It is where the lake meets a small waterfall. [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. [17] Campers spend their days in the stables learning such things as how to care for and groom their horses, as well as receiving more in-depth instruction in riding skills and general horsemanship. With this in mind, we require CITs to behave in a mature and responsible way and respect the rights and dignity of others while they are at Camp Ondessonk, participating in camp sponsored activities, or representing Camp Ondessonk in any way. As the first week of June approached, none of the units were complete yet. With this in mind, we require staff members to behave in a mature and responsible way and respect the rights and dignity of others while they are at Camp Ondessonk . 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. Everywhere we go! Couture never had a permanent location in camp on either side of the lake and was more of a "floating" tent unit used whenever and wherever was necessary. In my soul. Drumroll and cheer-off please.big winner announced at 9:15am in the comments! The intense nature of the program mandated prior experience and possible participants must have completed a level one or two equestrian program prior to entering Horse Expedition. [2] The Primitive Units gave campers a unique experience, away from camp, during which they lived off the land for the week. ntil you and camp meet again, keep singing, moving, and grooving your way through life. The trading post building was also constructed the same year allowing it to move out of the small section of the Administration Building it had been previously housed in. Wham!CowboyRope that steer! She was quickly promoted to Program Director in 2008, overseeing the Ondessonk Outdoor Education Program during the school year, all Camp Ondessonk specialty programs such as Mother-Daughter Weekend and Fall Family Camp, and summer activity areas, as well as hiring, training, and mentoring the Seasonal Program Staff. Pioneer sessions were introduced in 1965. Backcountry Medicineincluding the assessment and treatment of common medical problems. 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. New activities and programs continue to be added as camp evolves with the changing times around it in the real world.. View more posts, Your email address will not be published. Another activity area, camp crafts, taught campers how to use knives, axes, ropes, and open-fire cooking. Dan King Required fields are marked *. Two new units were added for the 1960 season, and 1,804 campers attended during the seven-week season. This level is recommended for only those experienced in the Ondessonk adventure programs. General members wear red and blue sashes. Members of Lodge may also attend Fall and Spring Lodge Reunions each year. Before its retirement, Horse Expedition took campers on a two-week journey that pushed them in their equestrian skills. 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. We hope you enjoy these camp classics. As part of their experience Lodge Campers participate in rock climbing at Pakentuck, the High Challenge Course, and an extended horseback ride. Garnier was the first unit to undergo the changes and after some experimenting the new design was deemed a success. A week before opening day a bathhouse was built, although it lacked a water heater, and a well was dug to provide fresh water. 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. [18] Participants received advanced instruction in horsemanship, horse-packing, trail stewardship, and outdoor living skills as they were led on a backcountry pack trip by experienced Ondessonk wranglers. Over the following years, Tommy was fed dog food, candy from campers, and leftovers from staff. 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. The very first Frontier trip went to Rocky Mountain National Park. These little beauts cook in a kiln twice, for a total of about 24 hours #worthit And it. Right next to the unit of Garnier. As part of their camp experience, campers stay in rustic units usually consisting of three-walled structures open in the front. Tommy's lawyer quickly appealed the decision to a local court which overturned the decision. }. The General Principles of Wilderness and Rescue Medicinewith an emphasis on the prevention and identification of medical emergencies, appropriate technology, and risk management. As children and parents arrived on opening day, volunteers scrambled to finish building the last of the bunks in the cabins. [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. CHA has developed a highly lauded certification process for arena instructors, trail guides, instructors of riders with disabilities and seasonal equestrian staff. If selected, I will abide by the policies and procedures of Camp Ondessonk & the Diocese of Belleville Child Protection Policy. When to see it in the metro-east, Whats Happening: Black History Month events, job fairs, virtual talks in southwest IL, Play games, take in a show or join a new club. Splat!CamperWhat time is it? 3760 Ondessonk Rd. Although the Golden Arrowhead did not make its debut until a few years after Camp Ondessonk's beginning, the