Bringing Back the Adventure – Challenge Course Repairs at Camp Ondessonk
One of the very first sights that greets you as you travel down the Camp Road is our Challenge Course, one of many places where courage takes flight and confidence is built one climb, leap, or swing at a time.
Two of the Challenge Course’s signature experiences, the dual zip line and flying squirrel, need critical maintenance before they can safely welcome campers again. Following a professional inspection and detailed estimate from Experiential Systems, we’ve identified several essential repairs required to have these elements ready for the 2026 season.
The work includes:
- Replacement of 552 feet of ½-inch galvanized wire rope and related components for the dual zip line;
- Repair of woodpecker damage on the flying squirrel pole;
- Installation of updated climbing access and safety anchoring points; and
- Replacement of a 28-inch tree bolt and a section of guy cable.
The total cost of these repairs exceeds $9,000, but thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, we’re already on our way to raising $7,500 to complete this project while protecting our program budget for other essential needs.
Lee Smith, Betsy Smith-Stierwalt, and Kate Perek have generously matched the first $2,000 in contributions, giving this effort an exciting and meaningful start. Because of their generosity and the support of people like you, we are building real momentum toward our goal.
Challenge Course experiences are about so much more than fun. They build trust, resilience, leadership, and community. For many campers, the moment they step off the platform or take flight in the flying squirrel becomes a defining chapter in their Ondessonk story.
With your help, we can restore these transformational experiences for the next generation. Visit ondessonk.com/giving today or send your gift via USPS with “Challenge Course” in the memo.
Thank you for helping us keep adventure alive at the Challenge Course. Together, we make a difference by ensuring the Challenge Course continues to inspire, empower, and uplift campers for years to come.
