Goals and Objectives of Camp Ondessonk

Goals and Objectives of Camp Ondessonk’s Summer Camp programs:

1. To provide enriching experiences during the summer months for the educational and spiritual growth of people of all ages.

• Staff participates in pre-camp training and in-service training.
• Campers attend activities where instruction is provided for each specific activity.
• Campers have the opportunity to attend the Thursday night Lodge ceremony, which works to expand the knowledge of North American history, the Native American culture, and the history associated with the Jesuit North American Martyrs.
• Campers participate in a weekly Prayer Service to encourage spiritual growth.
• Campers attend the celebration of the Holy Eucharist weekly.

2. To encourage participants to gain an understanding and appreciation of themselves.

• Campers are encouraged to try new and different activities in order to expand a sense of self-worth and to advance current levels of knowledge and knowing.
• Campers are provided the opportunity to interact with others so to advance social skills.
• Campers are provided positive reinforcement and encouragement in all activities participated in.
• Campers reside in a communal living situation in order to enhance social skills, cooperation and communication.
• Campers are provided the opportunity to work towards completing arrowhead requirements (demonstration of skills development).

3. To encourage participants to gain an understanding and appreciation of their neighbors.

• Campers are expected to maintain the rules of safety and courtesy
• to all things, both living and non-living.
• Campers reside in units in a group living environment.
• Campers are given the opportunity to participate in activities with the unit in an attempt to find strengths of other individuals. These include: unit campfires, overnight camp-out, developing skits, participating in marathon, etc.

4. To encourage participants to gain an understanding and appreciation of their natural environment.

• Campers are exposed to low-impact hiking/camping skills through the Nature Program.
• Campers participate in litter removal through Unit Maintenance projects and the Nature Program.

5. To encourage participants to gain an understanding and appreciation of God.

• Campers attend Sunday evening Mass as a unit with the whole camp.
• Campers participate in prayer services.
• Campers participate in giving thanks for each meal to provide a sense of gratitude for what has been provided.
• Campers participate in evening prayer/reflection times before going to sleep at each living area (unit).

6. To challenge participants in an environment filled with adventure and fun.

• Campers participate in the Tuesday night game.
• Campers participate in the Wednesday night overnight.
• Campers participate in the Friday afternoon activities.
• Campers participate in an exploration hike.

The goals and objectives of Camp Ondessonk’s documentation provides an overview of best practices utilized during staff training and standard operating procedures during summer camp.