Bridges, Badges, and a Sense of Belonging: Mary Carroll Remembers Camp
Camp Ondessonk shaped Mary K. (Voegtle) Carroll’s lifelong love of nature and created memories that have lasted more than five decades. Mary grew up in Belleville, Ill., and attended St. Mary’s Grade School. Her Camp journey began when Camp Ondessonk staff visited her school to give a presentation about Summer Camp.
“I knew I wanted to go,” Mary recalled. “But I didn’t think my parents would be able to afford it because I came from a family of eight kids.”
She went home excitedly talking about Camp and was overjoyed when her parents told her she could attend.
“I don’t know how much it cost back then, but I was so happy when they said I could go.” Mary attended Camp Ondessonk for two summers in the early 1970s. Like many campers of her era, music was an important part of the experience. Her favorite Camp Song remains the one she still sings, “If I had a hammer, I’d hammer in the morning!”
Among her favorite places at Camp was the unit of Amantacha. “I thought it was so cool to be in a tree house, and loved crossing the bridge to get there!” she shared.
When asked about her favorite memories, Mary had trouble choosing just one. “So many good memories!” she shared. “The hikes, especially Fat Man’s Misery, the day hike, and the overnight hike. These hikes instilled a love of walking in the woods for me that lasts to this day.”
She also fondly remembers the zip line at the lake, the ceremonies, including the Lodge Ceremony, constant singing, meals in the Original Dining Hall, friendly competitions, and even the rustic cabins. “Even the scary cabins with no doors!” she laughed.
The impact Camp Ondessonk had on Mary became especially clear years later when she returned to Camp with her daughter. As they walked down the road toward Amantacha, a flood of memories came rushing back. “I told her I can feel my spirit here,” Mary recalled. “I truly loved Camp Ondessonk.”
Recently, Mary and her older sister reminisced about their Camp experiences. Her sister remembered trying to earn badges during her time at Camp and was amazed when Mary pulled out her own Camp badges that were carefully preserved in a scrapbook for more than 50 years. Those treasured keepsakes serve as a reminder that while summers at Camp Ondessonk may be brief, the friendships, traditions, and memories made truly last a lifetime.
Do you have memories of Camp Ondessonk you’d like to share? We’d love to hear your story and celebrate the moments that have made Camp a special place for generations of campers and staff.
Click here to learn more about Camp Ondessonk’s Mission & History.
