Keeping the Campfire Burning All Year Long
It’s difficult for Amy Goretzke to share just one favorite memory when talking about Camp Ondessonk, “There are too many to just name one!” she explained. “There is something about crossing that Bridge from the parking lot into Camp O upon arrival. It’s home away from home, and you know you’re going to have an amazing time. I also really enjoyed hiking to places like Packentuck and Phantoms Canyon where you are right in the heart of one of the most beautiful places on earth. Of course, just being able to have fun and not have a care in the world, riding horses, making boondoggles, or playing Espionage, and hanging out in the Original Dining Hall waiting to find out who won! However, I think my most memorable experience was being inducted into Lodge. This was quite an honor, and this will always be a highlight for me!”
That honor came in 1992 while Amy was participating in the Counselor-In-Training program after multiple summers as a camper in the late 1980s and early 1990s. “I very much looked forward to spending time at Camp every summer – it didn’t matter if you were popular or not or what your interests were, no one was an outsider at Camp, there was a sense of belonging. Although I didn’t realize it at the time, I learned many valuable lessons at Camp which helped shape who I am today, and my time at Camp Ondessonk fostered my love of the Shawnee National Forest,” she shared.
Amy continued, “Understanding what it takes to run and maintain Camp Ondessonk – from upkeep of property to maintaining the equestrian herd, to continuing to provide summer and educational programs, community support is vital to the success of this organization. It’s easy to sit back and think Camp O will always be around to fulfill its mission, but volunteers and donors are necessary to make that a reality. My hope is that Camp will continue to operate and be available for children and adults to enjoy for many years in the future.”
Amy put her hope into action by joining the Campfire Circle in 2020. “I would encourage anyone to join the Campfire Circle and donate, even if it’s just $5 a month,” she explained. “No amount is too small – if we all donate just a little bit it can really add up! It is rewarding to know I made an impact on Camp operations, helping to ensure Camp O is able to remain open and continue to offer this valuable experience to future campers. I do enjoy reading the newsletters and messages from Dan, highlighting how donations are being used, as it helps me feel like I’ve made a difference.”
Her generosity as a member of the Campfire Circle monthly giving program does make a difference, not just for summer campers, but for everyone who travels down the Camp Road each year. She now enjoys taking advantage of programming during the Education & Recreation Season with her sisters and mother. She explained, “It’s not just about Summer Camp, it’s so much more! You can visit throughout the year, and you don’t even have to camp. You can stay at St. Noel or just visit for the day. It’s not just for kids! Plan a visit and enjoy this amazing gift from God!”
Click here to learn more about the Campfire Circle.