Giving Back Through the Campfire Circle

By Diane Payne

I have come to know Camp Ondessonk as a parent. Both my son and daughter spent much time there as campers, volunteers, and staff members. As a young adult, my daughter has gone on to work there for several years in a variety of roles. Growing up, I too went to a summer camp as a child and continued to work there during my college years, so I know the growth achieved by the experience.

Our son and daughter are very successful and have many accomplishments. Our son is the 2024-2025 Illinois FFA State President and Illinois State Scholar planning to attend Iowa State University and major in engineering. Our daughter graduated from USI magna cum laude and has been accepted at Indiana University law school. As their parents, we attribute these successes to the amazing daycare they attended during their preschool years, the Catholic school they attended through 8th grade, their involvement in FFA in high school and beyond, and the multitude of experiences at Camp Ondessonk.

Camp Ondessonk taught our kids resilience, independence, problem-solving, social skills, emotional intelligence, self-confidence, and leadership skills.

The most important work Camp Ondessonk does is shaping the children of today, to become the leaders of tomorrow. The foundation that is established in the youth attending Camp Ondessonk is remarkable.

We started making monthly gifts to Camp Ondessonk as a way to give back because we felt we gained so much as parents by our children’s experiences there.

If I were to tell someone about giving to Camp Ondessonk, I would tell them about all that Camp has to offer, from swimming to horseback riding to riflery as well as the personal growth the youth experience. In addition, I would tell a potential donor to visit Camp Ondessonk to experience it for themselves. Seeing the kids’ enthusiasm for the outdoors and hearing their stories and achievements makes it all worthwhile. Camp Ondessonk kids make for successful adults.

If I could clarify one thing, Camp Ondessonk is a Catholic youth camp, but you don’t have to be Catholic to attend. Camp Ondessonk is an all-encompassing Camp regardless of religious background.

Donating to Camp Ondessonk is a great way to help shape the youth of today in a positive way.

Learn more about joining the Campfire Circle by visiting https://ondessonk.com/campfire-circle.