Camp Ondessonk · Southern Illinois
Teen Adventure Camps
Choose the challenge that fits your camper.
Camp Ondessonk Teen Adventure Camps give young people time to focus on outdoor skills, creativity, or horsemanship with a small group. Programs serve ages 12–16, with different age and experience requirements for each option.
Compare the adventures together. Start with your camper’s interests, then look at the skills, camping conditions, and support each program requires.
- ACA Accredited
- Small-Group Programs
- Ages Vary by Program
- All Adventure Camps Are Coed
Readiness Before Registration
Is Adventure Camp the Right Next Step?
A camper can be excited and nervous at the same time. Use these prompts to talk about the specific experience, not to assign a readiness score.
These checkboxes are conversation prompts. Responses are not submitted or stored.
Find Their Kind of Adventure
Outdoor Skills, Exploration, and Creativity
These four programs serve ages 13–15. Choose the focus your camper wants to spend more time exploring.
A little of everything outdoors
Shawnee Adventures
Ages 13–15 · Beginner
Explore different outdoor skills on day adventures, then return to Camp for the evening.
- Climbing, hiking, mountain biking, and paddling
- On-site nights and Dining Hall meals
- A fit for campers who enjoy variety
Creativity shaped by nature
Art & Earth Adventure
Ages 13–15 · Beginner
Make, notice, and tell stories through creative work inspired by the outdoors.
- Wildcrafting, storytelling, and regional crafts
- Time to explore and develop ideas
- An on-Camp adventure with a creative focus
Outdoor skills with a purpose
Camper vs. Wild
Ages 13–15 · Beginner
Practice navigation, outdoor cooking, and campcraft, then put those skills to work on a guided survival-style hike.
- Fire building and water-purification lessons
- Multiple nights at on-Camp outposts
- Camp supplies the program’s tents and tarps
More time on the rock
Climbing Adventure
Ages 13–15 · Confirm skill fit with Camp
Develop rope skills and climbing techniques at Camp and nearby Southern Illinois climbing destinations.
- Knots, equipment, and outdoor climbing practice
- On- and off-Camp travel; nights at backcountry sites
- Discuss experience and comfort with heights before booking
Activities, routes, and camping locations may change with weather, conditions, and program needs. Confirm climbing readiness with Camp before choosing Climbing Adventure.
Match the Rider to the Program
Equestrian Adventures
Riding experience matters more than enthusiasm alone when choosing an advanced program. Share your camper’s recent lessons and trail experience with Camp.
A week centered on horses
Horse Camp
Ages 12–15 · Beginner
Build riding skills through arena lessons, trail riding, and a ride to an overnight site.
- On-Camp equestrian focus
- First-time riders: ask whether Traditional Camp is a better introduction
- Rider weight limit: 225 lb
Build on established riding skills
Advanced Horse Camp
Ages 13–16 · Intermediate
For riders comfortable trotting or building on previous Horse Camp experience.
- Mounted and ground lessons with one horse during the week
- An overnight ride and expanded horsemanship practice
- Rider weight limit: 225 lb
Horsemanship on the trail
Horse Adventure
Ages 13–16 · Advanced
Explore backcountry trails while helping care for horses and camp along the way.
- Previous trail riding on mild to moderately technical terrain required
- On- and off-Camp backcountry experience
- Rider weight limit: 225 lb
The 225 lb rider weight limit applies to all three equestrian programs for horse and rider safety. Camp can help determine which program fits your rider.
Know What the Week Will Feel Like
Adventure Camp Life Varies by Itinerary
Adventure Camp is not one shared daily schedule. Some groups return to Camp each evening; others spend nights at outposts or away from the main property.
Frontcountry Camping
Camping at an established site with water and restroom facilities. That can still mean a tent rather than a cabin, with outdoor routines and shared space.
Backcountry Camping
Camping away from road access, where toilets and showers may be absent. Carrying supplies, treating water, and managing outdoor hygiene become part of the experience.
Prepare the Right Gear
Use the packing instructions for your actual program. Horse Camp, Horse Adventure, and non-horse Adventure Camps have different lists. Ask about loan equipment before buying or assuming an item is supplied.
