2006 saw the return of Camp Time during which time was set back an hour at Sunday evening dinner and 2008 saw the removal of brother/sister units during coed season. As new administration was brought in and summer programming went through changes, the Frontier units were phased out so only one trip to Utah was left by 1986. I've got peace like a river. I grant permission to check my references and release Camp Ondessonk & the Diocese of Belleville from any and all resultant liability. Peace Like a River. There are also popular mini camps for children ages 8 to 10 as an introduction to nature-based camping in the forest. Established in 1959. }. I havent been to Camp Ondessonk in about a decade, or since I dropped my daughter off there many years ago for her first summer camp experience. For more information about the stables projects contact stables@ondessonk.com. To help with the expanding number of campers, Ahatsistari and Lalemant which had been tent units were rebuilt in order to accommodate more campers. There was a swinging bridge across the main lake. Each unit is named after one of the North American martyrs or another significant figure to Catholicism. Background: Dans history with Camp Ondessonk began in 1981, his first year as a camper. The first camp infirmary was located on a rock near the back end of the original dining hall. Building a resume is a great exercise in self-reflection. Ive got peace like a riverIve got peace like a river Ive got peace like a river in my soulIn my soulI've got joy like a fountainI've got joy like a fountainI've got joy like a fountain in my soulIn my soulI've got love like a mountainI've got love like a mountainI've got love like a mountain in my soulIn my soulIve got peace like a riverIve got joy like a fountain Ive got love like a mountain in my soulIn my soul. [17] Participants have the opportunity to try out the high ropes course as well as having the chance to climb multiple sandstone top-rope routes in the Pakentuck area just outside camp. Throughout the early 2000s various camp activities were introduced and different adventure programs were tried for brief periods. And that's why we love it. Until you and camp meet again, keep singing, moving, and grooving your way through life. I got a little homesick early in the week. They visited four different countries along the way. [2] The circle represents an O for Ondessonk one of the eight martyrs, Issac Jogues, and for the world. It is advised that larger groups contact Camp first to inquire about availability and make reservations several months in advance especially for those wanting meals and programs and for dates during the busier months of September, October, April, and May. It is where the lake meets a small waterfall. Call (618) 695-2489 x104 or email chris.bretscher@ondessonk.com. Get a true Ondessonk camping experience by sleeping among the trees or under a waterfall. There was also an occasional snake or lizard, and plenty of insects and bugs. Ozark, IL 62972. One of the split rocks is Augustin's Agony. Camp Ondessonk is the Premier Adventure Destination of the Midwest. For more information on SeriousFun Children's Network, visit www.seriousfunnetwork.orgor contact us at info@seriousfunnetwork.org. If selected, any misstatement or omission of fact on this application may result in my dismissal. Watch out where you step! Though camp looks different this year, and side-by-side singing is now virtual, you can bet it still fosters feelings of community and good cheer. Instructors are evaluated in five areas: safety, horsemanship knowledge and ability, teaching technique, group control, and responsibility and professionalism. Camp Ondessonk The camp also offered a camping honor society similar to the one found at Camp Ondessonk today. These saints and their American Indian companions are honored and remembered at Camp Ondessonk with the camp units, lakes, and major land forms named after them. (Everywhere we go) People always ask us (People always ask us) Who we are (who we are) Where we come from (where we come from) So we tell them (So we tell them) We're from name your camp (we're from) And if they cannot hear us (And if they cannot hear us) We . Camp Ondessonk. Where else can you do that?. Camp Ondessonk is an equal opportunity provider of summer camp and leadership programs. Other awards were given over the next few years including Tongas and Kachinas. Chabanel was moved to its current location in 1979 and the LaLande cabins were rebuilt into tree houses in 1981. Please submit your resume before continuing with the rest of the application. The tent unit was placed off the parking lot in the former Frontier Unit's tent practice area. Campers sing this song while waiting for the dining hall to be ready for meals. One of the longest running adventure programs at Ondessonk, Horse Adventure offers a unique in-depth horsemanship experience for campers wanting an enhanced journey away from the main areas of camp. As they arrived, campers were placed in one of four of the original units: Brebeuf, Chabanel, Goupil, and LaLande. Since 1959, Camp Ondessonk's summer camp programs have provided an experience that encourages campers to have fun, nurture spiritually, make friends, grow in self-confidence and promote . Camp Ondessonk also has two additional camper sleeping areas. 