Lucia’s Corner- Friend’s Weekend
By Lucia (Juenger) Hodges
Another Labor Day Friend’s Weekend – an annual tradition begun in the early 1960s and revived in 1987 – is history. The original event was to thank staff and volunteers for their many contributions. Staff worked for pennies, volunteers built original cabins, Dining Hall, Trading Post, and Chapel. The tradition was revived in 1987 and continues today with the same intent. The sign on the huge hay barn “Built by Friends” is a reminder that thanks are still very necessary.
On August 28th, more than 400 guests began arriving. I gave and received welcoming hugs as each encounter sparked treasured memories. Guests for 2025, if asked, all came for the same reason, Ondessonk is “home.” We are family. The lyrics of Peter Katz in his “Camp Song” say it well, “What is it exactly, how can I describe the feeling of BELONGING.”
No need to take my word for it. Summer 2025 benefitted from more than 200 remarkable staff and 163 dedicated volunteers. You are welcome to join us.
Click here to learn more about Camp Ondessonk’s upcoming events.
