About the Nonprofit
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Camp Ondessonk is a residential, Catholic youth camp that provides opportunities for social growth, spiritual reflection and renewal, and a genuine experience of independence in a challenging, supportive, and rewarding natural environment to those at every life stage. Set in the Shawnee National Forest, Camp Ondessonk has served children in its summer camp program since 1959.
The mission of Camp Ondessonk is to provide “Exceptional outdoor and spiritual adventures empowering kids of all ages.”
Founded by Msgr. John Fournie, and inspired by Catholic tradition and commitment to the growth of people and faith, we will:
o Operate a world-class camp in a spectacular natural environment
o Inspire leadership, self-confidence, and lifelong learning
o Promote stewardship and appreciation of God’s gifts
Ondessonk’s unique location provides an ideal setting for connecting with God, promoting fellowship, and finding time for reflection in the natural world. The cabins, facilities, and programs are designed to fully immerse campers into their natural surroundings in a fun, adventurous, and supportive environment.
During summer camp, each of the 10 units, named for the seven North American Martyrs and their Native American companions, is occupied by 25 to 40 campers and four to six staff members. Campers range in age from eight to 16 years of age and come from all areas of Illinois, the St. Louis metro area, Western Kentucky, Southern Indiana, Southeast Missouri, and beyond. Though the majority of campers come from Catholic families within the Belleville Diocese, campers and staff of diverse faith backgrounds are warmly welcomed and encouraged to participate.
Custom program offerings include traditional camping skills and activities; environmental education classes; horseback riding and equestrian education activities; adventure education programs that include a high ropes course, team course, problem-solving initiative activities, and a climbing tower; outdoor appreciation/recreation experiences; natural and cultural history hikes; and rock climbing. Through these activities, Camp Ondessonk promotes group building, communication skills, and leadership development as well as a sense of stewardship of the natural world.
In addition to the beautiful setting, the Camp’s greatest strength lies in the talents of the incredible summer staff. Over and over, we hear praise from parents, campers, volunteers, and employers about the talent and skills of the young people who bring the Camp Ondessonk experience to life for the children each summer. Most of the summer staff began as Camp Ondessonk campers, who then progressed through the Ondessonk Wisdom in Leadership and Counselor-in-Training programs before moving into summer staff positions. These leadership development models reward important skills that serve young leaders as they enter their adult lives, like hard work, personal responsibility, goal setting, risk-taking, time management, and teamwork.
Camp Ondessonk is accredited by the American Camp Association (A.C.A.) and the Equestrian Program is accredited by the Certified Horsemanship Association (C.H.A.) and meets the high standards of these accrediting bodies.