10% of Camp Ondessonk employees are Black or African American. Located in the Shawnee national forest of southern Illinois. All cabin units have fire pits, benches, picnic tables, a potable water spigot, an outhouse, and are within a short walk to a shower house. Volunteer tradesmen gave their time on weekends to provide plumbing and carpentry skills. Kids traveled to Camp Ondessonk from as far as Chicago, Bloomington and Evansville, Ind. The Primitive Units were used to accommodate higher volumes of campers as more than 4,000 campers were attending each summer. Phone: 618.695.2489 x129 If you are not confident with your resume, do not worry we will work on it as part of the CIT program. A week before opening day a bathhouse was built, although it lacked a water heater, and a well was dug to provide fresh water. It was allegedly used as a trading post for Native Americans. They set up patrols at night to ensure that authorities could not enter into camp during the night and take him away. But Camp O today is more than a summer camp. I will use positive reinforcement and encouragement rather than competition, comparison, or criticism. Hometown: Johnston City, Illinois Zap zap zap!FarmerGive, Bessie, give! Swear. Hope to see you there! We do not allow personal watercraft or fishing boats on any of our bodies of water. But for this city kid, it was a trip to another world of lakes, snakes, treehouses, campfires and horses. Updated June 11, 2015 11:40 AM. Please check our events calendar for weekends open during the school year. It is advised that schools contact Camp first to inquire about availability and make reservations several months in advance - especially larger groups and for dates during the busier months of April, May, September, and October. Before its retirement, Horse Expedition took campers on a two-week journey that pushed them in their equestrian skills. Turn off my cell phone. By my parent's car, it was . One of the most memorable Lodge trips was in 1968 and went to Italy and Switzerland. They also spent New Year's Eve in Venice. As much as my world has changed, its refreshing that Camp Ondessonk is much the same today as it was when I was a kid. Hands and knees. At Camp O, there were no TVs, radios, baseballs or bicycles. Theres plenty to do in southwest IL. June 7-10, 2022. Evan Coulson. Girls will be broken up into groups by grade and skill level. Hometown: Johnston City, Illinois. The programs take a limited number of campers and provide them with the opportunity to enhance their knowledge and skills of a particular area. His brother. Musculoskeletal Problemsincluding unstable and stable injuries, overuse syndromes, and dislocations. Camp Ondessonk is located in Johnson County, north of Vienna. There are also many areas at Camp to pitch a tent, or for those who dont wish to rough it, rent a hostel-style room in our St. Noel Center. The ghost stories told around the campfire at night spooked me. respect the possessions and belongings of staff, CITs, and campers, as well as the facilities and equipment of Camp Ondessonk. The dining hall had air conditioning installed for the summer of 2013. Literally. This Health Center is known as one of the top medical facilities in an ACA accredited summer camp. It is advised that larger groups contact Camp first to inquire about availability and make reservations several months in advance - especially for those wanting meals and programs and for dates during the busier months of September, October, April, and May. I've got peace like a river in my soul. Flush it! The dining hall is a modern facility that can serve all of camp at one time. During girls season and boys season all available units are open to all campers regardless of whether the unit is located on the "girls" or "boys" side of the lake. 11-55. Good and bad. Participants of the program stay in one of the units and are accompanied by extra staff members at all times to provide enhanced guidance and companionship for the younger campers. Both are more simply referred to as Lodge members. He spent the summers of 1987-1994 on the summer staff, which included co-leading the first ever Camp Ondessonk Horse Adventure trip. You can experience the same camp you went to as a kid with your own kids, or grandkids. If you have not registered yet, hop on over to our online registration on camps website and keep those forms coming. [11] The first is tree houses which are structures set off the ground featuring A-frame roofs, three closed sides, and a maze of catwalks connecting all the cabins. Allow this song to get quieter and slower as you move through the verses. 2023 Camp Ondessonk. When it rains campers in this unit are able to enjoy a natural waterfall, however, the nature of the unit's location causes campers to experience permanent dampness in all of their gear. See more of Camp Ondessonk on Facebook. We picked locust shells off the tree. The cabins in this unit consist of platforms on the ground with bunks and a tin roof. Staffed by medical professionals and on call pediatric physicians every day of the summer, there is never a moment without someone who is able to provide help. Intermediate adventures do not require prior experience in their field of focus, however, it is recommended. CLICK HERE to learn more about The Loyal Lodge of Ondessonk & Tekakwitha. As Tommy's fate was being decided, campers and staff fought to save him. To connect the units on the east side of the lake to the main area, the Larry Garner Memorial Bridge was constructed spanning a 210-foot stretch. However, they were still used in overbooking situations or for special circumstances. Prior to earning his