A Weekend of Service: Spring Lodge Reunion and Stable Round-Up

Each spring and fall, something special happens at Camp Ondessonk. A dedicated group of volunteers and active Lodge members return to the place they love, rolling up their sleeves for a tradition rooted in service, stewardship, and community: Stable Round-Up and Lodge Reunion weekend.

These two groups come together with a common purpose: to care for Camp and prepare it for the seasons ahead. And this April, that spirit was on full display as Round-Up volunteers and Lodge members arrived ready to make a difference.

Around Camp, Lodge members focused on beautification and preparation for the busy summer season. Fresh mulch was spread across flower beds, gravel was laid in the Grotto and around the hay barn equipment shed, and the Grotto was cleaned and readied for Summer Camp. At Lake St. Issac, sand was refreshed along the beach and advanced swim areas, creating a welcoming space for campers to cool off and build confidence in the water. The Camp O garden was prepared, pack-out containers were cleaned, and the shower house began its seasonal setup.

Teams also spread fresh woodchips across all low challenge course elements, cleaned and oiled every saddle, inspected and organized helmets, and brought order to equipment and supplies.

Fence lines were cleared and repaired after winter wear, sagging gates were lifted, and hitching rails were fixed to keep operations running safely by Stable Round-Up volunteers. Work also began on barn roof extensions, while damaged posts were replaced to strengthen key structures. Volunteers also prepared obstacle-course elements for painting and built a sensory curtain to help horses grow more comfortable with new and unpredictable environments, an important part of their training. Wranglers and volunteers worked side by side, grooming horses, detangling tails, and even guiding some of the first rides of the season, marking an exciting return to activity.

Because of their hard work, campers will ride, explore, and grow in spaces made safer and stronger by the work completed during this weekend.

To every volunteer who gave their time, talent, and heart: Thank you.

Click here to learn more about volunteering at Camp Ondessonk.