Staff Members Raise Money to Support Camp Programs
By Jennifer Tyler
Staff members stepped into the Camp O Zone when they landed in the Dining Hall for the annual Staff Auction Friday, May 30, 2025. This time-honored and much anticipated tradition was celebrated with a Top Gun theme after two weeks of staff training with the theme of “Flight.” Staffers were surrounded by fighter jet decorations and airplane videos while they enjoyed Chick-Fil-A sandwiches and wraps, sides, and desserts provided by the dining staff.
This year’s Staff Auction raised $8,382, which will be used to enrich the programs of Summer Camp. The Staff Auction offers staffers the opportunity to contribute to Camp and have a direct impact on the success of Camp programs.
The auction included three components – silent auction, live auction, and treasure hunt. The treasure hunt was a new feature this year. Bidders could select a square on a map of Camp to guess where the “treasure” was located. The bidder who selected the correct square won a quilt made from vintage Camp t-shirts.
Each year, the success of the Staff Auction is entirely dependent on donations from Camp Friends, which often include thoughtful and distinctive items tailored to the needs and interests of our staff. Donated items this year included multiple t-shirts, hats, a laminated topographical map of the Shawnee National Forest, a “Heepwah” neon sign, cat pillows, snacks, and cases of Ski soda, unit overnight treats, friendship bracelet supplies, unique artwork, an Aztec death whistle, Mardi Gras paraphernalia, and three unique Camp quilts. Staff members donated experiences as well. Staffers bid on parking spots in the main lot and by the Dining Hall, an opportunity to have Nolan Hurst act as an Assistant Unit Leader to their unit, and to judge a themed inspection and skit. A gray “Camp Gives Kids a World of Good” shirt went for the highest bid of $750. Camp O is thankful to our donors who continually support our staff and our Camp programs.
Click here to learn about more ways to give to Camp Ondessonk.
