Camp Ondessonk Lodge Updates

Lodge Updates

By Tim Coffey

Camp Ondessonk Lodge

Between making some additions to the way Fall Lodge Reunion is run, inducting almost 200 new members, raising several hundred dollars for Ondessonk and the Campership Fund, spreading awareness among many communities, and performing service at Camp, the Lodges of Ondessonk and Tekakwitha have had a very eventful year. Last summer, with the help of many summer staff and volunteers, we were able to induct nearly 200 new members. These new members have already been an awesome addition to Lodge and its mission. Tri-State Lodge Tribe recently spent an entire weekend working at Camp, performing necessary cabin maintenance and working on the ongoing project of reopening Fat Man’s Misery. The Metro East, Springfield, Clinton County, and Tri-State Lodge Tribes have all hosted “Fun Nights” at churches and schools in their areas. These events garner interest in Ondessonk, raise significant funds for Camp and the Campership Fund, and are an awesome time for those in attendance. Be sure to keep an eye out for an Ondessonk Fun Night in your area during the next school year! Attendees of this fall’s Lodge Reunion observed some changes from those Reunions in the past. They gained valuable knowledge and skills through seminars offered up by Ondessonk staff and even a professional storyteller. And of course, there were all of the best parts of Lodge Reunion: reconnecting with friends, performing service, electing officials, and hiking.    Lodge has done and continues to do great work for communities and Camp Ondessonk. If you are a Lodge Member, please consider being a part of this service by re-activating and becoming an active part of your Lodge Tribe. For more information about Lodge and becoming active, email [email protected] or call 618-695-2489.