OPEN CAMPING
2024-12-09 - 2024-12-18 | IL
Get the true Ondessonk camping experience by sleeping among the trees or under a waterfall! All cabin units have fire pits, benches, picnic tables, a potable water spigot, an outhouse, and are within a short walk to a shower house.
For additional information, or to make your reservation, visit the camping section of our website!
Feel free to contact the Camp office at 618-695-2489 with any questions.

Overnight School Field Trips – Wednesday through Friday
Day Field Trips – Monday and Tuesday
Unit Cabin and Tent Camping – Wednesday through Sunday
St. Noel and Fournie Lodge Stays – Monday through Sunday
Hot Meal Service – Tuesday through Saturday
Pack Out/Foil Meal Service – Monday through Sunday
Camp Ondessonk is closed to overnight groups on Sunday nights
Sorry, no wedding ceremonies or receptions allowed on Camp property

CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC
2024-12-19 - 2025-01-01 | IL
Camp Ondessonk will be closed to celebrate the Christmas season! See you next year!

OPEN CAMPING
2025-01-02 - 2025-04-10, 2025-04-14 - 2025-04-16, 2025-04-22 - 2025-04-24, 2025-04-28 - 2025-05-16 | IL
Get the true Ondessonk camping experience by sleeping among the trees or under a waterfall! All cabin units have fire pits, benches, picnic tables, a potable water spigot, an outhouse, and are within a short walk to a shower house.
For additional information, or to make your reservation, visit the camping section of our website!
Feel free to contact the Camp office at 618-695-2489 with any questions.

Day Field Trips – Monday and Tuesday
Overnight School Field Trips – Wednesday through Friday
Unit Cabin and Tent Camping – Wednesday through Sunday
St. Noel and Fournie Lodge Stays – Monday through Sunday
Hot Meal Service – Tuesday through Saturday
Pack Out/Foil Meal Service – Monday through Sunday
Camp Ondessonk is closed to overnight groups on Sunday nights
Sorry, no wedding ceremonies or receptions allowed on Camp property

Learning More About Camp Webinar- A webinar for new and returning campers
2025-02-12 17:30 - 18:00 (America/Chicago) | IL
The Learning More About Camp Webinar is an excellent way for both new and returning camper families to hear about Camp Ondessonk’s Summer Camp planning for 2025 and see a virtual unit tour. You will meet some of our leadership staff and have the opportunity to ask Camping Services Director Nolan Hurst and Sr. Director of Communications Tony Vrooman questions about the Camp O experience.
Register Now: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_BfbuNht3R_O7c-yKEcAiAA

2025 Camp Ondessonk Gala Italiano
2025-03-01 17:00 - 22:00 | The Regency O’Fallon, 400 Regency Park, O'Fallon, 62269, United States
Join us for Gala Italiano, Camp Ondessonk’s bi-annual gala and auction, Saturday, March 1, 2025, at The Regency Conference Center in O’Fallon, Ill. Through your support of this event, you are helping Camp Ondessonk advance our mission to provide exceptional outdoor and spiritual adventures empowering kids of all ages.
Event Information
5:00 pm – Registration & Silent Auction opens for VIP guests
5:30 pm – Silent Auction opens for all guests
7:00 pm – Dinner
8:00 pm – Cabin Fever and Live Auction
The Regency Conference Center
400 Regency Park
O’Fallon, IL 62269
Seating is limited! RSVP: By February 14, 2023.
Guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Dress Code: Dress to Impress
Visit our event webpage at ondessonk.com/gala-2025 for more information.

Learning More About Camp Webinar- A webinar for new and returning campers
2025-03-12 17:30 - 18:00 | IL
The Learning More About Camp Webinar is an excellent way for both new and returning camper families to hear about Camp Ondessonk’s summer camp planning for 2025 and see a virtual unit tour. You will meet some of our leadership staff and have the opportunity to ask Camping Services Director Nolan Hurst and Sr. Director of Communications Tony Vrooman questions about the Camp O experience.
Register now: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_rq9EXQTKR_ee4s8iA9DTiA

2025 SPRING LODGE WORK WEEKEND
2025-03-14 19:00 - 2025-03-16 10:00 | Camp Ondessonk, 3760 Ondessonk Rd, Ozark, IL, 62972, United States
Spring Lodge Work Weekend is a weekend at Camp Ondessonk for Active Lodge Members to come back and help prepare Camp to “re-open” for the Spring. Participants will spend all day Saturday completing various projects around Camp, and enjoy a foil meal and campfire at night. Authorized Lodge adults and Camp staff will provide supervision. Check-in on Friday between 7-9 pm at the Trading Post. Check out on Sunday at 10 am at the Trading Post. Meals provided include breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Saturday, as well as breakfast on Sunday. Please bring appropriate work clothes along with work gloves and closed-toed shoes for the work project.
Registration Deadline: March 5th
Register online today!
Cost: Free for Active Lodge Members. Pay your dues online to renew your membership.

