Ensuring the Future for the Camp Family

“Camp formed my life,” Kathy Beine shared. “It’s where I met my husband and so many of my friends.”

Beginning in 1962, Kathy spent eight of her summers on staff at Camp Ondessonk. She served in stables for seven years and spent one year as waterfront director during girl’s season. One of those summers, she also worked boy’s season to help in the kitchen as food services director.

It was during that time that Kathy met the love of her life, Jim Beine. Jim, a widower with four children, was recruited to work at Camp for two weeks during his summer vacation from being a dean of students. That two weeks together at Camp turned into 49 ½ years of marriage until Jim’s passing in 2019.

Always in their hearts, Kathy and Jim returned to Camp to volunteer during the summer of 1986 and have been back every summer since. Kathy laughed, “I met the best friends of my life at Camp, and it just keeps happening.” 

Kathy and Jim chose to include Camp in their estate plans long before the Le Coeur Society was established because of what Camp has given them and all summer campers. 

“I always find myself talking about Camp when I’m out,” Kathy explained.  “It’s important to bring kids out of their regular environment and expose them to God’s nature. They’re able to make friendships that aren’t possible in school, and challenges them to do things they never thought they could.”

Kathy and Jim’s legacy will live on at Camp Ondessonk through their generosity, countless volunteer hours, and friendships they’ve made.  If you would like to include Camp Ondessonk in your estate plans, click here or contact Whitney Strang, Director of Development, at 618-695-2489 x114 or [email protected].