Camp Ondessonk

CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC
2023-11-15 - 2023-11-19, 2023-11-29 - 2023-12-03 | IL
Camp is closed to the public for registered deer hunting this weekend. No hiking! Thank you!

OPEN CAMPING
2023-11-20 - 2023-11-21, 2023-11-27 - 2023-11-28, 2023-12-04 - 2023-12-20 | 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.

CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC
2023-11-22 - 2023-11-26 | IL
Camp will be closed to the public to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday this weekend. Thank you!

Office Closed for Christmas Holiday
2023-12-21 - 2024-01-02 | IL
The Camp Ondessonk office will be closed for the Christmas holidays starting Thursday, December 21, 2022 and will resume activity Tuesday, January 2, 2024. If you would like to hike on property, please check in at the Kiosk in the Parking Lot. Thank you, and Merry Christmas!

OPEN CAMPING
2024-01-02 - 2024-03-28, 2024-04-09 - 2024-04-18, 2024-04-22 - 2024-04-25, 2024-04-29 - 2024-05-16, 2024-08-19 - 2024-08-28, 2024-09-03 - 2024-09-12 | 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

Learning More About Camp Webinar
2024-02-15 17:30 - 18:00 (America/Chicago) | Online
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 2024 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.

When: Feb 15, 2024, 05:30 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

Topic: Learning More About Camp Webinar- A webinar for new and returning campers

Register in advance for this webinar:

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_vAwM1TvcRHqfCms0HQEh4gr

Camp Ondessonk Trivia Night
2024-03-02 18:30 - 22:00 | Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 505 Fountains Pkwy, Fairview Heights, IL, 62208, United States
Grab your friends for a fun night at the Camp O Trivia Night 2024 on Saturday, March 2nd, at Holy Trinity Church in Fairview Heights, IL! Doors open at 6:30 pm, play starts at 7:00 pm.
Cost is $200 per table of eight, or $30 per individual. We encourage you to bring snacks for your table. Beverages will be available for purchase.
Reservations are limited!
For more information (or to volunteer!) contact Ellie Dirnbeck at 618-695-2489 ex.112 or elizabeth.dirnbeck@ondessonk.com.
Register Online Today!!

Learning More About Camp Webinar
2024-03-14 17:30 - 18:00 | Online
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 2024 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.

When: Mar 14, 2024 05:30 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Topic: Learning More About Camp Webinar- A webinar for new and returning campers
Register in advance for this webinar:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ZKuIO5w4ToCL7R7-tXNX6w
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

RE-IGNITE U RETREAT
2024-03-15 19:00 - 2024-03-17 10:30 | 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.
Age: This program is for High School students
Cost: $48
Registration Deadline: March 8, 2024

AOH 22nd Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade
2024-03-16 10:00 - 12:00 | Belleville Illinois
The AOH 22nd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade assembles at 10:00 am at the 3rd and A Street parking area in beautiful downtown Belleville, Illinois.
The AOH 22nd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade starts at 11:00 am and traverses Main Street going East in Belleville, Ill.
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!
https://aohil1.org/Events.htm

OFFICE CLOSED FOR EASTER
2024-03-29 - 2024-04-01 | IL
The Camp Ondessonk office will be closed for the Easter holiday starting Friday, March 29, 2024 and will resume activity Tuesday, April 2, 2024. If you would like to hike on property, please check in at the Kiosk in the Parking Lot. Thank you, and Happy Easter!

CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC
2024-04-02 - 2024-04-05 | IL
Our facility will be closed From April 2, 2024 through April 5, 2024 in preparation for the Solar Eclipse event. We apologize for any inconvenience.

2024 SOLAR ECLIPSE
2024-04-06 12:00 - 2024-04-08 20:00 | Camp Ondessonk, 3760 Ondessonk Rd, Ozark, IL, 62972, United States
Join us at Camp Ondessonk to experience the astronomical wonder of The Great North American Eclipse! We are so fortunate to be in the “Eclipse Crossroads of America,” where the center line of the 2017 eclipse passed over Camp, and now it will pass directly over us again on April 8, 2024!
Whether you stay with us for the entire weekend or just for the 4 minutes and 9 seconds of totality, you won’t want to miss the breathtaking view that Camp Ondessonk offers.
Click Here for registration and event details.

Learning More About Camp Webinar
2024-04-18 17:30 - 18:00 | Online
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 2024 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.

When: Apr 18, 2024, 05:30 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Topic: Learning More About Camp Webinar- A webinar for new and returning campers
Register in advance for this webinar:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_AA1IOzKxTlmrkyM3eFzTyQ
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

SPRING STABLE ROUND UP - Gardening, Restoration & Preservation
2024-04-19 15:00 - 2024-04-21 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 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!

SPRING LODGE REUNION
2024-04-19 19:00 - 2024-04-21 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 10, 2024!

FATHER SON WEEKEND
2024-04-26 16:00 - 2024-04-28 10:00 | IL
Camp Ondessonk sets aside one weekend each year for this specialty weekend designed for the guys. For 2024 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 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.
Register online or by paper form.
Registration Deadline: April 17, 2024

CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC FOR SUMMER CAMP
2024-05-17 - 2024-08-18 | 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 19, 2024.
Please come back to camp and hike in the Fall! Thank you!

Annual Open House & Homecoming
2024-06-01 11:00 - 16:00 | Camp Ondessonk, 3760 Ondessonk Rd, Ozark, IL, 62972, United States
Join us to commence our 65th 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 register for the Annual Open House and Homecoming 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.

Camp O Day
2024-06-28 | 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.
Visit the Camp O Day website

CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC
2024-08-29 - 2024-09-02 | IL
Camp will be closed to the public because we are hosting a Specialty Weekend. Thank you!

LABOR DAY FRIEND'S WEEKEND!
2024-08-29 - 2024-09-02 | IL
This reunion is a private, by invitation only event for staff alumni and recent donors & volunteers. Camp is closed to the public.
