in order to design and create the beadwork. But the result was truly amazing. The three pieces were completed before Jo and Jim married November 25, 1961. They were both proud to be part of creating the Native American costume as well as being part of that first summer at Camp Ondessonk. The Kathmanns were early members of Camp’s Board of Directors. In 1959, Jo’s father, Dr. Jerry Kane, was the first physician at Camp. Campers had to see Dr. Kane first for their physical before they could proceed with check-in to Camp. Kane Lake is named in his honor. Around the mid-1960s, Jim was down at Camp for 20 consecutive weekends designing and building the Garner Bridge across the newly-made Lake Echon. He recruited many volunteers to help with the project and the result was an iconic structure that delighted campers and memorialized one of Camp’s original counselors, Larry Garner, who died in Vietnam. Jo can appreciate the hard work, but at the time, she remembers that it was quite stressful on a new mother of three who had to care for their family while Jim worked down at Camp every weekend for five months. Eventually, the Kathmanns raised five children. Throughout their early married life, the Kathmann’s labor of love resulted in many years of service to Camp Ondessonk in various ways, and we appreciate their dedication to the place that we all love. The Native American shirt made in 1960 by the Kathmanns was found in the Lodge cabinet and placed in the Archives Room at Camp. The breeches and headdress were not found. Click Here to learn more about The Loyal Lodge of Ondessonk & Tekakwitha. |
9. Save the Date for Camp O Day!
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Mark your calendar to celebrate Camp Ondessonk June 28, 2023, Camp O Day. This special day, fueled by social media and collaboration, celebrates the very first day of summer camp at Camp Ondessonk in 1959.
We hope you will join us, no matter where you are, by making a “birthday gift” to Camp Ondessonk on this day in one or more of the following ways:
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10. Obolaria Virginca
"It’s not rare, although if I had a penny for every pennywort plant I saw in Southern Illinois, I wouldn’t have very much money!" |
By Chris Benda, Illinois Botanizer
Among the many colorful and showy spring ephemeral wildflowers that occur at Camp Ondessonk is a dainty, little wildflower that’s easy to miss. I distinctly remember exploring the upland oak-hickory forests near the Raganeau unit with then Program Director Rebecca Cler (now Rebecca Lev) about 13 years ago, when I spotted the plant called Pennywort, Obolaria virginica. This is an unsuspecting member of the Gentian family because it doesn’t resemble the other gentians that occur in Illinois. The round leaves resemble a coin, called obol in Greek currency, hence the name “Obolaria.” Even the common name refers to coins because “wort” is an Old English word for plant, thus Pennywort means Penny plant. It’s not rare, although if I had a penny for every pennywort plant I saw in Southern Illinois, I wouldn’t have very much money! This is one of the earliest plants to bloom in Southern Illinois, and although it’s easy to miss, it is relatively common in upland forests across the region. Click Here to learn more about Chris Benda’s work. |
11. Staff Spotlight – Elizabeth Dirnbeck
"I attended a similar summer camp as a kid, and I’m excited to become part of a camp family once again" 
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Elizabeth “Ellie” Dirnbeck dove right into her work as Camp’s new Development Events Coordinator on Thursday, March 2, just two days before the 2023 Gala. The unconventional onboarding allowed her to participate in the event preparations and meet many Camp Friends in attendance.
The Waterloo, Ill., native is a graduate of Southeast Missouri State University, earning dual Bachelor of Science Degree in Corporate Communication and Psychology and being on the President’s List and receiving Excellence in Research Award honors. As a student, she held leadership positions in several campus organizations while working as a marketing department assistant, call center representative in SEMO’s development department, and in civic development as a community outreach intern for Old Town Cape. Most recently, Ellie served as a Compliance Coordinator at Enterprise Fleet Management’s corporate office in St. Louis, Mo. In her free time, Ellie loves to spend time with her family and friends by picnicking in the park, attending concerts, or relaxing in the pool on a hot summer day. Ellie is always looking forward to her next trip as she works toward her goal of visiting all 50 states. In 2022, she traveled to Bethel, Maine; Las Vegas, Nev.; Denver, Colo.; Kansas City, Kan.; Chicago, Ill.; Nashville, Tenn.; and Indiana Dunes National Park in Porter, Ind. While traveling, Ellie loves finding the best spots to enjoy local food, and fills her time with activities such as rock-climbing, white-water rafting, parasailing, and snorkeling. She is a mission driven individual who wants to use her energy and talent to contribute to society in meaningful ways. “I attended a similar summer camp as a kid, and I’m excited to become part of a camp family once again,” Ellie shared. |
12. Ondessonk Snapshots
First-Time Camper Open House
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On Saturday, April 1, more than 100 participants joined Ondessonk Leadership Staff members to learn about Summer Camp. Attendees were treated to snacks and a tour of the facility by veteran staff members.
