New Program and Hospitality Director at Ondessonk
By Judy (Blase) Woodruff
Jess (Sanders) Horvath has come home. Her first association with Camp Ondessonk was in 2009 when she was a first-year camper. She went on to become an L.I.T. in 2012 and worked all summer from 2013 to 2018. She has had a variety of experiences in several different areas of Camp. Jess was a Wrangler in 2013-2014 and Head Wrangler in 2015. Then, in 2016-2017 she was the Wellness Coordinator and finally Head Counselor in 2018.
She was inducted into the Lodge of Tekakwitha in 2013 and served as Lodge Princess in 2015/2016. After retiring as a Lodge Official, she was asked to be one of the first Council Officials for World Wide Lodge Council which emerged in fall of 2016.
Jess spent the past seven years working at two other camps as their program directors. She states, “A part of me knew my work at Ondessonk was not finished when I left in 2018, and I wanted to come back and be able to make a bigger contribution. I am excited to bring to Ondessonk some of the skills and lessons I learned as program director at the other camps.”
Jess calls Ondessonk home. When asked what her favorite memory during her time at Ondessonk, she explains, “I owe so much to Camp and it is such a challenge to choose just one memory as a fondest or favorite, but one that has always stayed with me as a testament to the power of the work being done here was in 2015, when a camper was nervous about horses in general let alone riding one. He was a football player who had never seen the stars before and was experiencing a lot of ‘firsts’ at Camp that week. I had the privilege of working with him one-on-one with a horse to increase his comfort, and before long, he was on top of his horse while I was ponying him in the arena. A little while later, it was time for his unit to go out on a short trail ride, and I asked if he wanted to go; he told me yes…but only if I ponied him the whole time. So, I set out on foot, leading his horse in line for the whole trail ride so he would get the experience with everyone else. At the end of the ride, I helped him dismount, and he wrapped his arms around me and thanked me for ‘letting him ride’ all with eyes glistening. I have long told this story when teaching staff the value of working with a camper who would like to opt out, but maybe just needs a different approach to a new atmosphere.”
In her new position as Program and Hospitality Director, Jess will oversee on-site education and recreational programs and services, ensuring that all on-site programs and initiatives are adequately planned, staffed, communicated, and supported while putting additional focus on further refining systems.
As a military kid, she doesn’t claim any particular place as to where she is from. She explains, “My Dad served in the Air Force, taking us all over the world. I have lived in Georgia, Montana, Spain, Germany, Illinois, Colorado, and North Carolina. My parents, brother, and niece currently reside in Illinois, and my husband’s family lives in North Carolina.
Favorite things Jess enjoys doing when not working include spending time outdoors, hiking, gardening, camping, or just sitting, enjoying the trees. In addition, she loves to cook and bake.
Jess lives with her husband, William, who is new to Ondessonk but not new to the camp industry. He has worked both as a summer camp counselor and an assistant camp ranger for another camp. Their dog, Seamus, works full-time as Jess’ service dog.
Please join me in welcoming Jess “back home!”
Click here to learn more about Camp Ondessonk’s Leadership and Staff.
