One Day Celebrating 64 Summers
On Wednesday, June 28th, the Camp Community came together to commemorate the 64th summer at Camp Ondessonk.
For campers, Camp O Day kicked off during breakfast with decorations and party hats in the Dining Hall. Decorations continued at activity areas and campers sang Happy Birthday to Camp O at lunch. For many, the highlight was cupcakes and sweet treats for dessert.
Camp Friends celebrated the day by participating in the tradition of supporting Camp Ondessonk with gifts of time, talent, and treasure. At the conclusion of the third annual Camp O Day, more than 135 cash gifts were made totaling $19,249, more than 160 in-kind items totaling $3,042 were donated for program areas, and 825 volunteer hours were pledged by Camp Friends to support Camp’s mission throughout the coming year.
Contributing to the day’s success were challenge gifts, totaling $4,000, from generous Camp Friends, as well as a friendly competition encouraging everyone to show their Ondessonk pride by supporting the decade in which they were a camper or staff member.
First celebrated in 2021, Camp O Day was created to remember and observe the founding of Camp Ondessonk, and it is held annually on June 28th, the first day of summer camp in 1959. Camp O Day celebrates the tradition of supporting the mission of Camp Ondessonk and the tens of thousands of children who have entered Camp’s Gate who have experienced the Spirit of Ondessonk since that day.
Thank you, everyone, who participated in Camp O Day 2023, whether on social media or by making a gift, purchasing an item from our wish list, or pledging volunteer hours. The collective support from our Camp Family will strengthen the mission of Camp Ondessonk for generations of children to come. Our strength comes from YOU!
Click here to learn more about ways to support Camp Ondessonk’s mission.