RE-IGNITE U
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On March 24, more than 20 High School students gathered at Camp Ondessonk for the RE-IGNITE U Retreat. Participants joined other youth for a weekend to rejuvenate and re-ignite their faith. Presenters of all ages shared experiences about their journey in the Catholic faith.
Cannonball Gravel 2x4 Gravel Circuit Race
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More than 60 bike enthusiasts participated in the Bike Surgeon’s most challenging Race of the Cannonball Series. The two-mile circuit at Camp Ondessonk had plenty of elevation, two optional creek crossings, and tons of gravel, providing one of the most challenging gravel races in the Midwest.
13. Stables News
"We are blessed to have a ton of great horses that are calm and slow, and we have a large variety of terrain we can navigate from flat ground to hills to meet campers’ needs." |
By Catherine Limkeman, Equestrian Director
We have a lot of momentum going into this summer, and it feels like a fresh start with the barn working at full capacity! Many of our senior wranglers recently graduated from college, and we have a large batch of new wranglers and horses who get to experience a Summer at the Ondessonk Stables for the first time! With renewed energy, we are adding additional twists to the program so that it will feel fresh for returning campers. We have new obstacles for the obstacle course and innovative games in the arena as they learn to ride. We’ve created new activities for Mini Camp, added camping spots for Horse Adventure, and hopefully, a few new petting zoo animals (Keep a look out for some long-eared friends). I feel extra excited about the growth and momentum of our program. Many camping equestrian professionals are looking at downsizing or eliminating their trail programs at different camps across America. This trend is mainly due to youth having less coordination and balance than they did five years ago. Poor balance is most noticeable when navigating up and down hills when horseback riding. We are blessed to have a ton of great horses that are calm and slow, and we have a large variety of terrain we can navigate from flat ground to hills to meet campers’ needs. We have seen a decrease in coordination and fitness levels in campers at Ondessonk as well. Still, we are poised to adapt to the new physical requirements of the riders and provide quality experiences, from advanced trails to scenic pasture rides, without eliminating or decreasing the superior elements of our equestrian programs. With the addition of goats and goat games in 2019, we have found that the campers who opted out of riding have greatly enjoyed having an alternate farm animal experience. They still have a unique camp involvement without feeling embarrassed or ashamed of “being scared” in front of the other campers. We want to add to the variety of farm animals so kids who find horseback riding out of their comfort zone can still enjoy an equine and farm animal experience. The approachable and relational way animals contribute to helping kids connect with nature and each other is a treasure to watch and facilitate. We are dedicated to ensuring that we can continue to meet campers’ needs in an approachable, educational, and fun way. Animals can make kids feel valued, especially when social situations are scary and unknown. The role animals play at Camp is vital, and it’s incredible to see that passion stay ignited in future Ondessonk generations. We are excited about the new adventures as we jump into Spring and introduce new life-changers into the barn. Heepwah and Yeehaw. |
14. Family News
Rachelle Camp's therapy horseback program,
Hoof Beats Therapeutic Riding
Jennifer (Stroot) Eschman and her husband, Sam
Alli (Brown) Gettings and her husband, Nick Gettings
Alex Guglielmo and his girlfriend
Chase and Regan Halgerson with their daughter, Rylan
Maddie (Bologa) Nelson and her husband, Mitchell, with their son, James
Kelsey O’Shaughnessy and her husband with their daughter, June
Kelsey (Greenwell) Partenheimer and her daughter, Ada
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Lily Voss and her husband, Sean with their first home
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Molly Winkeler and her fiancé
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Brennen Yance
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15. Beefy Bowties
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By Javette Cox, Food Services Director
Beefy Bowties Yields 12 Meat Mixture: 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 cups yellow onion, diced 1-1/4 lbs ground beef 1-1/4 lbs ground pork 2 tablespoons salt 1-1/8 teaspoons allspice 1-1/8 teaspoons nutmeg Combine, brown, break apart and then add sauce Sauce: 8 cups prepared brown gravy 2-1/4 teaspoons sugar 1 teaspoon black pepper 1-1/8 teaspoons allspice 1-1/8 teaspoons nutmeg 1-1/8 teaspoons salt Cook 1-1/4 lbs bowtie pasta and add to sauce |
16. A Walk in Nature
"Through the hard work of volunteers and staff, Camp Ondessonk continues to push forward on making a comprehensive and quality hiking and biking trail system." |
By Nolan Hurst, Camping Services Director
