Lodge Updates

By Evan Coulson

The Lodges of Ondessonk and Tekakwitha have a rich history of serving Camp Ondessonk while providing opportunities for campers and staff to remain connected to Camp and each other throughout the year.

As spring starts bringing life back to the forest, Camp Ondessonk begins preparing for the coming summer and the return of campers. The spring Lodge Workshop, May 14, 15, and 16, 2010, provides an opportunity for campers and staff to return once more to Camp to help prepare the buildings and grounds for another summer season. As is often heard at Camp Ondessonk, many hands make light work, and the place comes alive as Lodge members all pitch in to serve.

Each fall, lodge campers and staff return to Ondessonk for a weekend of hiking, sharing stories and memories from their summer, and taking up official Lodge business such as electing the year’s officials and considering nominations for Lodge Awards. The fall Lodge Reunion traditionally includes a hike to Reunion Rock, a beloved spot deep within the Shawnee National Forest, to rekindle summer friendships amongst the backdrop of autumn leaves.

Many campers, staff, and alumni look forward to these time honored traditions each year, and will be excited to learn that one more annual event is in the works. Camp Ondessonk is in the process of developing a third Lodge weekend, one that is sure to become an instant tradition in its own right. This event will be a service themed work-weekend for camper and staff alumni who are members of Lodge and over 21 years of age. Stay tuned as news of this new Lodge Weekend develops!