St. Patrick's Day Parade
2025-03-15 11:00 - 12:00 | Belleville Illinois
Join Camp Ondessonk’s float for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade! – walk alongside old and new friends, spread cheer, wear Garnier Green, and celebrate community spirit! Parade Staging Area- 3rd & West A Street, Belleville, Illinois.

Outdoor Way of the Cross – A Lenten Reflection for Families
2025-04-05 09:00 - 11:00 | Camp Ondessonk, 3760 Ondessonk Rd, Ozark, IL, 62972, United States
✝️This Lent, take a meaningful journey as a family at Camp Ondessonk’s Outdoor Way of the Cross Reflection. Walk the Stations of the Cross surrounded by the beauty of God’s creation, reflect on your personal and shared faith, and deepen your connection with each other.

📅 Event Date: Saturday, April 5, 2025
🕘 Time: 9:00 – 11:00 AM
🔹 Registration Deadline: March 28, 2025
🔹 Register Online Today!
💰 Cost: FREE

For more details, contact Nolan Hurst at nolan.hurst@ondessonk.com.
Come as a family, leave with a renewed spirit. 🙏

CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC
2025-04-11 - 2025-04-13, 2025-04-25 - 2025-04-27 | IL
We are closed to the public due to a private event. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Spring Stable Round Up
2025-04-11 16:00 - 2025-04-13 11:00 | IL
Every spring, volunteers attend the annual Spring Stable Round-Up Weekend to contribute their time & talent to Camp Ondessonk’s stable program, as well as gardening, restoration & preservation efforts. Typical projects include basic maintenance, fixing fence, landscaping, trail maintenance, polishing tack and equipment, etc. Meals provided include breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Saturday, as well as breakfast on Sunday. Unit lodging is free or pay $30 to upgrade to St. Noel.
This weekend is open to invited guests only. Invitations will be emailed in early March. All volunteers must RSVP. To request an invitation, or to receive additional information, email registration@ondessonk.com.
Many thanks to all the volunteers who return season after season to contribute expertise and hard work! Can’t come, but want to help? Go to https://ondessonk.com/giving/ways-to-give to donate toward supplies!

Spring Lodge Reunion
2025-04-11 19:00 - 2025-04-13 11:00 | IL
Spring Lodge Reunion is a service-focused experience at Camp Ondessonk. Reunite with friends as you help Camp prepare for the upcoming summer! Lodge members stay in units and participate in service projects throughout the day on Saturday. Be prepared to work hard during the day and enjoy the beauty of Camp with fellow Lodge members at night. Adult supervision is provided by Camp Ondessonk summer staff.
Check-in on Friday between 7-9 pm at the Trading Post. Check out on Sunday between 10-11 am at the covered bridge. Meals provided include breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Saturday, as well as breakfast on Sunday. Mass will be held on Saturday evening. Please bring appropriate work clothes along with work gloves and closed-toed shoes for the work project.
FREE! Active Lodge membership required. Pay your dues online to renew your membership.
Register for the event online or email registration@ondessonk.com.
Registration deadline is April 2, 2025!

Learning More About Camp Webinar- A webinar for new and returning campers
2025-04-16 17:30 - 18:00 | IL
The Learning More About Camp Webinar is an excellent way for both new and returning camper families to hear about Camp Ondessonk’s Summer Camp planning for 2025 and see a virtual unit tour. You will meet some of our leadership staff and have the opportunity to ask Camping Services Director Nolan Hurst and Sr. Director of Communications Tony Vrooman questions about the Camp O experience.
Register Now: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_jbebm0PHQAyWvDS4c_hKGA

CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC
2025-04-17 - 2025-04-21 | IL
We are closed to the public to celebrate Easter. Have a wonderful holiday!

FATHER SON WEEKEND
2025-04-25 16:00 - 2025-04-27 11:00 | IL
Camp Ondessonk sets aside one weekend each year for this specialty weekend designed for the guys. For Father Son Weekend, men are invited to join us for a weekend of tromping through the woods, spending evenings around the campfire, and sharing a love of the outdoors with the boys in their lives. Join us for Gaga, Archery, Canoeing/Kayaking, and other Camp activity options. Adventure activities (Challenge Course & Trail Rides) are available for an additional fee to those over 10 years old and weighing under 225 lbs. Mass available on Saturday evening.
Weekend includes unit lodging, all meals on Saturday, breakfast on Sunday, and a Father Son t-shirt. Ages 3 and under are free.
Limited lodging upgrades to St. Noel or the Fournie Lodge are available for an additional cost.
Register online or by paper form.
Registration Deadline: April 16, 2024
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations requested on or before the posted registration deadline date will receive a full refund. Refunds are not issued after the registration deadline date has passed; however, registration fees can be transferred to other guests. Please contact the office to transfer payment to another guest for the same event.
Recommended Packing List
Here are some recommended clothing and equipment items to help you prepare for your weekend!

