From the Director’s Desk – Gratitude – Thanks – Appreciation
Gratitude – Thanks – Appreciation: no matter how you say it, Camp Ondessonk is extremely grateful to the schools who partner with us to offer their students a whole new level of Christ-centered living.
During this month of Thanksgiving, I find myself especially grateful for the schools who make Camp Ondessonk part of their student’s journeys. These schools trust our ability to offer their students more than time in the outdoors; they see the benefit in a place to pray, reflect, reconnect, and recognize God’s presence in the beauty of His creation. Camp offers students the ability to step away from the ordinary, grow closer to one another and to God, and discover the lasting gifts of Camp Ondessonk.
I’d like to take a moment to recognize some of the schools that have trusted Camp Ondessonk to be part of their students’ faith and personal growth.
Since Claire Hatch became the principal of Blessed Sacrament School in Belleville, Ill., she has been bringing students to the woods to explore, have fun, and reflect spiritually. The Priory in St. Louis, Mo., has been offering a special weekend to their young people since the early 2000s. Our missions align so closely in our shared commitment to forming the whole person, making this partnership especially meaningful. Since 2011, Matt Moore and Christ the King Parish in Evansville, Ind., have provided 8th graders with a Camp Ondessonk experience, exploring the beauty of nature while connecting with God and each other. Saint Margaret of Scotland, St. Louis, Mo., has been bringing their students to Ondessonk since 2019 to learn new skills while growing in fellowship. Althoff Catholic High School in Belleville, Ill., offers a Junior Class Retreat, which is a two-day event led by their Director of Campus Ministry.
Each of these partnerships looks different, but they share something important: a desire to give young people opportunities to grow in their faith, develop as leaders, and build meaningful relationships inspired by our Catholic tradition. These student-centered opportunities promote leadership development, fellowship, and a stronger connection to students’ faith. Participants learn through direct experience and reflection, taking advantage of the unique natural environment that Camp Ondessonk provides.
We sincerely appreciate these schools and others who bring students to the Shawnee for a week, an overnight, or just a day. Your confidence in our programming inspires us to build more robust offerings for these students.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, and know that you and your family remain in our daily thoughts and prayers.
With sincere gratitude,
Daniel W. King
Executive Director
Click here to learn more about Camp Ondessonk’s Outdoor Education Programs.