Planning with Purpose: John Regan’s Commitment to Camp Ondessonk’s Future

Camp Ondessonk is part of who John Regan is.

Like so many in the Camp Family, John’s story began as a camper. In the mid-1980s, his dad’s military career moved the family to the Metro East, and he became quick friends with Eric Schauster, who encouraged him to join him for a week in the woods at Ondessonk. What followed was a journey that would shape not only his summers, but the trajectory of his life. He progressed through the camper ranks, became a CIT, and eventually joined the staff, earning his first paycheck of $26 total for two weeks.

Over the years, John wore many hats at Camp: Lifeguard, Cook, Dishwasher, Unit Leader, Lodge Chief, Boating Instructor, and Nature Staff. Each role offered something different, helping him discover both what he loved and what he didn’t. “Camp taught me a lot about myself,” he reflects. “It showed me what I wanted, and what I didn’t want, in life.” Even after his staff years ended in the early 1990s, John continued to return, volunteering during summers and the offseason whenever he could.

John’s motivation to stay involved is simple: he wants others to experience what Camp gave him.

“The lessons Camp teaches are the ones I think are missing in the world today,” he explains. Through his professional work in leadership development, coaching, and strategic planning, John sees firsthand how rare it is for people, especially young people, to have the chance to truly challenge themselves in a supportive environment.

“At Camp, you get to try, fail, and grow, without fear. That’s where real confidence comes from.”

He’s watched this transformation happen time and again. Most recently, he’s seen co-workers and friends’ children arrive at Camp shy and uncertain, only to leave as confident, independent individuals. Some eventually return as staff themselves. “They become what I’d call ‘stand-alone humans,’” John says. “That kind of growth is powerful.”

Seeing time and time again that the impact of Camp extends far beyond its programs, John thoughtfully made the decision to include Camp Ondessonk in his estate plans.

“Life changes force you to think about what really matters,” he shares. After a serious health scare and a major shift in his personal life, he began to reconsider what legacy he wanted to leave behind. Having previously set up his estate to care for a spouse, he found himself asking a new question: Where can my resources do the most good?

“You realize your estate is going to go somewhere,” John says. “So, the question becomes: where do you want it to go, and what do you want it to do?”

For John, the answer was clear.

“Family isn’t just who you’re born to, it’s who you choose. And Camp is part of my family.”

By updating his will, John made the intentional decision to support Camp Ondessonk in the future, ensuring that it can continue to serve generations of campers to come. Inspired in part by books like Die with Zero and 4,000 Weeks, John believes in making the most of both time and resources in the now, while also planning thoughtfully for what comes next. He plans to continue to serve Camp as a volunteer and give during his lifetime as well, embracing the philosophy that impact shouldn’t wait.

If there’s one thing John hopes others take away from his story, it’s that you shouldn’t wait to plan for the future.

“Have the conversations now,” he advises. “Whether it’s with your family or about your own plans, it’s so much better to figure things out before you have to.”

Through his own experiences, both personal and with family members, John has seen how difficult it can be when those conversations are delayed. Taking the time to plan, communicate, and put intentions in writing is a gift not only to the causes you care about, but to the people you leave behind.

John Regan’s story is one of gratitude, reflection, and purpose. Camp Ondessonk helped shape the person he has become, and through his estate plans, he’s ensuring that same opportunity will exist for others long into the future.

Including Camp in your estate plans isn’t just a financial decision. It’s a powerful way to honor the role Camp has played in your life and to invest in the experiences that will shape future generations.

Click here to learn more about Camp Ondessok’s Le Coeur Society.