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making memories at camp ondessonk

Story and photos by LIZ QUIRIN
Messenger editor

It was just another normal Friday at Camp Ondessonk, the diocesan Catholic youth camp in the Shawnee National Forest in southeastern Illinois. More than 400 campers, staff and volunteers gathered in the camp’s main area for the last day of weekly camp.

The schedule called for open activities, a tug of war, a marathon, swimming, some time in the chapel, dinner and the last campfire for the week.

That schedule has changed very little over the camp’s more than 50-year history, with units named for the North American Martyrs. Some include Brebeuf, Chabanel, Daniel, Garnier, Goupil, Lalemont and La Lande among others.

Over the years, campers have returned year after year until some decide they don’t want the experience to end and sign on as staff members.

First-time campers said they were surprised at how nice everyone was, staff and campers alike. If a youngster goes to camp without knowing anyone he or she leaves with a unit full of friends who exchange addresses to stay in touch and plan for the next year.

Some campers liked the all-day hikes, some the horses, others the swimming and some said they liked “just everything,” which, they said included the food.

With boys’, girls’ and co-ed sessions, campers can choose from a number of possible times to visit during the summer. Some openings are still available for some of the sessions.

Parents of campers said they visited the camp and decided this was a safe place for their children.
Also available is a web site where parents can see pictures of their children every day and follow their camp experience.

“It looked like they were having the best time of their lives,” Todd Piper from St. Mary Parish in Mt. Vernon said.
Campers come from all over this diocese as well as neighboring dioceses, all the way to Chicago from where a large contingent of campers come.

It’s a special place, Dan King, Ondessonk’s executive director, said. King had been a camper, a staff member and finally an administrator when he took over the lead position in 2007.

King said the staff and volunteers embody the mission of the camp: “to provide an environment that inspires physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual growth for individuals and groups through the appreciation and stewardship of nature.”

To view the slide show from Camp Ondessonk, click on the photo. The music accompanying the slide show comes from Father Brian Barker's CD "Mystery." It is used with permission.

For more information about camp or to register, click on this link or go to www.ondessonk.com.