Generations of Camp Spirit: Elizabeth Abaray and Her Family’s Ondessonk Tradition
By Camp Ondessonk Communication Team
Camp Ondessonk has been a meaningful part of Elizabeth “Petey” (Nimnicht) Abaray’s life for decades, first as a camper, then as a staff member, and now as a parent and volunteer sharing the experience with the next generation.
Liz was a camper from 1991 to 1996, staying in units including Brébeuf, Lalande, Chabanel, Goupil, and Amantacha. Her favorite unit on staff was Raganeau, and she still fondly remembers its cheer, “Way back in the woods!” Camp songs were also an important part of the experience, with “My Rifle, My Pony, & Me” remaining one of her favorites.
When she reflects on her camper years, Liz recalls the traditions and moments that made Camp so special: the excitement of Opening Campfires, singing at Mass, the tradition of the Lodge Ceremony, and the whole Camp gathered in the lake during General Swim. Most of all, she remembers the incredible staff, like Angie Laker, who made sure campers had fun and felt at home. Liz and Angie became pen pals for several years. In 1995, Angie travelled to Indiana to be Liz’s 8th Grade Confirmation Sponsor. “Camp was everything to me,” she says.
Liz’s summers at Camp continued when she returned to serve on summer staff from 1997 to 1999, spending time in the Trading Post, Kitchen, and with the Nature program. While on staff, she formed friendships and memories that have lasted a lifetime. She remembers the camaraderie among staff members and the unique traditions that brought them together, from games of “silent football” in the staff lounge to singing and playing guitar in The Shack. Even small moments, like seeing how many people could squeeze into the phone booth or weekend trips to Laundry World, became treasured memories.
Staff life at Camp was both challenging and rewarding. Elizabeth remembers the encouragement staff gave one another through notes posted in the lounge and the excitement of receiving the seasonal Dreamcatcher book and staff awards. Despite the hard work, she recalls feeling deeply fulfilled knowing they were helping create the best week of the summer for every camper. She remembers, “All we had was each other, and we worked extremely hard to ensure our campers had the best week of their lives. I remember being so happy and fulfilled.”
Today, Liz continues her connection to Camp as a Summer Camp volunteer, Original Builder & Founder, Campfire Circle member, and camper parent. Volunteering has allowed her to build new friendships while reconnecting with longtime members of the Camp Family. She shares that serving alongside fellow volunteers has been incredibly meaningful, especially the friendship she formed with Nicole Satti, whom she once described as “like a sister.” She also enjoys reconnecting with friends from her staff days in the 1990s and learning from experienced volunteers like Jim Shively.
Now that her children attend Camp, Liz gets to see the experience from a parent’s perspective. She loves watching their excitement before arriving and seeing how they return home more confident, more independent, and full of stories from the week. Sometimes they even come home with a surprising discovery, new foods they never thought they’d enjoy! She stated, “It was a very powerful experience to give my son Michael his Lodge sash at Closing Campfire last year. Isaac & Liam are working toward Lodge membership now, and Adam cannot wait to be a mini camper in 2028! It’s wonderful to witness my children grow in a place that has brought so much joy to my life.”
The Abaray family continues to make Camp part of their lives year-round. They regularly attend Friends Weekend; participated in the 2017 and 2024 Solar Eclipse Weekends; and Liz has shared special experiences with her daughter, Violet, at Mother-Daughter Weekend.
From camper to staff member, volunteer, and parent, Elizabeth’s lifelong connection to Camp Ondessonk reflects the enduring Spirit of Camp, and the powerful impact it has on generations of families.
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