Discover the Future of Teen Adventure: Camp Ondessonk Unveils Exciting New Programs for Summer 2026

Camp Ondessonk, an ACA-accredited Camp, is taking teen camping to the next level with two new Adventure Camp programs for summer 2026. Located in the heart of the beautiful Shawnee National Forest in Southern Illinois, these programs mix service, creativity, and outdoor fun to help teens connect with nature and themselves in new ways.

What Makes Camp Ondessonk’s Teen Adventure Camps Different?

For more than 60 years, Camp Ondessonk has focused on quality programs that help young people grow through outdoor experiences. As an ACA-Accredited Camp, Ondessonk meets more than 300 standards for health, safety, and program quality. Families can feel confident that their teens are in good hands.

The new Teen Adventure Camps continue this tradition and are designed for teens who want more purpose, creative outlets, and leadership opportunities in Camp Ondessonk’s 983-acre outdoor setting.

Session 5: Eco Adventure – Where Conservation Meets Adrenaline

Perfect for: Environmentally-conscious teens who want to make a tangible difference while challenging themselves outdoors.

Eco Adventure turns Camp into a service-learning journey. Teens take part in ecological restoration and stewardship on Camp Ondessonk’s acres and nearby Shawnee National Forest.

What Your Teen Will Experience:

• Campers gain conservation skills by working on guided local restoration projects, seeing firsthand how their efforts help the environment.
• Teens develop teamwork, planning, and problem-solving through meaningful, hands-on leadership in conservation.
• Conservation projects are balanced with rock climbing and mountain biking, providing both challenge and fun.
• Fridays, Eco Adventure campers rejoin the larger community for activities and Camp traditions.

Session 7: Art & Earth Adventure – Where Creativity and Nature Collide

Perfect for: Artistic souls who find inspiration in the natural world and want to explore regional craft traditions.

Art & Earth Adventure immerses teens in creative expression inspired by nature, using artistic media to interpret their discoveries.

What Your Teen Will Discover:

• Campers harvest materials from the forest for art projects while learning sustainable practices.
• Teens try regional craft techniques rooted in Southern Illinois’ cultural history.
• Campers develop storytelling by interpreting and sharing their connection to nature.
• Daily time outdoors inspires teens to see nature’s beauty through an artist’s eyes.
• Fridays, Art & Earth campers join the Camp community for traditional group activities.

Why These Programs Matter Now More Than Ever

Today’s teens face unprecedented screen time, social pressure, and disconnection from the natural world. Camp Ondessonk’s new Adventure Camps offer something increasingly rare: opportunities to unplug, develop fundamental skills, and discover purpose through authentic outdoor experiences.

These programs are designed to meet the varied interests of today’s teens. Eco Adventure provides purposeful, skills-based environmental stewardship, while Art & Earth Adventure appeals to creative teens eager to explore art in nature. By intentionally designing these distinct experiences, Camp Ondessonk appropriately challenges teens, builds confidence through mastery, and creates communities where young people feel truly seen and valued.

The ACA Difference: Quality You Can Trust

Camp Ondessonk’s American Camp Association accreditation is more than just a badge. ACA-accredited camps undergo a thorough review of everything from staff training and emergency plans to program quality and environmental care. Families can trust that Ondessonk offers programs that meet top standards and are led by caring, trained professionals.

Registration Information for Summer 2026

Both Eco Adventure (Session 5) and Art & Earth Adventure (Session 7) are available now for the 2026 summer season. These specialized programs fill quickly as word spreads about Ondessonk’s innovative approach to teen camping.

Whether your teen dreams of becoming an environmental scientist, wants to explore their artistic side, or needs a summer experience that offers more depth than typical teen programs, Camp Ondessonk’s new Adventure Camps deliver transformational experiences rooted in decades of expertise.

The forest is waiting. The trails need stewards. The canvas is blank. Which adventure will your teen choose?

Click here to learn more about Camp Ondessonk Teen Adventure Programs.