Traditional Kids Summer Camp

For over 53 years Camp Ondessonk continues to strive to be the best traditional kids summer camp in the world.  Located in Ozark Illinois in the heart of the Shawnee National Forest kids experience traditional summer camp programming such as archery, canoeing, backpacking, swimming and horseback riding under the supervision of our highly experienced staff.  Kids will also

Teen Summer Camp Adventures

Is my teenager too old for summer camp?  We get asked that question allot by parents, but our answer is always simple “No”.  Camp Ondessonk located in the heart of the Shawnee National Forest in Southern Illinois is the premier Teen Summer Camp adventure destination. We have summer programming specifically designed for teenagers with leadership

Camp Ondessonk- Our 2011 Stewardship Year in Review

Gala celebrations, new camp activities  (GaGa anyone?), facelifts for a beach and a barn, the best Campership Fund appeal ever….2011 was a great year at Camp Ondessonk! January  “Choose Your Own Adventure” program is born!  Summer campers will be able to choose their own specialized programs , like trotting lessons at the barn, sign language,

Camp Ondessonk- Rat Patrol Skating Party

Rat Patrol Skating Party By Emma Klues Almost 100 friends gathered on Saturday March 3rd, 2012 for Rat Patrol: A Birthday Benefit for Camp Ondessonk at the Skatium in St. Louis at which supporters celebrated the anniversary of the naming of Camp Ondessonk, originally on February 26th. This event was a fun reunion of staff

Camp Ondessonk New Counselor in Training Program

New Counselor in Training Program By Rusty Parker Since its inception, Camp Ondessonk’s CIT Program has successfully developed generations of Ondessonk staff members, and this summer marks the unveiling of an exciting new look to the program. Designed to fulfill the mission of instilling and cultivating qualities of integrity, compassion, hard work, and selflessness in

Interview with Brian Croft- New Program Director

What were the first three things you did when you arrived at Camp Ondessonk? Took my wife on a hike around the grounds, it was really pretty outside and I really was putting off unpacking. Went and saw Clyde the Donkey.  Clyde was a big reason I took this job, and I wanted to spend

Southern Illinois camp’s tech-savvy fans use Facebook, Twitter to recreate a week of summer camp online

OZARK, IL – (Feb. 2, 2012) – Swimming, boating, eating s’mores; the lovers of Illinois’ Camp Ondessonk will get a chance to relive their summer camp experience starting this Sunday. But they won’t be roughing it in the woods of southern Illinois – this camp will all take place online. More than 200 “campers” from