Working in small groups with three to four specially-trained staff members, our Teen Adventure Camps allow campers to focus on various sets of skills for an entire week. This creates an opportunity for remarkable knowledge and skill growth. Like Traditional campers, Adventure campers are eligible for induction into the Lodge of Ondessonk & Tekakwitha, Camp Ondessonk’s service society.
ALL TEEN ADVENTURE CAMPS ARE COED!
Shawnee Adventures
Ages 13-15, Beginner
Shawnee Adventures is designed for seasoned campers looking for a new way to experience Camp Ondessonk. Campers embark on four different one-day adventures that explore Camp Ondessonk’s 983 acres and the surrounding Shawnee National Forest to learn technical and leadership skills. They will participate in activities during the day, such as rock climbing, hiking, mountain biking, and canoeing and then stay on-site at night, eat meals in the Dining Hall, and join Camp’s traditional evening activities to remain engaged in the Ondessonk traditions that they love.
Frontcountry, On-Camp Adventure
Horse Camp
Ages 12-15, Beginner
Horse Camp is designed for campers looking to expand their equine camp experience. Campers get to enjoy trail rides through our pastures and forested trails, arena lessons improving upon position and riding technique, and will ride to their overnight spot at Durbin’s Barn. All riding levels are welcome from introductory to experienced riding. Campers who have never ridden a horse before are encouraged to attend Traditional Camp to acquire their first riding experience.
Weight limit of 225lbs for rider and horse safety.
Frontcountry, On-Camp Adventure
Camper vs. Wild
Ages 13-15, Beginner
Camper vs. Wild turns beginner campers into confident outdoor leaders. Set in the scenic Shawnee National Forest in Southern Illinois, this teen Summer Camp adventure pushes youngsters “outside their comfort zone and into the wild,” teaching primitive survival skills and self-reliance.
Participants will build real-life leadership skills by participating in primitive camping activities. Skills include outdoor cooking, map and compass land navigation, fire building, water purification, and more! This immersive program emphasizes real-life leadership skills through teamwork and guided challenge activities.
Frontcountry, On-Camp Adventure
VIDEO: Camper vs. Wild Exposes Campers to the Outdoors
Art & Earth Adventure
Ages 13-15, Beginner
Connect with nature and awaken your creative spirit in Art & Earth Adventure. This week-long immersive experience invites campers to explore and take inspiration from the natural world while engaging in hands-on activities like sourcing natural clay to make and fire clay pots, weaving fiber arts, expressing with nature sketching and watercolor painting under the direction of experienced artists. During the evenings, campers will also take part in Camp Ondessonk’s beloved traditional activities, staying rooted in the traditions they cherish. Discover new ways to celebrate and share the beauty of nature that surrounds Camp Ondessonk!
Frontcountry, On-Camp Adventure
VIDEOS:
Art & Earth Adventure | Series Part 1 | Wildcrafting, Storytelling & Nature Arts
Art & Earth Adventure | Series Part 2 | Meeting Campers Where They Are
Art & Earth Adventure | Series Part 3 | Camp Ondessonk Teen Program
Art & Earth Adventure | Series Part 4 | Series Finale – Camp Ondessonk
Advanced Horse Camp
Ages 13-16, Intermediate
Advanced Horse Camp is designed for the horse camper who is proficient at trotting or has previous Horse Camp sessions under their belt. Advanced Horse campers work closely with one horse for the entire week, and participate in multiple mounted and ground lessons every day. In addition to this, they get to ride their horses to the overnight spot at Durbin’s Barn.
Weight Limit of 225lbs for rider and horse safety.
Frontcountry, On and Off-Camp Adventure
Climbing Adventure
Ages 13-15, Intermediate
Climbing Adventure is designed for youth interested in learning climbing skills. Participants will learn the fundamental skills necessary to become proficient climbers on our sandstone bluffs. Learn basic knots, terminology, belay skills, outdoor ethics, and climbing techniques from local experts. Participants will use specialized gear to go tree climbing and ascend high into the forest canopy.
Throughout the week, campers will have to communicate to solve problems and learn the importance of taking responsibility for others. By the end of the
week campers will have learned skills that will benefit them for a lifetime!Frontcountry, On and Off-Camp Adventure
Horse Adventure
Ages 13-16, Advanced
Horse Adventure is designed for campers interested in exploring the scenic backcountry trails of the Shawnee National Forest on horseback. It offers the perfect opportunity to expand and develop horsemanship and outdoor skills. Throughout their adventure, campers will be taking care of the horses, setting up the campsite, cooking meals, relaxing around the campfire, and may have the opportunity to explore creeks and swimming holes. It is required that campers have previous horseback trail experience, including mild to moderately technical trails.
Weight Limit of 225lbs for rider and horse safety.
Backcountry, On and Off-Camp Adventure
Frontcountry Camping means living in a tent at Camp or an established campground with bathroom facilities and water available.
Backcountry Camping means living in a tent or under a tarp away from a road or vehicle. Backcountry campers must carry all their supplies with them and must find and purify water each day. No bathroom facilities exist. Staff teach campers how to live comfortably without front country amenities.