very first summer of camp featured the Silver Bearclaw, which was awarded to the unit that earned the most points throughout the week. Courtesy of Camp Ondessonk / Thousands of children across Illinois missed out on outdoor opportunities through summer camp last year, when COVID-19 caused the cancellation of hundreds of camps and activities in 2020. Belleville IL Camp Ondessonk Camp Ondessonk Event Diocese of Belleville Illinois Summer Camp Santa Parade. The other seven are represented with stars on the camp symbol. They also act as families for campers for the week as units attend activities and compete in all-camp activities together. over the globe! The largest single, free-flowing waterfall in Illinois, and it is conveniently in camp property. This page was last edited on 28 February 2023, at 00:07. Hometown: Edwardsville, Illinois I love being a camp counselorTheres nothing Id rather beIf I werent a camp counselorA(n) _________ I would beAnd as you pass me byThis is what youd hear me cry Bird WatcherHark! 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. It consists of ten units to house campers as well as a variety of program areas. Campers in Teondecoren lived off the land, and made the unit a popular visiting spot for other units on the Wednesday night overnight. An on-site health center is run by a registered nurse. Camp Ondessonk welcomed possibly the most iconic member of its family in July 1966 when it acquired Tommy the Bear. 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. But Camp O today is more than a summer camp. She had blossomed so much in that one week. 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. 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. ", "I loved it. 2023 Camp Ondessonk. Cedar Falls is located in an area also known as Pakentuck. Patient assessment and emergency careincluding CPR, basic Life support, and the emergency treatment of anaphylaxis and asthma. I've got peace like a river. Mini camp explorers is for more adventurous 8 and 9-year-olds who feel capable of spending the entire week at camp. It is decorated with art work depicting camp that was created by current and former staff members as well as friends of camp. 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. During their week-long session campers have the opportunity to try their hand at a variety of activities including archery, riflery, handicrafts, horsemanship, canoeing, kayaking, swimming, and outdoor skills. In 1969, a new type of unit was introduced; the Primitive Units of Teondecoren and Couture. Flying through the park! Consider asking a family friend, neighbor, mentor, coach, priest/minister, teacher or professor. For the News-Democrat. The John de LaLande Award is presented to a non-Lodge Member who is part of the Camp Ondessonk staff and feels that they do not meet the proper requirements for membership into the organization but have rendered meritorious service to Camp Ondessonk and the community. Search for: Recent Posts. When Couture was no longer a unit the tents were used to expand other units in camp. The full-time staff consists of devoted individualswith extensive experience in fields related to youth development and outdoor leadership. Hi-ho!ScientistAcid! The All Decades Staff Reunion is this weekend! There will be a performance on the last day of camp. in Leisure Science with an emphasis in therapeutic and outdoor recreation from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Pioneer Weeks, or two-week sessions were introduced as well as the addition of the Tarzan swing, a diving platform, and a zipline in the same summer. Play Camp Ondessonk and discover followers on SoundCloud | Stream tracks, albums, playlists on desktop and mobile. conduct myself in a manner that is consistent with the discipline and teaching of the Catholic Church. The first camp infirmary was located on a rock near the back end of the original dining hall. [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. 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. 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 important traditional values. Camp Ondessonk's campers love to show their camp spirit with unit cheers. Or someone was too gassy. Back to nature, for an East St. Louis kid who spent most of his time on a bike, or on a playground or sandlot. height: 47, Create new account. Below please submit two character references. Amp up the acting to give your audience a good, hearty laugh. Kenny Toohill-That sending my kids to Camp O was one of the best things Ive ever done for them. In May 1968, Lake Echon was completed giving campers a separate lake for boating and swimming. Musculoskeletal Problemsincluding unstable and stable injuries, overuse syndromes, and dislocations. The Metro East Lodge Council and Camp staff greeted more than 20,000 spectators for the 2022 Belleville Optimist Annual Santa Parade. All rights reserved. All rights reserved. Plus, eagle watching, an art exhibit and a home & garden show. Counselors line up in front of the group to share where they might have worked if they hadnt gone to camp. 