“A walk in nature walks the soul back home.” – Mary Davis. Nothing signs truer for the trails of Camp Ondessonk as you wander the trees and bluff lines and explore places of new and old. Since Fall 2020, Camp Ondessonk staff have renewed efforts to continue the development of the Camp Ondessonk Trail Map and System. Now, in spring of 2023, Camp Ondessonk continues to honor the efforts of past staff by working on three major projects to improve the guest experience. Beginning in January, Evan Coulson, Adventure and Group Services Director, has been working with former summer staff member Claire Talbert to map out the Camp Trail System and make a more comprehensive map that can be used as a download on your phone or a paper copy. Claire recently graduated from Southern Illinois University with a Geography and Environmental Resources degree with a GIS (Geographic Information System) specialization. With Claire’s expert knowledge, it is anticipated to have a new trail map for guests to use by the end of Spring 2023. This March, two major trail improvements were in progress to increase access and usability for guests. The first project completed is a new bridge built at Amphitheater Rock. This project was completed as Lindsey Gunter’s Eagle Scout Project. Throughout the project, Lindsey and her team worked to remove the old bridge and install a brand-new bridge. Later in March, Northland College Students, volunteer Alyssa, and a handful of staff began working on a second improvement to link LeCoeur into the White Trail or Echon Trail through the Grotto with minimal walking on roads to give guests an experience fully immersed in the woods. Through partnerships with the Bike Surgeons of O’Fallon, Ill., the U.S. Forest Service, and other organizations, Camp is excited for the future of trail improvements. Through the hard work of volunteers and staff, Camp Ondessonk continues to push forward on making a comprehensive and quality hiking and biking trail system. The staff are incredibly thankful for all those who have put in time and energy to improve the trail system and trail map. Camp Ondessonk is open for hiking from late August through the middle of May. To learn more visit our website by clicking here. |
17. Heepwah Ridgway Knights of Columbus!
"The Council began volunteering at Camp Ondessonk in the late 1980s, and have been involved in numerous projects that have been instrumental in securing Camp’s infrastructure and safety." 
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By Judy Blase Woodruff, Fund Development Consultant
It was a chilly weekend March 17 through the 19th when members of the Ridgway Knights of Columbus gathered at Camp Ondessonk to lend a helping hand - time to cut and split trees that had been felled around Camp. The gentlemen completely emptied and cleaned out the firewood storage shed in the parking lot, which was badly needed. They re-filled the shed to the roof in addition to cutting, splitting and piling enough firewood to re-fill the shed again – and maybe more! Helping out during the weekend was an eight-year-old grandson of one of the members who worked the hydraulic lever of the log splitter. He was a trooper and a joy to have with them. It’s always a memorable time together when they gather around a campfire at night. They make memories that last a lifetime. When working at Camp, the Ridgeway KCs always bring their own food to cook all of their meals, and they invite some of the Camp staff to eat with them. Not wanting to impose on the kitchen staff, they also invite any guests that might be at Camp for the weekend. The Council is blessed with some very good cooks who like to show off their skills! The Council has a close relationship with Monsignor Joseph Lawler. Monsignor Lawler was in the seminary at the time that Camp Ondessonk was being built in the late 1950s. He and his family lived on a farm near Ridgway, and they had heavy equipment, so Father Joe, his brothers, and their father were recruited to widen the Camp road and remove the remaining railroad ties. There were also other individuals from the Ridgway Knights of Columbus who were involved with various projects at that same time. It was an enormous undertaking to build a Camp, and we are most grateful to those pioneers of Ondessonk who helped create what we are so thankful for today. Monsignor Lawler is now 87 and is one of the Council’s most valued treasures. He said Mass at the Chapel of the North American Martyrs that work weekend, and then enjoyed a wonderful meal and fellowship with the group at St. Noel. He has been doing this for the Council since his retirement throughout the past 12 years. Monsignor Lawler’s memory of history is astounding, and he captivates everyone with his stories. “He is a living blessing to us all,” states Rick Zirkelbach, member of the Ridgway Knights of Columbus. The L.A. Lambert Council #1581 Ridgway, Ill., (3rd Degree) was founded in 1911. Their 4th Degree assembly was founded in 1962. They have 200 members, and several of their Council members were campers at Ondessonk from the middle 1960s through the 1980s. The Knights of Columbus have five areas of support with the beginning of the Order in 1882: Church, Community, Charity, Youth, and Fraternalism. Since Camp Ondessonk is about Catholic youth, they are able to set into practice their support of Church by supporting Catholic youth as well as fraternalism. The Council began volunteering at Camp Ondessonk in the late 1980s, and have been involved in numerous projects that have been instrumental in securing Camp’s infrastructure and safety. This includes the construction of St. Noel; numerous Camp unit upgrades; construction of the Trading Post storage building; building and installing Unit campfire benches; weekends of cutting, splitting, and stacking firewood for campers, plus more. When asked what keeps the group coming back to help Camp Ondessonk, Rick replies, “The support of youth is #1 – however, the fraternalism is priceless and has been talked about in our Council for years.” |
