Camp Breaks Ground on Building Project Honoring Pete Korte

Walking down the road to the dining hall, one can look west toward the pasture and see a sign stating that you are looking at the site of the new PETE KORTE LODGE.   The lodge, a staff duplex, is the first new building project Camp has undertaken in more than 30 years. It will accommodate eight year-round staff members, and will provide the comfort and amenities that these hard-working staff deserve.

On Saturday, April 9, 2022, Camp held a ceremony to break ground on this building.  Many from the Camp community have financially supported the building of the duplex, knowing that it will honor Camp friend and volunteer, Cyril B. “Pete” Korte.

The event was attended by four generations of the Pete Korte family along with many other Camp Friends.  After being welcomed by Executive Director, Dan King, those gathered listened as several speakers expressed their thanks to Pete and his family for their long-time support and dedication to Camp Ondessonk. Those sharing stories included Board President Chris Cahnovsky, former Board President Judy Blase Woodruff, volunteer, and former Camp staff Jim Shively; former Camp Director Gene Canavan; and Ranger Mike Jennings. Pete and his son, Gregg Korte, rounded out the speakers. Camping Services Director Nolan Hurst said a blessing over the site of the new building.

Pete and his team have led many of the projects at Camp including building the beach shower house, installing waterlines down Camp’s main road, working on the high ropes challenge course and climbing wall, and many more Camp projects. Pete also served on Camp’s board of directors from 1995 to 2002.

For the last 26 years, Pete and Korte & Luitjohan Contractors, Inc. have sponsored Camp’s annual golf benefit which has raised more than $750,000 to support “the kids” and the spirit that touches each camper during their adventures at Ondessonk.

As mentioned, the duplex will house up to eight year-round staff with four bedrooms, a combination living/kitchen area, two bathrooms, and HVAC on each side of the duplex.  This home will provide the flexibility to house male staff in one side and female staff in the other, or a family in one or both sides. 

Congratulations to Pete and his family for this well-deserved recognition.