Katrina and the Waves
By Judy Blase Woodruff
Katrina and the Waves – no, not the English rock band known for their 1985 hit Walking on Sunshine, but Camp Ondessonk’s own Katrina and the Waves – as in lifeguard Sister Katrina Lamkin!
Sister Katrina was a staple on the docks in the late 1980s, and she smiles when hearing Katrina and the Waves. “There was some fun teasing around that,” she says. She was admired and respected by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing her at Camp. She always had a kind word for everyone.
She first heard of Camp Ondessonk when she was contacted as principal at St. Thomas More in Elgin, Ill. Someone asked if they could come and speak with the students about Camp. She decided that it would be enjoyable to volunteer during the summer, since she was a lifeguard. She kept coming back for at least four years.
Sister Katrina’s favorite part of Camp encompassed a lot. She said, “I love nature; the volunteers; the kids; the faith; friendship building; and the job at the waterfront. She remembers that a young fawn was found in a sinkhole, and the staff got her out and brought her to Camp. “I got to feed her and spend time with her. She became quite tame. I love deer, especially the fawns,” she said.
She remarked that the heat was always a challenge. While at the waterfront, she wore her swimsuit, but otherwise she wore shorts and T-shirts like everyone else. It was just too hot to wear her habit!
She feels that today’s kids are much different than when she was on the waterfront. She says, “Many have so many opportunities. I would hope that Camp O would give girls and boys and volunteers the opportunities to grow in mind, body and spirit. Camp O has improved so much since I was there. I am happy to see and know that. Those committed to Camp and its values are to be commended especially alums like Dan King, Michelle (Kreppert) Bretscher, and Dave Bretscher (an alum that I had at my first year on mission). Looking at the website, it is wonderful to see so many committed to continuing the fine work of Camp Ondessonk. Heepwah!”
Sister Katrina knew at a young age she wanted to serve as a Sister. “I actually first thought about being a Sister when I was in 2nd grade. I had Dominican Sisters for all my grade school years at St. Charles Borromeo School in Hampshire, Ill.,” reflects Sister Katrina. She goes on to explain, “I grew up in a faithful Catholic family. In 8th grade, my girlfriend and I were both thinking about entering the convent, so we wanted to go to a Catholic high school. We were the oldest of large families, and with our begging and begging, and our families’ sacrificing, we were able to attend Sacred Heart Academy in Springfield, Ill., boarding in Siena Hall. I ended up entering the convent after graduation, but my girlfriend did not return her junior year, and eventually married. I believe it was God leading me through her companionship.”
Sister Katrina became a Springfield Dominican Sister, taking her temporary vows in 1967 and her final vows in 1972. Once in the community, Sister Katrina earned a degree in elementary education from St. Ambrose College. She was an educator for 54 years teaching at Christ the King School, Springfield, Ill., and at Holy Rosary, Duluth, Minn. After earning a graduate degree, she served as a principal at St. Maurice, Morrisonville, Ill., and St. Thomas More, Elgin, Ill., and Saints Peter and Paul, Cary, Ill., and was an assistant principal at Rosary High School in Aurora, Ill. Since her retirement in 2022, Sister Katrina has served as a full-time volunteer at the Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry. She expressed that after her retirement, she felt called to help feed people. “I have been really blessed to be here, and I have grown to love it here; love the people I see weekly. I know that it’s such a great need and I am grateful to be able to do this pantry work to feed the hungry,” she said.
Just like when she was at Camp Ondessonk, Sister Katrina is personable toward the neighbors that come in through the Food Pantry. A co-worker expressed, “You can always count on her for whatever needs to be done. You can ask her, and she will always do it for you.” Sister Katrina replies, “I am grateful for all the people I have been with in all my places of ministry. They have been a blessing and wonderful to work with. God has been very good to me, and it has been a joy to answer God’s call to serve.”
Click here to learn more about Camp Ondessonk History & Mission.