Camp Ondessonk

28th Annual Golf Benefit
2023-09-30 08:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | Roland Barkau Memorial Golf Course, 1501 N. Waterworks Rd., Okawville, IL
Join Camp Ondessonk for the 28th Annual Golf Benefit sponsored by Korte & Luitjohan Contractors! Funds raised during this annual event help sustain and enhance Camp programs, fund scholarships allowing children of all income levels to experience Camp, and fund new initiatives to fulfill our mission to provide exceptional outdoor and spiritual adventures empowering kids of all ages.
Online Registration

OPEN CAMPING
2023-09-18 - 2023-10-05, 2023-09-05 - 2023-09-14, 2023-08-21 - 2023-08-30, 2023-05-01 - 2023-05-18, 2023-04-24 - 2023-04-27, 2023-04-11 - 2023-04-20, 2023-01-03 - 2023-04-06 | 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.

Fall Family Camp
2023-09-15 16:00 - 2023-09-17 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. 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 225lbs. Mass available on Saturday evening. Ages 3 and under are free.
Registration Deadline: September 6, 2023
Unit Rate: $96 per person
Adventure activities and lodging upgrades available for an extra cost.
Register online or on registration form.

Women's Yoga Retreat
2023-09-08 16:00 - 2023-09-10 14:00 | Camp Ondessonk, 3760 Ondessonk Rd., Ozark, 62972, United States
Unwind & Rewild- Join True North Yoga for a very special retreat for women in the Forest! Experience the rejuvenating powers of yoga, meditation, ecstatic dance around the campfire, and invigorating hikes. Reconnect with nature, rediscover your inner essence and unleash the untamed spirit within you. Reawaken your truest, fiercest, and most empowered self within the safe community of the True North Yoga tribe. Embrace the profound wisdom of Mother Earth that resonates within each of us. Lodging is included at Camp Ondessonk.
Registration Deadline- September 1, 2023

Labor Day Friends' Weekend
2023-08-31 - 2023-09-04 | IL
This reunion event is by invitation only. Stay tuned for more information!

CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC
2023-08-31 - 2023-09-04 | IL
Camp will be closed to the public because we are hosting a Specialty Weekend. Thank you!

Camp Ondessonk office and facilities will be closed on Monday, August 17, 2023.
2023-08-17 | Camp Ondessonk, 3760 Ondessonk Rd., Ozark, 62972, United States
We want to inform you that the Camp Ondessonk office and facilities will be closed on Thursday, August 17, 2023.
We apologize for any inconvenience this closure may cause and appreciate your understanding as we strive to enhance your Camp experience.
We are excited to announce that Camp Ondessonk will resume regular operations and reopen on Friday, August 18, 2023. Our staff will be ready to assist you with any inquiries, reservations, or activities you have planned.

Camp Ondessonk office and facilities will be closed on Monday, August 7, 2023.
2023-08-07 | Camp Ondessonk, 3760 Ondessonk Rd., Ozark, 62972, United States
We want to inform you that the Camp Ondessonk office and facilities will be closed on Monday, August 7, 2023.

We apologize for any inconvenience this closure may cause and appreciate your understanding as we strive to enhance your Camp experience.

We are excited to announce that Camp Ondessonk will resume regular operations and reopen on Tuesday, August 8, 2023. Our staff will be ready to assist you with any inquiries, reservations, or activities you have planned.

Camp O Day
2023-06-28 | Camp Ondessonk, 3760 Ondessonk Rd, Ozark, IL, 62972, United States
Camp O Day commemorates the founding of Camp Ondessonk. First celebrated in 2021 and held annually on June 28, the date that the first campers came through the Camp gate in 1959, Camp O Day celebrates the tradition of giving back to Camp Ondessonk. This one-day effort encourages gifts of time, talent, and treasure to ensure Camp Ondessonk will “teach what matters most” for years to come.
Since that first summer, Camp Ondessonk has provided the opportunity to experience firsthand the beauty of God’s creation. Located in the Shawnee National Forest of Southern Illinois, Ondessonk’s summer camp programs provide an experience that encourages campers to have fun, grow spiritually, make friends, grow in self-confidence and self-esteem, and develop values. All of Camp’s programs focus on providing a fun and enriching experience for participants by encouraging them to participate in a wide variety of new and exciting activities.

Annual Open House & Homecoming
2023-06-03 11:00 - 16:00 | Camp Ondessonk, 3760 Ondessonk Rd, Ozark, IL, 62972, United States
Join us to commence our 64th summer of “teaching what matters most.” Families will have a chance to meet leadership staff, take a tour, meet the horses, and participate in a sampling of summer camp activities. Free admission. Free Lunch will be served in the Original Dining Hall from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM. Please RSVP to the Annual Open House and Homecoming by calling 618-695-2489 or 877-659-2267 x131 or registering online.
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.
Camp Ondessonk is owned and operated by the Catholic Diocese of Belleville, Illinois. Christian traditions and teachings guide the work of this ministry. People of all faiths are encouraged and welcome to enjoy the Ondessonk experience.

CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC FOR SUMMER CAMP!
2023-05-19 - 2023-08-20 | IL
Heepwah! It’s Summer Camp time!!! For the safety and security of our campers and staff, we are closed to the public until August 20th, 2023. Please come back to camp and hike in the Fall! Thank you!

Father Son Weekend
2023-04-28 16:00 - 2023-04-30 10:00 | IL
Camp Ondessonk sets aside one weekend each year for this specialty weekend designed for the guys. For Father Son Weekend 2023, 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 225lbs. Mass available on Saturday evening.
Weekend fee of $96 per person 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.
Registration Deadline: April 19, 2023.

Spring Lodge Reunion
2023-04-21 19:00 - 2023-04-23 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 7-9pm at the Trading Post. Check out on Sunday between 10-11am 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.
Registration deadline is April 12, 2023!

Spring Stable Round-Up
2023-04-21 15:00 - 2023-04-23 10:00 | IL
Every spring, volunteers attend the annual Spring Stable Round-Up Weekend to contribute their time & talent to Camp Ondessonk’s stable program and grounds. Typical projects include maintaining tack and equipment, fixing fence, landscaping, trail maintenance, 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!

Learning More About Camp Webinar
2023-04-20 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 2023 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.
Registration- Click Here

Office Closed for Easter
2023-04-07 - 2023-04-10 | IL
The Camp Ondessonk office will be closed for the Easter holiday starting Friday, April 7, 2023 and will resume activity Tuesday, April 11, 2023. If you would like to hike on property, please check in at the Kiosk in the Parking Lot. Thank you, and Happy Easter!

First Time Camper Open House
2023-04-01 13:00 - 16:00 | IL
The First Time Camper Open House 2023 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! Free Admission. Can’t make it to Camp on April 1st? Call us to schedule a private tour or join us for one of our many Learning More About Camp Webinars!
Registration is not required. Tours will leave every 30 minutes during the Open House.
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.

Re-Ignite U Retreat
2023-03-24 - 2023-03-26 | IL
Youth are the future of the Catholic Church. Pope Francis calls all youth to take a stand in leading the Church to a new chapter. Come join other youth for a weekend to rejuvenate and reignite your faith. Presenters of all ages will be present to bring to life the spark that we all share in the Catholic faith. Groups/Individuals must be accompanied by a chaperone.
Register online today!

Learning More About Camp Webinar
2023-03-23 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 2023 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.
Registration: Click Here

2023 Camp Ondessonk Gala
2023-03-04 | IL
Join us for the 2023 Camp Ondessonk Gala – The Roaring 20s on Saturday, March 4, 2023 at the Four Points by Sheraton in Fairview Heights, Illinois. Through your support of The Roaring 20s Gala, you are helping Camp Ondessonk advance our mission to provide exceptional outdoor and spiritual adventures empowering kids of all ages.
Visit the 2023 Camp Ondessonk Gala website for more information and to register.

Learning More About Camp Webinar
2023-02-16 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 2023 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 in advance for this webinar:
https://us02web.zoom.us/…/reg…/WN_RJm1UTNTSueoVBbApWZfhw
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

Office Closed for Christmas
2022-12-22 - 2023-01-02 | IL
The Camp Ondessonk office will be closed for the Christmas holidays starting Thursday, December 22nd, 2022 and will resume activity Tuesday, January 3rd, 2023. If you would like to hike on property, please check in at the Kiosk in the Parking Lot. Thank you, and Merry Christmas!

FREE! Young Adult - Advent Reflection Retreat
2022-12-16 20:00 - 2022-12-18 10:30 | IL
As you journey closer to Christmas, join the Ondessonk Retreat Team for a weekend with a variety of readings, discussions, rituals, and reflections. This is a perfect weekend to take a moment away from the Christmas preparations to prepare your own heart and mind for the coming of Jesus. Together retreatants will reflect on the Gospel readings of Advent and the Nativity while enjoying the natural scenery of Camp Ondessonk.
Ages 18-30 are welcome to attend.
Cost is FREE and includes St. Noel lodging, 3 meals on Saturday and breakfast on Sunday.
Register online today!

OPEN CAMPING
2022-12-05 - 2022-12-18 | IL
Join us for an open camping weekend! Please fill out a Reservation Request or contact the Ondessonk Office with questions at (618) 695-2489. Thank you!