Open Parent Resources and Packing ListsPicture the Day Together
Expect skill practice, group responsibilities, meals, and time to rest. A trail day may include packing camp and preparing food; a creative day may allow longer work on a project. Ask for the current itinerary and arrival instructions.
Compare Traditional CampClear Answers for Parents
Before You Choose a Program
The short answer stays visible. Open a question for preparation details.
Does my camper need previous adventure experience?
Read the requirements for the individual program. A beginner label does not make every adventure the right fit for every camper.
Read the practical details
Consider interest, outdoor comfort, ability to follow group directions, and any required riding or technical skills. Ask Camp to help match a first-time participant with a suitable option.
How are campers supervised?
Adventure campers work in small groups with specially trained staff.
Read the practical details
Camp’s public program overview describes teams with three to four staff members. This is a team description, not a guaranteed ratio for every activity. ACA accreditation, staff screening, child-protection training, and Camp’s supervision procedures support the program. Ask about the arrangements for your camper’s specific trip.
Where will my camper sleep and use the bathroom?
Sleeping arrangements and restroom access depend on the itinerary. Do not assume an Adventure program uses Traditional Camp cabins.
Read the practical details
Frontcountry camping has established facilities; backcountry camping may have no toilets or showers. Ask Camp about privacy, hygiene, nighttime needs, and the nights spent away from the main Camp area before choosing a program.
What happens if my camper is nervous or homesick?
Talk together about the exciting and unfamiliar parts, and practice asking a staff member for help.
Read the practical details
Let your camper help choose the program and prepare gear. Practice a night away from home and discuss coping strategies without promising automatic pickup for homesickness. Tell Camp before registration if separation or adjustment may need extra planning.
How do health care, medications, and meals work away from Camp?
Discuss medical and dietary needs with Camp before booking a program that travels or camps away from the main area.
Read the practical details
Camp has a main-area Health Center, but that facility is not physically beside an off-site group. Ask about medication handling, food preparation, allergy planning, communication, and emergency access for the selected itinerary. Complete the required health information and follow medication check-in instructions.
Can I call, text, or follow the trip in real time?
Routine camper calls, texting, and visits are not part of the Camp experience.
Read the practical details
Review the current parent communication guidance. Do not expect continuous reception, live location updates, or daily photos from an outpost or trail. Ask Camp which updates to expect for the selected program. For an urgent concern, call the Camp Office at 618.695.2489 and follow the after-hours instructions if needed.
What happens if weather changes the plan?
Outdoor activities and routes may change with conditions.
Read the practical details
Staff follow Camp’s weather and emergency procedures. Ask about the itinerary’s weather alternatives and emergency communication arrangements. Pack appropriate rain protection, footwear, and other items from your program’s gear list.
Does my family need to be Catholic?
No. Camp Ondessonk welcomes campers of all faiths.
Read the practical details
Its Catholic identity shapes the community’s emphasis on reflection, service, and care for God’s creation. Faith activities and participation in Camp traditions depend on the program itinerary.
Plan the Cost Before You Book
Current Rates, Clear Next Steps
Adventure programs have different prices and session dates. Review your chosen program on Dates & Rates, then check registration options in Campwise.
Understand Your Options
- Camp’s three-tier pricing lets families choose among published rates for the same program.
- Check whether your selected session qualifies for an Early Bird or other discount.
- Review deposit, refund, transfer, and cancellation terms before paying.
- For financial assistance, review the scholarship process before making a payment.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
From Interest to Registration
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1. Choose the Fit
Match the camper’s age, interests, experience, and support needs with the program.
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2. Review the Session
Check dates, rates, requirements, and payment terms. Ask Camp about any questions first.
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3. Open Campwise
Use an existing family account or follow the new-account instructions. Select the camper and available program.
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4. Confirm and Prepare
Complete the required information, follow payment instructions, and review your confirmation and program-specific gear list.
A saved application alone does not confirm a place. Contact the Registration Team if you are unsure of your camper’s status.
An Adventure They Help Choose
Give Their Interests Room to Grow
Start with the program that sparks your camper’s curiosity. Then make sure the experience, skills, and camping conditions fit the person coming to Camp.