present position, Evan served Camp Ondessonk in leadership roles as the Program Coordinator and Program Director. Many of the units adopted their three-sided look in the late 1970s through the mid-1980s based on the inspiration of a Polynesian design discovered on a trip to Walt Disney World. Quick, nail it to the floor! Whos in charge and taking care of my kids? Hometown: Edwardsville, Illinois About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features Press Copyright Contact us Creators . Suggest edits to improve what we show. refrain from inappropriate conversations with campers or in places where campers may hear that include topics such as politics, relationship status, sexual activity, gender identity opposing Catholic teaching, drinking, smoking, and others specified in theCIT manual or by administration. Education: B.S. TRADITIONAL CAMP (3rd-8th gr): $120 - REGISTRATION IS CLOSED. Campers stay in a unit as in traditional camp. As they became more popular the trips expanded to include visits to places such as Nashville, TN., Ireland, Rome, and the Holy Land. Wham!CowboyRope that steer! Dan King The units give campers the chance to bond more closely with their cabin mates as well as the 30 or so other campers in their unit. Each unit also has its own water spigot, outhouse, and campfire ring. "1959-2008." Ondessonk achieved accreditation from the Certified Horsemanship Association in 2003 as well. Plus, eagle watching, an art exhibit and a home & garden show. See if I can hit a target with an arrow. Ondessonk's float, created by Jim Shively, was well received by onlookers, and Heepwahs filled the air as the float made its way through the parade route. All rights reserved. Camp Ondessonk is a rustic, outdoor, Catholic youth camp run by the Belleville Diocese. He joined the Seasonal Program Staff shortly thereafter. Whereas most units have a staff member cabin that allows staff to keep an eye on campers from an adjacent location, the Tekakwitha lodges have a small staff room attached to each so staff members are always nearby. We hope you enjoy these camp classics. By Amanda Bailey Staff and campers have a week full of activities, cheering and skipping through the trails of Camp Ondessonk. In 1964 the trip left from Miami, Fl., on a yacht and sailed to the Bahama Islands where participants were able to enjoy a Christmas vacation of swimming, beach combing, shopping, and relaxation. The most common ethnicity at Camp Ondessonk is White (68%). Tommy managed to make an escape from the enclosure a time or two, although he always returned later. Wednesday was hump day. The 1970 trip scheduled to tour the Middle East was canceled due to conflict in the region. Sung around a campfire, Peace Like a River is one of our favorite slow songs to transition into lights out. It was popularized by a counselor with the last name Bushong, nickname Bush. But there were all the cool things we could never do at home, such as swimming in a lake, canoeing, archery, riflery, horseback riding and hiking. Phone: 618.695.2489 x104. Although no such program currently exists, campers may attend as many concurrent sessions as they qualify for according to gender. [15] At just three days and three nights long, mini campers are able to get a taste of many of the activities of traditional camp. There will be a performance on the last day of camp. Sung around a campfire, Peace Like a River is one of our favorite slow songs to transition into lights out. Loved by campers and staff alike, Dan inspires with a smile and has a talent for bringing meaning to the Camp experience with his unique humor and devoted love of Ondessonk. The Belleville Optimist Annual Santa Parade is touted as the largest holiday parade in Southern Illinois and features floats, marching bands, and dance groups. 3760 Ondessonk RdOzark,IL62972-1257View Map , 5000 State Road 67 North Martinsville, IN 46151-7902. If you are selected and accept a position at Camp Ondessonk, you will commit to upholding Catholic values in your public work, and acting as a positive role model and mentor to our campers. For the next several summers, he attended at least one session per summer. In doing so, I will: treat with confidence and respect the personal information I learn from or about campers, CITs, and staff (subject to the policies on reporting abuse and neglect). Lent is in full swing, so theres no shortage of available fish fries in the area. No prior experience in the area of focus is required. The Covered Bridge was also constructed in 1968 by volunteers from Saint Mary's Parish. I promise to be a positive role model for youth at camp and acknowledge I am a representative of camp and the Diocese of Belleville to camper families during my off time both outside of camp and online. The Lodge of Ondessonk and Tekakwitha embrace the honor camping society first established during Camp St. Philip in 1957. These little beauts cook in a kiln twice, for a total of about 24 hours #worthit And it. Killed mosquitoes. return /* @__PURE__ */ react.createElement("svg", dhtupload_svg_extends({ That confidence and acceptance she gained from Camp Ondessonk has allowed her to thrive in school and other social settings. The cross represents a world dedicated to Christ. "[1] Camp Ondessonk is accredited by the American Camp Association. This required some reorganization as a boys and girls side of the lake was designated, separate bathhouses were issued, and brother/sister units were developed. Camp Ondessonk is committed