From the Director’s Desk- Ten thousand and ninety-eight measures of gratitude, and rest

Dear Camp Friend, 

During the waning days of 2025, we did something I don’t recall doing for twenty Christmases. We fully closed Camp to visitors, including day-hikers. The temporary move symbolized a shift of sorts.  We did it to rest. It’s not that we didn’t need a rest in past years. This time we allowed it for ourselves. Oddly enough, making the decision to close the gate for a couple of weeks is a sign of organizational growth. Camp’s employees are as willing as ever to put in the hard, long hours of work needed to lead the organization, but this year we had 10,098 reasons to take a break. That’s the number of humans who directly experienced on-site programs and services in 2025. Most people don’t just stay for a day, so we also track “user-days” or “days of care.” Our grand total for 2025 was 43,013. Gratitude is the lead story. We couldn’t do any of this without our campers, volunteers, and donors. God willing, Camp Ondessonk will do it again, and more, in 2026.

Two projects are on the near horizon. Due to the generosity of 2025 Camp Ondessonk Gala Guests, the first is already funded. Five new cabins will be built at the unit of Raganeau. Demolition of the four cabins that need to be replaced is already underway. We also recently received Diocesan approval to begin fundraising for another project. Due to structural issues, the Original Administration Building, located behind the Chapel, was taken out of service several years ago. It will be replaced by a multi-purpose lodge of very similar size and design. Successfully completing the project will require the contributions of many. Fortunately, we’ve already received a generous gift that will cover a portion of the project cost. We’ll be sharing additional information in the coming months.

Please keep Camp in your life for the rest of your life. Your presence strengthens the organization and its campers.   

Sincerely, 

Daniel W. King 

Executive Director