15th Annual Ondessonk Trail Races
2025-05-03 09:30 - 12:00 | Camp Ondessonk, 3760 Ondessonk Rd, Ozark, IL, 62972, United States
Join us on Saturday, May 3, 2025, for Camp Ondessonk’s 15th Annual Trail Races – this year with a spring backdrop! Breathtaking blossoms and colors will be on display throughout our beautiful forests, canyons, and pastures. Choose between our 5k Fun Run and the more challenging Manchester Trail 10k. The races begin at 10:30, and every pre-registered participant will receive a T-shirt.
5k Fun Run
$25 | 11:00 AM CDT Price increases after March 7, 2025, at 11:59 PM CST

Manchester Trail 10k
$30 | 10:30 AM CDT Price increases after March 7, 2025, at 11:59 PM CST

For more information and to register, please visit https://bit.ly/trailraces2025.

First Time Camper Open House
2025-05-03 13:00 - 16:00 | Camp Ondessonk, 3760 Ondessonk Rd, Ozark, IL, 62972, United States
The First Time Camper Open House is the best way to introduce potential campers (and nervous parents) to the Ondessonk experience. Families will have a chance to meet leadership staff and take a tour! Tours will leave every 30 minutes during the Open House.
Free Admission!! Registration is not required, but appreciated for planning purposes. Simply fill out this online form.
Can’t make it to Camp on May 3rd? Call us at 618-695-2489 to schedule a private tour, or join us for one of our many Learning More About Camp Webinars!
“Learning More About Camp” Webinars
This is an excellent way for both new and returning camper families to hear about Camp Ondessonk‘s summer camp planning and see a virtual unit tour. You will meet some of our leadership staff and can ask questions about the Camp O experience.
Register online at https://ondessonk.com/events.
• Wednesday, April 16, 2025, 5:30-6:00 pm
Camp Ondessonk has proudly served campers since the summer of 1959. Ondessonk’s 983-acre site is adjacent to the Shawnee National Forest and is among the most beautiful summer camps in the United States. The Ondessonk Experience is deliberately designed to immerse participants in a setting not often encountered by the youths of today. This traditional approach to summer camping allows participants to fully experience their surroundings in a fun, adventurous, and supportive environment.

CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC
2025-05-16 - 2025-08-17 | IL
We are closed to the public for our summer camp season. Please come back in mid-August!

Ozark Community Yard Sale
2025-05-17 07:00 - 14:00 | Camp Ondessonk, 3760 Ondessonk Rd, Ozark, IL, 62972, United States
Camp O and the surrounding Ozark Community – Camp will be selling barn supplies, tack, equine tools, china, office supplies and furniture, computer equipment, garden supplies, power tools, hand tools, building materials, chainsaws and parts, camping supplies, outdoor cookware, and bikes.

Ainad Shriners Parade 2025
2025-06-06 19:30 - 21:30 | Belleville Illinois
🎉 Join Camp Ondessonk in the Ainad Shriners Parade! 🎉
We’re inviting all Camp O friends, families, alumni, and supporters to walk with the Camp Ondessonk Float during the Ainad Shriners Parade Friday, June 6, 2025, at 7:30 pm in beautiful downtown Belleville, Ill.
Wear your favorite Camp Ondessonk gear, bring your Camp spirit, and help us share the magic of Camp with the crowd! Whether you’re singing camp songs or waving to the crowd, it’ll be a night to remember.
Let us know you’re coming, and we’ll save you a spot!
UPDATE: The assembly area is along West A and North 3rd Streets. Camp Ondessonk is registered as parade entry number 24. Contact camp@ondessonk.com

FALL FAMILY CAMP
2025-09-12 16:00 - 2025-09-14 11:00 | IL
The entire family is invited to experience a taste of Summer Camp. Many of our traditional Summer Camp activities will be open: Boating, Archery, Handicrafts, Climbing Wall, and even Swimming for families to enjoy the last days of summer. The weekend fee includes unit lodging, all meals on Saturday, breakfast on Sunday, and a themed t-shirt. Adventure activities (Challenge Course & Trail Rides) are available for an additional fee to those over 10 years old and weighing under 225 lbs. Mass is available on Saturday evening.
The weekend fee of $96 per person includes unit lodging, all meals on Saturday, breakfast on Sunday, and a Family Camp t-shirt. Ages three and under are free.
Limited lodging upgrades to St. Noel or the Fournie Lodge are available for an additional cost. Adventure activities are available for an extra cost.
Register online or by paper form.
Registration Deadline: September 3, 2025