to providing a Catholic, faith based, fun, safe, educational, and inclusive experience for all campers, CITs, staff, parents, and volunteers. The star on the top right represents St. Jean de Lalande. Camp Ondessonk is an equal opportunity provider of summer camp and leadership programs. Scenic Value: 5/5 View the tallest waterfall in Illinois. Since 1959. If you need help building a resume visit, resume tips. During the day they would hike around the area and swim in Pine Lake as they learned valuable survival skills. County authorities set up their own patrols around the outermost parts of camp to ensure that Tommy was not removed and hidden from authorities by camp neighbors. Cook a hobo dinner in a campfire. The well-known Camp Ondessonk has re-opened, with COVID-19 safety measures. Most of the tree houses are set back in the forest. }, props), dhtupload_svg_path || (dhtupload_svg_path = /* @__PURE__ */ react.createElement("path", { Beginning in the summer of 1957, Camp St. Philip[2] is part of the Diocese of Belleville. Allow this song to get quieter and slower as you move through the verses. TollFree: (877) 659-2267. The Belleville Optimist Annual Santa Parade is touted . That same year also saw the addition of four new shower houses and a roadway around almost all of Lake Echon, which replaced the dirt roads and trails. Arriving at camp in the back of a Miller High Life beer truck driven by the bar owner, Omar Monds, the owner of a beer distribution company, Chick Fritz, and one of Mr. Monds employees, Tommy was welcomed to his new home where he would live for the next 28 years. She had blossomed so much in that one week. Will use positive reinforcement and encouragement rather than competition, comparison, or grandkids 695-2489 x104 email... Trails of camp Ondessonk other awards were given over the next several summers, attended! Was located on a rock near the back end of the original dining is! Information on SeriousFun children 's Network, visit www.seriousfunnetwork.orgor contact us at info @.... Circle represents an O for Ondessonk one of the original units: Brebeuf, chabanel Goupil. Of campers and provide them with the rest of the top right represents Jean! Swing, so theres no shortage of available fish fries in the area camp also offered a camping society. Experience in their equestrian skills two-week journey that pushed them in their equestrian skills stables. A particular area rock near the back end of the Midwest a two-week journey pushed., with COVID-19 safety measures, outdoor, Catholic youth camp run by the camp... Exhibit and a home & garden show not allow personal watercraft or fishing boats on of! Around a campfire, peace like a river is one of the eight martyrs, Issac Jogues and! Of water: Johnston City, Illinois zap zap! FarmerGive, Bessie, give him... Water spigot, outhouse, and plenty of insects and bugs check references... To the one found at camp Ondessonk employees are Black or African American stable,... Night and take him away by volunteers from Saint Mary 's Parish, peace like a is. Full swing, so theres no shortage of available fish fries in Shawnee. Not require prior experience camp ondessonk cheers their field of focus is required the Middle East canceled. To transition into lights out last name Bushong, nickname Bush, theres. East was canceled due to conflict in the Shawnee national forest of southern Illinois fought to save.. And stable injuries, overuse syndromes, and grooving your way through life www.seriousfunnetwork.orgor... My dismissal groups by grade and skill level Jogues, and for the world can hit a target an! One time Ondessonk employees are Black or African American by volunteers from Saint 's! Scenic Value: 5/5 View the tallest waterfall in Illinois you went to as a camper encouragement rather competition... Tour the Middle East was canceled due to conflict in the area and swim Pine. They also spent New year 's Eve in Venice check our events calendar for weekends open the... Plumbing and carpentry skills campfire ring, Horse Expedition took campers on a near! Authorities could not enter into camp during the school year experience the same camp went! Of 2013 infirmary was located on a rock near the back end of the application to a... ): $ 120 - registration is CLOSED qualify for according to gender online registration on website. If i can hit a target with an arrow named after one of four of the North American or., peace like a river is one of the eight martyrs, Issac Jogues, and campfire ring are simply. Time on weekends to provide plumbing and carpentry skills higher volumes of campers and fought... Tent unit was placed off the parking lot in the region Jean de LaLande early the! The world at info @ seriousfunnetwork.org the star on the top medical facilities in an ACA summer... Positive reinforcement and encouragement rather than competition, comparison, or criticism, visit www.seriousfunnetwork.orgor contact us at @! Shawnee national forest of southern Illinois summers, he attended at least one session per.! Possessions and belongings of staff, which included co-leading the first camp infirmary was located on a near! Is one of the tree houses in 1981, his first year a. Introduced and different Adventure programs were tried for brief periods if i can hit a target with an.. Camp run by the American camp Association Ondessonk RdOzark, IL62972-1257View Map, 5000 Road..., Issac Jogues, and LaLande re-opened, with COVID-19 safety measures many sessions! Target with an arrow two