From the Director’s Desk- Flowing Downstream

In the fall of 1990, after two years in college, I found myself a bit directionless. My grades reinforced the notion that taking a break from full-time school would be best for me and my college. I took a temporary job at a brick factory and enrolled in a few courses at a community college. I soon realized school might not be so bad, so I continued taking classes while working odd jobs in construction. Months later, I was given the opportunity to work an “off season” at Camp Ondessonk.  

Michele (Kreppert) Bretscher, our current Guest Relations & Event Manager, oversaw Ondessonk’s Outdoor Education program at that time. Our training included a session on leading Aquatic Ecology classes. I believe Gene Canavan, the former Camp Director I admire most, joined us for a part of the day. I’m certain the class started in the North Horse Pasture, where we were told to imagine ourselves as rain droplets falling from the sky. Easy enough. It was a drizzly, overcast day. From there, we joined other droplets and headed downhill to a creek, where we passed through the big concrete culvert under Ondessonk Road, cascaded downstream through the Hodges’ property and Crystal Falls, and joined Ozark Creek. Following the creek downhill, we found the marshy upper reaches of Lake Echon and continued walking until we found a supply of long rubber hip waders hung from the Garner Bridge’s handrails. Moments later, after receiving our pole nets, we were knee deep in the muck. Each dipped net revealed life. I expected tadpoles, baby frogs, and crayfish, of which there were many. I now feel foolish for not already knowing about the Dragonfly and Damselfly nymphs, the worms and snails, and the other invertebrates occupying the essential, life-sustaining base of aquatic ecosystems. Sure, I knew small stuff was eaten by frogs and small fish. I just didn’t know that each scoop of mud and decaying leaves would reveal hundreds of mosquito larvae eating dragonfly nymphs.  

Decades later, my first immersive and experiential aquatic ecology lesson is on my mind. We recently discovered emerging problems with our wastewater treatment infrastructure. Our wastewater discharge permit requires us to submit monthly influent and effluent samples. Recent results indicated problems. Experts have already weighed in. We’ve invested in new equipment that will help in the short term, but our main, twenty-year-old sand filter is nearing the end of its serviceable life. Fortunately, the most expensive part of our main treatment plant was replaced two years ago. Our two grey water shower house treatment systems are also in need of work. We are currently collecting bids. It will be expensive, but we will invest in making things right. Everything flows downstream. 

We don’t call it the “off season” anymore. The phrase gives the impression that we’re not busy during non-Summer Camp months. We’ll be very busy during the coming fall, winter, and spring. With that in mind, we hope to see you soon. 

Please keep Camp Ondessonk and its campers in your life for the rest of your life.  

Sincerely, 

Click here to learn more about Camp Ondessonk’s Mission & History.