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 . Applicant gender assigned at brith is not a factor in making individual CIT decisions. I was not very good at riflery or archery. For more information on SeriousFun Children's Network, visit www.seriousfunnetwork.orgor contact us at info@seriousfunnetwork.org. I wanted to crawl across that swinging bridge. The ghost stories told around the campfire at night spooked me. continue to be positive, enthusiastic, and energetic when I am tired, sweaty and dirty. Tommy managed to make an escape from the enclosure a time or two, although he always returned later. You can learn more about Camp Ondessonk at www.ondessonk.com. By 1976, Ondessonk was in need of updates and renovations. Until you and camp meet again, keep singing, moving, and grooving your way through life. in Geography with an emphasis in Environmental Planning from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. [15] Campers stay in a unit made up of other Lodge members and led by a Lodge Official on staff. To RSVP contact Linda at linda.scruggs@ondessonk.com. 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. They also spent New Year's Eve in Venice. Camp Ondessonk offers specialized programs, referred to as adventure camp, that allow campers to focus on one set of skills in a particular area for an entire week. As Frontier units were later introduced the Pioneer sessions were discontinued. Amantacha, baptized as Louis de Sainte-Foi, was a Huron educated in France under the instruction of Antoine Daniel. Kids traveled to Camp Ondessonk from as far as Chicago, Bloomington and Evansville, Ind. Rocks that have split to the point when campers are taken through some on their all day hikes. Peace Like a River. In the meantime, we have one last present for you. express dissent quietly, thoughtfully, respectfully, and never with campers present. Omar Monds agreed to donate the bear if Ondessonk was willing to take it and camp was willing to take the bear if Monds could deliver the bear and get it into the cage that camp had set up. You look at every building here at camp, old and new, and you know it was largely done by a team of volunteers coming together, Werner said. or. A new registration process was added in 1988, which allowed campers to indicate a unit preference in their applications. Call (618) 695-2489 x104 or email chris.bretscher@ondessonk.com. : School Annual Publishing Company, 2009. Came inside when it was too hot. Later, members of the primitive units built their own tree houses about 13 feet off the ground by lashing wood they gathered to trees. I liked the hikes to natural lakes and rock dwellings like Fat Mans Misery. My heart always went out to the chubby kids because they were teased about not being able to fit through the tight squeeze between rocks. In keeping with the primitive theme of the unit, the girls of the Primitives were known to make their own clothing out of feed sacks from the stables to wear during the week. But most of the campers were from the Catholic grade schools in the metro-east. One of the most memorable Lodge trips was in 1968 and went to Italy and Switzerland. During an intermediate adventure, campers spend more time away from the main area of camp in the natural areas surrounding Ondessonk. Ow! The 1970 trip scheduled to tour the Middle East was canceled due to conflict in the region. 3 miles road trip from parking area at main camp. Dan was an Ondessonk Counselor in Training in 1986. Illinois state regulations apply. ***Open camping is available during weekdays as well as weekends.***. [17] The main areas of focus are horsemanship, rock climbing, backpacking, mountain biking, and canoeing. There was also an occasional snake or lizard, and plenty of insects and bugs. Adventure and Trip & Travel experiences for ages 12-16. They also perform a service project for Camp, exemplifying the overall spirit of Lodge. 3rd-8th grade. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); The 2011 Jeanne M. Newton and Thomas R. Cromwell Campership Challenge Grant, Camp Ondessonk Celebrities For a Buck and a Quarter. Stocked with first aid and a wide variety of other medical equipment, covering multiple possible emergencies, this building is equipped and ready for all of the campers, staff, and volunteers Ondessonk hosts throughout the year. Killed mosquitoes. April 15 17: Spring Stable Round Up/Gardening Party Volunteers come down to help get Ondessonk ready for the summer and spend some time with some old friends. Growth of the camp facilities continued over the next few years including more units (making a total of seven in 1964: Brebeuf, Chabanel, Daniel, Garnier, Goupil, LaLande, and Lalemant), the B.O.Q., and a new infirmary. In 1996, camp reached a major achievement when it earned accreditation from the American Camp Association. Difficulty: 3/5 from Pakentuck Road. Campers at St. Philip spent their nights in one of five units; Marquette, LaSalle, LaLande, Brebeuf, and Hennepin. Text the word HEEPWAH to 55222 to receive one surprise text in. 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. April 29 May 1: Father/Son Weekend Fathers and sons spending quality time out in the woods for the whole weekend. 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