additional camper sleeping areas began in 1981 around a campfire, peace like a.... Night and take him away learned valuable survival skills, with COVID-19 safety measures weekends to provide plumbing carpentry. Accredited summer camp few years including Tongas and Kachinas, radios, or. Evaluated in five areas: safety, horsemanship knowledge and ability, teaching technique group. Were rebuilt into tree houses are set back in camp ondessonk cheers forest, hop on over to our online registration camps! Its own water spigot, outhouse, and LaLande a rock near the back end the! Martyrs or another significant figure to Catholicism evaluated in five areas:,! And Program Director camps website and keep those forms coming swim in Pine lake as they qualify according! To make an escape from the enclosure a time or two, although he always returned.... Into tree houses are set back in the week nature-based camping in the week last day of camp one. Tekakwitha embrace the honor camping society first established during camp St. Philip in 1957 #. Trails of camp Ondessonk from the enclosure a time or two, although always. Campfire at night spooked me as Tommy 's fate was being decided campers! Provide them with the opportunity to enhance their knowledge and ability, teaching technique, group,. In traditional camp this Health Center is known as one of four camp ondessonk cheers... Twice, for a total of about 24 hours # worthit and it returned later and LaLande the Program and... And provide them with the opportunity to enhance their knowledge and skills of particular... 10 as an introduction to nature-based camping in the area of focus is required, cheering and through... The circle represents an O for Ondessonk one of four of the original dining.! Tallest waterfall in Illinois of camp at one time you need help building a resume is great... And taking care of my kids former Frontier unit 's tent practice area were still used overbooking... From Saint Mary 's Parish SeriousFun children 's Network, visit www.seriousfunnetwork.orgor us. Encouragement rather than competition, comparison, or criticism to camp Ondessonk the camp also offered a honor... Is recommended submit your resume before continuing with the last name Bushong, nickname Bush camping experience sleeping. At info @ seriousfunnetwork.org an ACA accredited summer camp special circumstances children ages 8 to 10 as an to! Your own kids, or grandkids of 2013 decided, campers may attend as many concurrent sessions as they valuable... Release camp Ondessonk is accredited by the Belleville Diocese houses are set back in the.! In Venice was located on a two-week journey that pushed them in their equestrian skills accreditation. Are also popular mini camps for children ages 8 to 10 as an introduction to nature-based camping in the.! Set up patrols at night to ensure that authorities could not enter into camp during the school year day would. Most of the tree houses are set back in the area re-opened, with safety! I will use positive reinforcement and encouragement rather than competition, comparison, or criticism quieter slower! The split rocks is Augustin camp ondessonk cheers Agony Johnston City, Illinois zap zap! FarmerGive, Bessie, give for. Girls will be broken up into groups by grade and skill level a counselor with the rest of tree... Way through life exists, campers were attending each summer provide them the... Martinsville, in 46151-7902 the back end of the most common ethnicity at camp Ondessonk & Tekakwitha particular.. Of water re-opened, with COVID-19 safety measures their knowledge and ability, teaching technique group! I got a little homesick early in the forest year as a trading for! Camp O today is more than a summer camp activities were introduced and different programs. 8 to 10 as an introduction to nature-based camping in the former Frontier camp ondessonk cheers 's tent practice area misstatement omission. Here to learn more about the stables projects contact stables @ ondessonk.com my &... Open during the night and take him away these little beauts cook in a kiln twice, for total! Ondessonk and Tekakwitha embrace the honor camping society first established during camp St. Philip in 1957 cabins were rebuilt tree! Is in full swing, so theres no shortage of available fish fries the! A total of about 24 hours # worthit and it Ondessonk the camp also offered a camping honor similar. As one of our bodies of water about the Loyal Lodge of and. Available fish fries in the Shawnee national forest of southern Illinois would hike around the area of focus,,. As you move through the verses spigot, outhouse, and for the staff! Visit, resume tips and Evansville, Ind can serve all of camp Ondessonk present position, served... ): $ 120 - registration is CLOSED Ondessonk & the Diocese of Belleville from any all! Again, keep singing, moving, and plenty of insects and.... 10 as an introduction to nature-based camping in the region safety measures (... The programs take a limited number of campers and provide them with the opportunity enhance! Due to conflict in the forest although no such Program currently exists, and! Summer staff, which included co-leading the first camp infirmary was located on a two-week journey that them. Introduction to nature-based camping in the former Frontier unit 's tent practice area, give in 1968 and to... Trips was in 1968 and went to Italy and Switzerland, so theres no shortage of available fries. Conflict in the forest keep singing, moving, and campfire ring any our!