The information provided in this application is true, correct and complete. Phone: 618.695.2489 x104. Yonah lived in the cage formerly occupied by Tommy, as the camp bear until his death in 2001. There are weeklong summer camps for boys, girls and coed camps, ages 10 to 15. 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. Phone: 618.695.2489 x104 Phone: 618.695.2489 x102 Most meals are served family style. [2] Although not technically a unit, the pioneer sessions were unique in that they were two weeks long allowing campers a more in-depth camping experience. Hands and knees. The General Principles of Wilderness and Rescue Medicinewith an emphasis on the prevention and identification of medical emergencies, appropriate technology, and risk management. This allowed campers the chance to stay two weeks and participate in extra activities such as the climbing wall and teams course. Dans parents were always willing to oblige their two sons passion for Camp Ondessonk The family car was often one of the first in line. He offers some advice to every adult who once went to Camp Ondessonk: Theres an opportunity to reconnect with your past through Camp Ondessonk, he told me. Surrounded by other areas of stream that are great for catching crawdads and skipping rocks. They visited four different countries along the way. Most of the tree houses are set back in the forest. The Golden Frontier trips were slightly different in that they traveled by cruise ship in the Caribbean. The star on the top right represents St. Jean de Lalande. TollFree: (877) 659-2267. Swear. 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. Wham!CowboyRope that steer! Practical Skillsincluding splinting, bandaging, litter packaging and medical kit preparation. He returned to Ondessonk in 2006 and became Executive Director in 2008. Adventure and Trip & Travel experiences for ages 12-16. During the day they would hike around the area and swim in Pine Lake as they learned valuable survival skills. Following college, Dan gained program planning and administrative experience at several other camps as a wrangler, outdoor educator, Program Director, and Summer Camp Director. Campers carried all their food and gear in the canoes with them. Turn off my cell phone. Literally. Back to nature, for an East St. Louis kid who spent most of his time on a bike, or on a playground or sandlot. That Camp O was one of the most positive influences in their life. Prior to earning his present position, Evan served Camp Ondessonk in leadership roles as the Program Coordinator and Program Director. 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. Our camper fees are extremely competitive and unlike many other summer camps, Ondessonk does not charge additional fees for horseback riding or senior camper electives. Depending on position, staff members are certified by the Certified Horsemanship Association, National Rifle Association, American Red Cross, or other appropriate certifying bodies. Because the trips left from Camp, dorms were built on the north end of the parking lot to house participants the night before leaving on their trips. Established in 1959. I was lucky. Instructors are evaluated in five areas: safety, horsemanship knowledge and ability, teaching technique, group control, and responsibility and professionalism. Sung around a campfire, Peace Like a River is one of our favorite slow songs to transition into lights out. I was better at games that included a ball. The trips took place over the Christmas holidays and went to places like Europe, Africa, and the Bahamas. In order to be considered for Lodge, candidates much show these qualities as well as being at least a second year camper or staff member. 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. This led to the camper's parents to worry that their son may have contracted rabies from the bear. Camp Ondessonk. Each unit also has its own water spigot, outhouse, and campfire ring. This Health Center is known as one of the top medical facilities in an ACA accredited summer camp. hbspt.cta._relativeUrls=true;hbspt.cta.load(2291832, '8d804d13-c43e-4001-a811-1d4f5a1dc1e8', {"useNewLoader":"true","region":"na1"}); Part song, part skit, part chantthis is one of our favorite additions to a campfire. Next stop, second and final kiln firing. Campers were able to discover much of the natural beauty of the Shawnee as they rode through the various trails encompassed within the forest. Camp Ondessonk strives to meet the highest health and standards. The cabins of each unit are also named after songs by a particular musician or group. display humor and a positive attitude in response to stress and change. Consider asking a family friend, neighbor, mentor, coach, priest/minister, teacher or professor. In 1995, Teondecoren was transformed into a tepee unit located in the upper pastures. Listen to Unit Cheers, a playlist curated by Camp Ondessonk on desktop and mobile. Each unit is named after one of the North American martyrs or another significant figure to Catholicism. Originally a tent unit, cabins built later, located in the former Woodsmanship area. Ondessonks 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. I promise to strive to meet the mission and vision of Camp Ondessonk, putting the Catholic core values of the organization at the forefront of all that I do in my role as a CIT. Include your work, scholastic, extracurricular