Legacy of Service: Camp Ondessonk Recognizes Outstanding Leaders at Gala Italiano

Every two years, Camp Ondessonk proudly honors outstanding members of its community whose leadership, dedication, and service embody the spirit of Camp. These individuals are recognized with prestigious awards established by The Lodge of Ondessonk & Tekakwitha, Camp’s service organization for campers, staff, and volunteers. Among the highest honors are the Merit of St. René Goupil Award and the St. Jean de Brébeuf Award. The 2025 recipients were celebrated in grand fashion during Camp’s biennial Gala Italiano, held Saturday, March 1, 2025.

The Merit of St. René Goupil Award is given to an outstanding non-Lodge member who has rendered meritorious service to Lodge, Camp Ondessonk, and their community. The 2025 Recipients of the St. René Goupil Award are Curt Fest and Gregg Korte.

For more than 30 years, Curt Fest has been a steadfast supporter of Camp Ondessonk, giving his time, talent, and treasure to help ensure its continued success.

As a dedicated volunteer, Curt has played a vital role in major projects, including the construction of the Pete Korte Lodge. He is also a familiar face at Spring Round-Up weekends, always ready to lend a helping hand. Curt’s impact goes beyond his own contributions. He actively recruits friends to join him in volunteering, fostering a spirit of community and collaboration that strengthens Camp’s network of supporters.

Curt’s commitment and generous spirit have left a lasting legacy at Camp Ondessonk, inspiring others to serve and ensuring Camp Ondessonk endures for generations to come.

Gregg Korte, president of Korte & Luitjohan Contractors, Inc. (K&L), carries forward the motto made popular by his father, Pete Korte, “It’s all for the kids!” 

Gregg leads K&L’s continued support of Camp Ondessonk through the annual golf benefit and numerous capital projects at Camp. Most recently, Gregg and his team supported the construction of the Pete Korte Lodge and helped complete Camp’s new wastewater treatment plant. Beyond Camp Ondessonk, he serves on the boards of the Southwest Illinois Leadership Council, Southern Illinois Builder Association, Southwestern Madison County Chamber of Commerce, Consolidated Construction Safety Fund of Illinois, and is a committee member for Caritas Family Solutions.

In accepting the award, Gregg Korte thanked God for “K&L’s good fortune and profitability, which makes it possible to be a good Camp O supporter.”  He also gave thanks to the K&L employees who have given their personal time and talent to help on Camp projects, as well as his mother and siblings for their continued support. Gregg Korte’s leadership, generosity, and dedication to his community continue to make a lasting impact at Camp Ondessonk and throughout Southern Illinois.

The St. Jean de Brébeuf Award is given to an active or associate Lodge member for rendering meritorious service to Camp Ondessonk, Lodge, and their community. The 2025 recipients of the St. Jean de Brébeuf Award are Ken Haas, Claire Hatch, and Tom Smugala.

Ken Haas became hooked on Camp Ondessonk in 1966. He attended that first summer by himself and returned for four more years before becoming a C.I.T. in 1971 and serving on staff in the early to mid-1970s. He became a Lodge member in 1970.

After his last year on staff, Ken joined the Air Force and was active duty for 20 years. After he retired from the Air Force, the Haas family moved to Belleville to be close to family and Ken went to work for Midcoast Aviation in Sauget, Ill., where he continued working in avionics, but on private aircraft. In 2006, Ken volunteered at his first Stable Round-Up with his daughter, Crystal, and quickly became an indispensable Maintenance volunteer at Camp. Ken is part of the foursome that includes Jim Shively, Jim Stern, and Kyle Keserauskis, and has helped complete many important projects at Camp.

Ken’s passion, dedication, and hands-on service have made a lasting impact at Camp Ondessonk, where his work helps ensure that generations of campers continue to experience the joy and adventure that first captured his heart in 1966.

Claire Hatch’s journey with Camp Ondessonk began in the late 1960s as a camper. During the summer of 1972, she became a C.I.T., was inducted into Lodge, and joined the summer staff. Over the course of 28 summers, from 1972 to 2000, Claire served in numerous roles, demonstrating her deep commitment to Camp’s mission and making an indelible mark on campers and staff alike. Claire has remained an active volunteer, continuing to share her knowledge and passion with the Camp community.

Camp Ondessonk affirmed Claire’s calling to become a teacher, a vocation she has pursued with excellence for nearly 46 years. For the past 33 years, she has served as Principal of Blessed Sacrament School in Belleville, Ill., where she has integrated Camp into the curriculum, ensuring her 8th-grade students experience the magic of Outdoor Education.

Beyond Camp and the classroom, Claire has also dedicated herself to serving her community. She is actively involved with Althoff Catholic High School, Sister Thea Bowman Catholic School, and several other organizations. Her support of Camp Ondessonk continues through her membership in the Campfire Circle, sponsorship of the Pete Korte Memorial Golf Benefit, and her status as a Lifetime Lodge member. Claire truly embodies the essence of the St. Jean de Brébeuf Award through her service to Camp, the Lodge, and her community.

In 1972, Tom Smugala enjoyed his first year as a camper. He loved everything about the Camp experience, but Horseback Riding was always his favorite. He was inducted into Lodge in 1975. Camp’s biggest impact on him came during the years 2010 through 2015 when he and his son, Jordan, would attend Father-Son weekends.

Tom and his wife, Shari, started their own business, StoneTree Fabrications, Inc. after a company they both worked for left town. At StoneTree Fabrications, the process is designed to bring the passion for artistry, accuracy, and dependability that Tom’s dad instilled in him.

When a special project comes along at Ondessonk, Tom is one of the first to volunteer his time, expertise, and resources.  In addition to donating items for Camp’s many auctions, Tom’s and Shari’s company has donated vanities for the swimming area bath house, custom cabinets for the Handicrafts Pavilion, all the cabinets and shelving for the Fournie Lodge renovation, and most recently, all the cabinets for the kitchens and baths in the new Pete Korte Lodge.

Tom’s unwavering generosity, craftsmanship, and love for Camp Ondessonk continue to leave a lasting mark, ensuring that future generations can enjoy the same meaningful experiences that have shaped his life.

Together, the 2025 award recipients exemplify the heart and soul of Camp Ondessonk – selfless service, enduring generosity, and a deep commitment to nurturing future generations. Through their time, talents, and dedication, Curt Fest, Gregg Korte, Ken Haas, Claire Hatch, and Tom Smugala have not only strengthened the Camp community but have also inspired others to carry on the mission of Camp Ondessonk with love, purpose, and pride.

Click here to learn more about The Loyal Lodge of Ondessonk & Tekakwitha.