Meet the New Outdoor Education Instructors at Camp Ondessonk
Camp Ondessonk is excited to welcome a dynamic team of new Outdoor Education Instructors for the upcoming season! These talented individuals have undergone extensive training to provide engaging and educational experiences for visiting school groups. Their first week of programming kicked off March 31st with our Afterschool Camp, as well as Mt. Zion High School and Our Lady Queen of Peace later in the week.
Meet the Instructors
Our new team of Outdoor Education Instructors brings passion, expertise, and a love for the outdoors:
- Lathan Bower – Senior Outdoor Education Instructor
- Luke Schauster – Outdoor Education Instructor
- Clare Keeven – Outdoor Education Instructor
- Ellie Roth – Outdoor Education Instructor
- Sam Lenhard – Outdoor Education Instructor
- Dominic (Dom) Vanderiet – Outdoor Education Instructor
All six of this season’s instructors have long histories with Camp Ondessonk, coming as campers and giving time out of many of their summers to serve as counselors and on the Summer Leadership Team. Lathan, Ellie, Sam, and Dom are all in their second or more Outdoor Education season. Luke and Clare are joining us for their first season as Outdoor Education Instructors. Each instructor is crucial in delivering high-quality outdoor education programs that foster self-discovery, relationship-building, and connection with the natural world.
Comprehensive Outdoor Education Training
Camp Ondessonk provided an in-depth training program covering a wide range of topics and hands-on experiences to ensure that every instructor is well-prepared for the season. Here are some of the many skills and knowledge that the team has been working to develop over the past couple of weeks:
Soft Skills and Theory:
- Experiential Education Cycle, Challenge by Choice, Sequencing, Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, Johari Window
- Debriefing Skills & Techniques, Learning Modalities, and Teaching Methods
- Child Protection, Site & Risk Management
- Child Development, Stages of Group Development, Group Management, and Communication Techniques
Hard Skills and Activity Instruction:
- Archery, Outdoor Living Skills, Canoeing, Kayaking, and Teambuilding Facilitation
- Horseback riding instruction and horse care
- High Challenge Course facilitation, belaying, & natural rock climbing
- Hike leading, land navigation, and nature interpretation
Experience Outdoor Education at Camp Ondessonk
With a strong team of trained instructors and a comprehensive program, Camp Ondessonk continues to provide exceptional outdoor education experiences empowering kids of all ages. If you’re interested in booking a visit, learning more about our programs, or exploring partnership opportunities, reach out at outdooreducation@ondessonk.com or give us a call at (618) 695-2489.
Stay tuned for more updates and stories from our Outdoor Education team throughout the season as they give their all in “teaching what matters most” to students from across Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, and Kentucky!
