Volunteers at Camp Ondessonk

Volunteers are the heart of Camp Ondessonk.  They give their time and really love being a part of the camp atmosphere. Sometimes they are reminiscing of their own time as a camper, other times they are supporting their own camper.  Others still are new to the camp family, and we love them all the same.

Volunteer Assistant Unit Leader Scott Richter helping a camper at swimming

Camp Ondessonk was constructed from the ground up by volunteers over 57 years ago.  Every Friday, as Dan King stands before all of camp and recognizes all of the volunteers, he tells campers of when camp opened for the first time in the summer of 1959, volunteers were hurrying to finish building the last bunks as campers crossed the covered bridge into camp.  Along with this legacy, the volunteers of Camp Ondessonk deserve many other credits.

Volunteers Byran and Kyle working to remove fallen trees.

Volunteers at camp can work in different areas of camp including our activity areas, the trading post, the Health Center (especially registered professionals), and maintenance.                 Many of them work quietly under the radar, without much recognition.  As they work quietly (or not so quietly) alongside our summer staff they soak in as much of camp life as they can.  Some choosing to attach themselves to units, others staying in St. Noel Retreat Center, all of them giving back in any way they can.  One volunteer said that they feel that they get way more out of the experience than they put into it.  We think they give a phenomenal amount and are are glad they enjoy being a part of the family.

Volunteer Nurse Katie helps out at the health center table during meals.

When asked why they volunteer at camp, one returning volunteer said, “because its awesome, why wouldn’t you want to spend your summer in the Shawnee at camp.”  Another volunteer and camp alumni said that they had an amazing experience at Camp Ondessonk as a camper and wanted to help give other children the same experience he had as a camper.

For information on becoming a volunteer click here