Click here to view the 2010 Summer Volunteer Application.

For fifty years, Camp Ondessonk has been blessed with strong support from thousands of volunteers.   Ondessonk volunteers come in all shapes and sizes and from all walks of life.  Some have qualifications for a specific job; others are motivated by a simple desire to serve.  Volunteers have the opportunity to be a camper's hero by contributing to the organization.  Further, volunteers often create strong bonds of friendship through shared experiences with staff members and other volunteers. 

The summer volunteer program is open to anyone between the ages of 21 and 121 who would like to share their talents and time for a session of camp.  Ondessonk's Volunteer Coordinator  works directly with each volunteer applicant to determine an assignment that will be fulfilling to the volunteer while providing for Ondessonk's immediate needs. 

The following is a list of typical projects or areas in which volunteers serve the campers of Ondessonk:

• Trading Post
• Kitchen (preparing and serving food, clean-up)
• Handicrafts
• Maintenance Projects (minor repairs, mowing, painting)
• Gardening
• Health Center (for MD, DO, LPN, RN, PAC, NP and EMTs)
• Sewing Lodge Sashes
• Activity Areas (determined by skill-set and camp's needs)
• Cleaning and organizing

Summer volunteers are assigned to live in St. Noel Center; where they will likely have one or two suite mates of the same gender.  Married couples are assigned to a private suite when possible.  Each room contains rustic, yet comfortable beds as well as a full private bathroom.  Unlike camper housing, St. Noel Center is air conditioned. 

All Camp Ondessonk volunteers are subject to a background check and Diocese of Belleville Child Protection Training.  The background check is administered by the Diocese of Belleville Office of Child Protection through a partnership with the Illinois State Police and other law enforcement entities.  Child protection training is provided on the first day of each volunteer's time at Camp Ondessonk.

Volunteers with a child in attendance are encouraged to provide their child with as "pure" a camp experience as possible.  Therefore, daily interaction between parent and child is very limited.  In our experience, this is the best approach for the child and parent, not to mention the other campers. 

SPECIAL OFFER FOR MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS:  If you are an MD, DO, RN, NP, or PAC, Camp Ondessonk will provide 100% summer camp tuition coverage to your child or the child of your choice in exchange for a week of summer camp service in the Health Center.  Due to American Camp Association medical care standards, this offer is limited to those with the credentials cited above.  Medical professionals with other credentials are encouraged to volunteer in the Health Center as well.  However, they are not eligible to sponsor a child for free tuition.  Please pass this information along to others who may be interested. 

Please call 618-695-2489 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it if you have questions about volunteering during summer camp.