18. Where are they now - Annie Rose Martin Keith
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By Ondessonk Staff
We recently sat down with Annie Rose Martin Keith, Director of Faith Formation at Resurrection Catholic Church, in Evansville Indiana. Where did you grow up? Eldorado! I was 45 minutes from Camp. It made getting down there most weekends in highschool and college very fast. In fact, I was expected at a CHA clinic the evening after getting my driver's license. What was your overall Ondessonk experience like? What did it teach you? I was at Ondessonk in some capacity from 1999 to 2013 when I passed through the gate for the very last time to go onto new adventures for a little while. I was a camper from 1999 to 2004, CIT in 2005, worked from 2006-2013 (in the barn, on Horse Adventure, in Handicrafts, in the kitchen, on H&S, and a Unit Leader, as Asst. CIT Director, and finally as Summer Program Coordinator. I was on program staff from 2012-2013 and I am who I am because of 983 acres of rocks, creeks, cabins, caves, bug bites, lost water bottles, helmets that have been baking in the sun, ripped jeans, feed, wat troughs, peanut butter with on ploop of jelly and a little bit of sand from Bleeding Buffalo, boondoggle, boondoggle queens, too much Wednesday night ice cream, lost socks without a mate, foil burgers, Lucia Hodges, leadership advice from Dan that's now turned into 75% of my approach to raising children, and a voice that was never the same after a Friday marathon as a unit leader. I was stretched, pulled, challenged, and inspired, but didn't realize it at the time. Do you have any general fond memories you'd like to share? I have many fond memories with the first being winning the Tuesday Night Game (pre-Wilderness Fort return) in 2000 as a homesick camper in Daniel. Call it a muscle spasm or pure elation, but my fist pump to the sky never shot up more quickly as it did that night. Also, Shoutout to Liz H. for being present for most of my summers as a camper! Thanks for the excellent laughs on that one Pipsissewa overnight in 2002 where I swear all you brought to sleep on was a red striped tablecloth. What person, course, or experience most influenced you while at Camp Ondessonk? How? Roxie Frank came to play guitar at my parish one Saturday evening. Jason Valentine handed me the reigns of Giasha one youth ministry weekend and said, "Here, pull her back to the barn" and then asked me to play guitar at Mass one night with him. That's all it took! What has your career path been like? How did you end up where you are? Ondessonk helped kickstart me into teaching, then into non-profit management, and now as the Director of Faith Formation for a parish here in Evansville. From leadership to youth development, I use what I learned at Camp each day in my current role. Do you have any cool hobbies/side projects you'd like to tell usabout? Still plucking around on guitar! What life lessons would you like to share with the future counselors & staff here? Stop for a bit and realize what you’re doing, especially when you’re in the thick of the glorious chaos of a Friday or in the peaceful calm of a Monday night campfire. How did you come to your faith? From your family? From a particular experience or set of experiences? I’m a cradle Catholic, but my faith became my own one evening in 2001 when Becky left the air conditioner on in the chapel. The North American martyrs have played a pivotal role in my spiritual development ever since. Anything else you'd like to tell us about yourself that you feel is fun/important? After playing the character of a caustic old lady with many children at several opening campfires, I’m still tempted to put gold bond in my hair on hot summer days. What are you proudest of? My two spirited kiddos, Juliana and Theo. I have high hopes for Mini Camp success for both of them! What have you learned about yourself from being a parent? I love to let my kids explore and ask questions. This requires a lot of patience, but I think it will pay off! |
19. The Importance of Outdoor Education with Principal Claire Hatch
Sr. Director of Communications Tony Vrooman recently sat down with Claire Hatch, Principal at Blessed Sacrament, to discuss the importance of Outdoor Education.
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 Fr. Brian Barker Pastor St. Joseph Parish, Marion; St. Paul Parish, Johnston City Steve Bushong Professor Southwestern Illinois College Dennis Dusek Retired Orthopedic Surgeon Carrie Keller Attorney General Counsel, Budrovich Companies Stephen Mahieu Deputy General Counsel The Kraft Heinz Company Deacon Thomas Powers Business Operations Analyst U.S. Bank |
Scott Richter
Quality Engineer Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals Jean (Schwartz) Weiss Retired Entrepreneur 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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