Camp Ondessonk

CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC
2025-04-25 - 2025-04-27, 2025-04-11 - 2025-04-13, 2024-10-18 - 2024-10-20
We are closed to the public due to a private event. We apologize for any inconvenience.

OPEN CAMPING
2025-04-22 - 2025-04-24, 2025-04-14 - 2025-04-16, 2025-01-02 - 2025-04-10
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

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

Learning More About Camp Webinar- A webinar for new and returning campers
2025-04-16 17:30 - 18:00 (America/Chicago)
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

Spring Lodge Reunion
2025-04-11 19:00 - 2025-04-13 11:00
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!

Spring Stable Round Up
2025-04-11 16:00 - 2025-04-13 11:00
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!

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. 🙏

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.

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.

Learning More About Camp Webinar- A webinar for new and returning campers
2025-03-12 17:30 - 18:00
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 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
2025-02-12 17:30 - 18:00
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

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

OPEN CAMPING
2024-12-09 - 2024-12-18, 2024-10-21 - 2024-11-20, 2024-10-14 - 2024-10-17, 2024-10-07 - 2024-10-10
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 - NO HIKING!
2024-12-04 - 2024-12-08, 2024-11-21 - 2024-11-24
Camp is closed to the public for registered deer hunting this weekend. No hiking! Thank you!

2024 Optimist Santa Parade
2024-11-29 10:00 - 11:00 | Belleville Illinois
Join Camp Ondessonk at the 2024 Optimist Santa Parade!

Get in the holiday spirit with us in beautiful downtown Belleville, IL on November 29, 2024, at 10 AM! We’re thrilled to invite YOU to join Camp Ondessonk’s festive float as we celebrate the season.

The parade kicks off at the intersection of North 3rd and West A Street, winding through the heart of downtown, and will disband near Union United Methodist Church.

Come spread some holiday cheer, Ondessonk style! See you there! #SantaParade #CampOndessonk

CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC
2024-11-25 - 2024-12-03
Camp will be closed to the public to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday! Thank you!

FREE FALL FESTIVAL
2024-10-26 | Camp Ondessonk, 3760 Ondessonk Rd, Ozark, IL, 62972, United States
Join us on-site at Camp Ondessonk for fall festivities and all your favorite Camp activities including Pony Rides, Face Painting, the Climbing Wall, Handicrafts, Archery, and local vendors.
Event Details
Hours: 12:00 – 4:00 pm
Admission: Free for all!
Vendor opportunities are available! For more information or to apply as a vendor, please visit: https://bit.ly/2024-vendor-app.
If you have any questions or are interested in volunteering, please contact Ellie Dirnbeck, Development Events Coordinator, at Elizabeth.dirnbeck@ondessonk.com or (618) 695-2489 x112.

ONDESSONK TRAIL RACES
2024-10-26 | Camp Ondessonk, 3760 Ondessonk Rd, Ozark, IL, 62972, United States
Enjoy Camp Ondessonk on Saturday, October 26th, for our 14th Annual Ondessonk Trail Races! Enjoy a beautiful 5k Fun Run or the Manchester Trail 10k through Camp’s scenic trails.
Event Details
Registration: 9:30 am
Manchester Trail 10k: 10:30 am
5k Fun Run:11:00 am
Runner Reception: Following the completion of the races
For more information or to register for this event, please visit: https://bit.ly/Camp-O-TrailRace-2024.
If you have any questions or are interested in volunteering, please contact Ellie Dirnbeck, Development Events Coordinator, at Elizabeth.dirnbeck@ondessonk.com or (618) 695-2489 x112.

FAT TIRE FESTIVAL
2024-10-18 - 2024-10-20
Southern Illinois Fat Tire Festival (FTF) is happening again for the 20th year in a row! It’s one of the best MTB events in the entire MidWest!
This event is hosted by Bike Surgeon, located in O’Fallon, IL. Please contact them for details!

FALL LODGE REUNION
2024-10-11 19:00 - 2024-10-13 11:00
Fall Lodge Reunion is a service-focused experience at Camp Ondessonk. Reunite with friends as you help Camp prepare for the upcoming winter! 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 online
Registration Deadline: October 2, 2024

FALL STABLE ROUND UP - Gardening, Restoration & Preservation
2024-10-11 15:00 - 2024-10-13 11:00
Every fall, volunteers attend the annual Fall 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 September. 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!