OPEN CAMPING
2025-09-15 - 2025-10-02, 2025-10-06 - 2025-10-09 | Camp Ondessonk, 3760 Ondessonk Rd, Ozark, IL, 62972, United States
Get the true Ondessonk camping experience by sleeping among the trees or under a waterfall! All cabin units have fire pits, benches, picnic tables, a potable water spigot, an outhouse, and are within a short walk to a shower house.

For additional information, or to make your reservation, visit the camping section of our website!
Feel free to contact the Camp office at 618-695-2489 with any questions.

Day Field Trips – Monday and Tuesday
Overnight School Field Trips – Wednesday through Friday
Unit Cabin and Tent Camping – Wednesday through Sunday
St. Noel and Fournie Lodge Stays – Monday through Sunday
Camp Ondessonk is closed to overnight groups on Sunday nights
Sorry, no wedding ceremonies or receptions allowed on Camp property

30th ANNUAL GOLF BENEFIT
2025-09-27 | IL
Camp Ondessonk and Korte & Luitjohan Contractors are excited to host the 30th Annual Pete Korte Memorial Golf Benefit for Camp Ondessonk. Please join us on Saturday, September 27, at Roland Barkau Memorial Golf Course to celebrate this milestone. Your participation will support the mission of Camp “to provide exceptional outdoor and spiritual adventures empowering kids of all ages.”
We would also love to include your special pictures from previous years in our slideshow. Please send your photos and memories to Jennifer Tyler, Development Events Coordinator, at jennifer.tyler@ondessonk.com.
30th Annual Pete Korte Memorial Golf Benefit for Camp Ondessonk
Saturday, September 27, 2025
Roland Barkau Memorial Golf Course (1501 N. Waterworks Road, Okawville, IL 62271)
Registration begins at 7:00 am
Shotgun start at 8:00 am

Visit our link to participate as a sponsor, to donate prizes, or to play on a team or as an individual: https://onecau.se/kortegolfbenefit
Thank you for your support!
SPONSORSHIPS:

Tournament Sponsor ($1,500) – Hole sponsor, signage at check-in, full-page ad in program, special recognition at awards luncheon, ad in newsletter, Tournament Sponsor recognition in newsletter, stewardship report, and social media.
Diamond Sponsor ($1,000) – Hole sponsor, signage at check-in, 1/2-page ad in program, special recognition at awards luncheon, ad in newsletter, Diamond Sponsor recognition in newsletter, stewardship report, and social media.
Platinum Sponsor ($500) – Hole sponsor, signage at check-in, 1/4-page ad in program, special recognition at awards luncheon, ad in newsletter, Platinum Sponsor recognition in newsletter, stewardship report, and social media.
Gold Sponsor ($250) – Hole sponsor, 1/4-page ad in program, Gold Sponsor recognition in newsletter and stewardship report.
Silver Sponsor ($100) – Hole sponsor, Silver Sponsor recognition in newsletter and stewardship report.
Cash Donation – Any gift is welcome

CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC
2025-10-03 - 2025-10-05 | Camp Ondessonk, 3760 Ondessonk Rd, Ozark, IL, 62972, United States
Camp will be closed to the public because we are hosting a Specialty Weekend. Thank you!

MOTHER DAUGHTER WEEKEND
2025-10-03 16:00 - 2025-10-05 11:00 | Camp Ondessonk, 3760 Ondessonk Rd, Ozark, IL, 62972, United States
Moms, daughters, and grandmas are invited for a weekend of Camp fun, crisp evenings around the campfire, and sharing a love for the outdoors with the women and girls in their lives. Gaga, Handicrafts, Canoeing, and other Camp activities will be open. The weekend fee includes unit lodging, all meals on Saturday, breakfast on Sunday, and a themed t-shirt. Adventure activities (Challenge Course and Trail Rides) are available for an additional fee to those over 10 years old and weighing under 225 lbs. Mass is available on Saturday evening.
The weekend fee of $96 per person includes unit lodging, all meals on Saturday, breakfast on Sunday, and a Mother-Daughter t-shirt. Ages three and under are free.
Limited lodging upgrades to St. Noel or the Fournie Lodge are available for an additional cost. Adventure activities are available for an extra cost.
Register online or by paper form.

Registration Deadline: September 24, 2025