activities, and volunteer experience. Both are more simply referred to as Lodge members. The building is heptagonal and has a fireplace in the center. Natural areas and all-day hike destinations. Camp personnel became interested in housing the bear at camp, however, they had no way to transport the bear from its location in Belleville to Ondessonk. respect the possessions and belongings of staff, CITs, and campers, as well as the facilities and equipment of Camp Ondessonk. The full-time staff consists of devoted individualswith extensive experience in fields related to youth development and outdoor leadership. Amantacha, baptized as Louis de Sainte-Foi, was a Huron educated in France under the instruction of Antoine Daniel. Gender only applies during coed season during which boys and girls are separated into units. I heard Mr. X. in the woods late at night. We are proud to be accredited by the American Camp Association. Frequently sung at campfires, in-between activities, or before a meal. Seems like I always had the hungry horse. He went to camp as a kid. or. Kids give a "Heepwah" cheer at Camp Ondessonk located in the Shawnee National Forest in Southern Illinois. The units can be sorted into four different categories based on cabin type. As part of their experience Lodge Campers participate in rock climbing at Pakentuck, the High Challenge Course, and an extended horseback ride. All rights reserved. As with traditional campers, all adventure campers are eligible for induction into Lodge. I've got peace like a river. }. Rock Adventure is an intermediate adventure open to campers ages 1316. Website by Yamaretto, Another version of the Elbows Off The Table song. But the rest of the week passed quickly. During an intermediate adventure, campers spend more time away from the main area of camp in the natural areas surrounding Ondessonk. Garnier was the first unit to undergo the changes and after some experimenting the new design was deemed a success. Drumroll and cheer-off please.big winner announced at 9:15am in the comments! It offers programs and facilities year round. Offering a more advanced approach to rock climbing, campers on Rock Adventure take the basic climbing skills covered in Rock Camp and spend more time on the natural sandstone rocks in the area further enhancing their climbing skills. take care of myself and recognize my personal needs so I can be the best counselor I can be. That Camp O has enriched my childrens spiritual lives. Before its retirement, Horse Expedition took campers on a two-week journey that pushed them in their equestrian skills. For the News-Democrat. In doing so, I will: support and aid other staff and CITs when the time and need arises. The two units were eventually dismantled due to lack of need for 12 units. I will use positive techniques of guidance, including redirection, and acknowledgement and anticipation of each campers unique needs. A store in the main area that sells food and items such as: toiletries, camp gear, camp paraphernalia, soda on certain days, and ice cream/candy. However, everyone is certain to learn a lot at the clinic through all the knowledge shared by both participants and clinic staff. Because Camp Ondessonk did not yet have a lake for swimming or boating, campers used a section of Ozark Creek now known as Blue Pool for water activities. As Frontier units were later introduced the Pioneer sessions were discontinued. Thats unique and special. The camp strives to remain a "last frontier" of sorts, where participants can experience life away from the plugged in world of today's society, and go back to a . Designed as an introduction to rock climbing, campers learn the basics about climbing knots and safety systems while developing their climbing technique. Hometown: Villa Grove, Illinois A stream near the spillway. Phone: (618) 695-3593. That my children have developed strong lifelong friendships at Camp O. As the first week of June approached, none of the units were complete yet. 2023 Camp Ondessonk. Pioneer sessions were introduced in 1965. in Leisure Science with an emphasis in therapeutic and outdoor recreation from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Amp up the acting to give your audience a good, hearty laugh. take full advantage of their natural surroundings. I wanted to crawl across that swinging bridge. [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. 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. [15] Campers stay in a unit made up of other Lodge members and led by a Lodge Official on staff. It is located in the Shawnee National Forest of Southern Illinois, near Ozark, Illinois.The camp strives to remain a "last frontier" of sorts, where participants can experience life away from the plugged in world of today's society, and go back to a time of outdoor living while experiencing nature to . Volunteer crews began construction on the new summer camp in spring of 1959 in a race to finish before the scheduled opening on June 28, 1959. Only one-fourth of the camps in the US have earned this mark of distinction. Below please submit two character references. Camp Ondessonk is committed to providing a Catholic, faith based, fun, safe, educational, and inclusive experience for all campers, CITs, staff, parents, and volunteers. 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. Theres plenty to do in southwest IL. 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