Finding Magic in Every Moment: Steve Sanner’s Memories of Camp Ondessonk

Steve Sanner’s Camp Ondessonk journey began in the mid-1960s, after fifth grade. Among his favorite memories is an unforgettable, and slightly harrowing, encounter with a horse. “My horse got stung by a horsefly, bucked me off, and kicked me as he jumped over me,” Steve recalls. While the incident was scary, the wranglers took great care of him, and it became one of those stories you never forget. He also fondly remembers the overnight campouts.

Steve later returned to Camp Ondessonk to serve on the Summer Staff, where he worked primarily in Nature and at the Stables. Like many staff members of the time, he also took his turn helping in the kitchen and on Maintenance crews.

Steve shared his favorite memories including, “The evening inspection and mealtimes, the smell of the stables, walking back to my unit in the pitch dark or with a full moon (scarier!), staff sing-a-longs, being introduced to a world totally different from my life as a city kid.” Above all, he treasures the incredible people he worked with and the daily surprises that made every day at Camp a new adventure.

Steve’s experiences as both a camper and a staff member embody the Spirit of Camp Ondessonk. Help us preserve Camp’s history by sharing your Camp memories by visiting https://form.jotform.com/240245937950158 today.

Click here to learn more about Camp Ondessonk Equestrian Programs.