Camp Ondessonk: Illinois Summer Camp for Teen Mountain Biking Adventures
At Camp Ondessonk, we’re proud to offer an exciting Mountain Biking Adventure program designed especially for 13–15-year-olds. As a top-rated Illinois Summer Camp, our 983-acre Ozark campus provides nearly 25 miles of marked trails where campers can safely learn and practice biking skills. Camp Ondessonk is also accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA), so parents can rest assured that health and safety standards are held to the highest level. In our friendly Camp community, intermediate riders build confidence on two wheels under expert guidance and in a fun, supportive environment.
Why Choose the Mountain Biking Adventure Program?
- On-site skill-building on Camp Ondessonk’s extensive trails: Campers begin at Camp learning riding techniques, trail-handling skills, and basic bike maintenance in our 983-acre trail network.
- Epic off-site rides: Each session concludes with guided excursions on some of southern Illinois’s best Mountain Biking trails. Families often return to find their teens bragging about trips into the scenic Shawnee National Forest and other nearby trails.
- Expert instructors: We partner with The Bike Surgeon – O’Fallon’s premier bike shop and training provider – to lead the program. Their certified staff teaches safe riding and repair techniques, ensuring a professional experience for every camper.
- Safe, accredited experience: Camp Ondessonk’s ACA accreditation means we meet rigorous safety and program-quality standards. Throughout the week, trained counselors and instructors watch over campers, making mountain biking fun and secure.
- Session 8 Details: The Mountain Biking Adventure is for intermediate riders (ages 13–15) and runs Session 8 (July 20–26).
Camp Ondessonk staff guides teen riders through skills and trail practice in a scenic southern Illinois setting. Our campers start on-site, mastering fundamentals like braking, shifting, and bike handling before heading out into the woods. This on-campus training, on our 983-acre trail system, is the perfect way for kids to build technique and confidence.
After building skills at Camp, teens hit the trails. We take advantage of our location near the Shawnee National Forest (adjacent to thousands of acres of outdoor trails) and other local bike parks. Under staff supervision, campers tackle intermediate trails that let them put new skills to the test while enjoying the region’s natural beauty. These guided off-site rides are challenging yet carefully chosen so every rider can succeed.
Camp Ondessonk’s Mountain Biking Adventure isn’t just about riding – it’s also about learning to care for your bike. Our partnership with The Bike Surgeon means campers get hands-on basic bike maintenance and safety instruction. Learning to adjust gears, fix flats, and perform tune-ups becomes part of the adventure. With these expert mentors, teens leave as better riders and more self-reliant bikers.
Space is limited for this popular program. Session 8 (July 20–26) will fill up quickly for intermediate-level mountain biking. Parents, don’t wait to lock in this thrilling Illinois Summer Camp experience for your teen. Register now to secure your camper’s spot in Camp Ondessonk’s Mountain Biking Adventure – a ride they’ll remember for life!