A Lifetime of Camp: Kim (Wilhelm) Zimmer’s Ondessonk Memories
For Kim (Wilhelm) Zimmer, Camp Ondessonk has been woven through every stage of her life. What began as summers spent as a camper grew into years of serving on summer staff, becoming a member of The Loyal Lodge of Ondessonk & Tekakwitha, and continuing to give back as a Campfire Circle member. Her story is one of a camper who never really left Camp; she simply found new ways to serve it.
Kim attended Camp Ondessonk as a camper from 1974 through 1978, calling several units home over the years, including Lalande, Ahatsistari, and Lalemant. When asked if she has a favorite unit cheer, she laughs, “I stayed in five different units. How can I choose just one?”
While each of the five units she stayed in holds special memories, Daniel remains especially meaningful. Kim had the unique privilege of serving as the first Unit Leader in the newly rebuilt and relocated Daniel during Girls’ Season, making it a place that will always hold a special place in her heart.
As a camper, Kim looked forward to the adventures that made Camp Ondessonk so memorable. Wednesday overnight trips and all-day hikes gave her opportunities to explore the forest, while one person always brought extra joy to camp life. “Watching Claire Hatch any time because she is so fun to be around,” Kim recalls with a smile.
After her camper years, Kim returned to serve on summer staff, first working at the waterfront as a Canoeing Instructor and lifeguard before becoming Trading Post Manager for several summers. Her favorite staff memories center around the traditions that brought everyone together. “Friday night campfires will always be my favorite,” she says. “Being part of the Lodge Ceremony was also so special, and hanging out with the rest of the staff during down times.”
Kim’s commitment to Camp extended beyond the summer months when she was inducted into The Loyal Lodge of Ondessonk & Tekakwitha as a camper. While some details of that experience have faded with time, one memory remains vivid. “Being incredibly scared of what the initiation would be is my strongest memory,” she says. “I couldn’t even tell you what projects we may have worked on anymore, but I remember it feeling like a privilege to help Camp.”
Today, Kim continues her lifelong connection to Camp Ondessonk as a Lifetime Lodge Member and member of the Campfire Circle, helping ensure that future generations of campers can experience the same sense of adventure, friendship, and belonging that shaped her own summers.
Whether hiking the trails, gathering around a Friday night campfire, or serving alongside fellow staff and Lodge members, Kim’s story is a reminder that the Camp Ondessonk experience doesn’t end when summer does, it becomes part of who you are for a lifetime.
