Building Tomorrow’s Leaders: Summer Staff Leadership Training at Camp Ondessonk

At Camp Ondessonk, summer begins not with the campers’ arrival but with the intentional development of the young adults who lead them. Our Summer Staff Leadership Training took place May 21 through 23, 2025, and created the foundation for a successful, safe, and transformative Summer Camp experience for all.

As an American Camp Association (ACA) Accredited Camp, Camp Ondessonk upholds the highest safety, staff development, and program quality standards. Our leadership training reflects this commitment by empowering staff with the tools they need to grow as mentors, educators, and role models.

Why Leadership Training Matters

Before cabins are filled with laughter and trails echo with adventure, our Summer Leadership Team dives into a multi-day, immersive training program. These sessions are specifically designed to:

1. Build team cohesion and trust;
2. Define the expectations of Camp leadership roles;
3. Prepare staff to manage real-life camp scenarios with confidence;
4. Enhance communication and mentoring skills; and
5. Cultivate a values-based leadership approach grounded in Ignatian Pedagogy.

Whether serving as a Unit Leader, Activity Head, or Service Leader, every member of the Summer Leadership Team plays a vital role in shaping the summer experience for campers. The training ensures that staff are prepared for their responsibilities and inspired to lead with empathy, intention, and courage.

Inside the Training: A Three-Day Leadership Intensive

The 2025 Leadership Training is filled with engaging workshops, reflective discussions, hands-on simulations, and fun and bonding moments. Here’s a glimpse into what’s covered.

Day 1: Leadership Foundations

After moving into their temporary home at Msgr. Fournie Mini Camp Village, staff jump into interactive sessions, including:

1. Welcome, Expectations & Brave Space Creation
2. Leading & Communicating 101 – Exploring leadership styles and effective communication
3. What Does it Mean to Be a Mentor – Understanding the difference between managing and mentoring
4. Problem Solving & Working with Different Personalities
5. Role-playing Scenarios & Feedback Practice

The evening closes with a community-building activity hosted by our year-round staff, reinforcing the value of connection and joy in leadership.

Day 2: Deeper Learning and Application

Staff explore:

1. Emergency Action Plans (EAPs) and radio etiquette
2. The Ignatian Pedagogical Paradigm and its connection to personal and professional growth
3. Planning for Staff Week and Area-Specific Training

A second round of role-playing provides opportunities to apply learning in real-world scenarios, followed by an evening activity hosted by our Outdoor Education team to continue building camaraderie.

Day 3: Preparation and Empowerment

The final day focuses on:

1. Delegation & Management Techniques
2. A hands-on special project to foster teamwork through shared accomplishment
3. A closing Leadership Ceremony that celebrates growth and sets the tone for the summer ahead

Outcomes That Go Beyond Camp

With the end of Leadership Training, Camp Ondessonk’s Summer Leadership Team will have:

1. built a strong foundation for collaboration and trust;
2. gained skills to mentor and support younger staff and campers;
3. practiced navigating complex scenarios with empathy and professionalism;
4. developed the confidence to lead with heart, humility, and purpose.

And just as importantly, they leave with a sense of ownership and pride in the Camp Ondessonk mission – providing exceptional outdoor and spiritual adventures empowering kids of all ages.

A Legacy of Leadership

Camp Ondessonk has been forming young leaders since 1959. Our staff alums have become educators, healthcare professionals, nonprofit leaders, and more – all carrying the values and skills they cultivated here.

This training is just the beginning of a summer filled with growth, challenge, and lasting impact – not only for our campers but for the leaders guiding them every step of the way.

Click here to learn more about Camp Ondessonk’s Leadership & Staff.