Opening the Door to Family Adventures: Camp Ondessonk Partners with SIRAC
At Camp Ondessonk, we believe that time spent together in God’s creation has the power to strengthen families, build confidence, and create memories that last a lifetime. Thanks to a new partnership with the Southern Illinois Resource and Advocacy Center (SIRAC), more families across Southern Illinois will have the opportunity to experience the joy of Camp.
Through this partnership, approximately $5,000 in scholarship funding will be available to help families participate in Camp Ondessonk’s family weekend programs. The scholarships are designed to expand access for families experiencing poverty and others who may face financial barriers to participating in nature-based family programming.
SIRAC is a Southern Illinois nonprofit committed to supporting and empowering under-resourced and vulnerable individuals, children, and families. Its BRICK Program provides family-centered support, including parent and caregiver support, case management, resource navigation, and connections to community services.
Scholarships were awarded for Fall Family Camp, September 18–20, 2026, giving families the chance to spend a weekend together enjoying a taste of the traditional Camp experience, with activities such as Boating, Archery, Handicrafts, and Climbing.
Scholarships are also available for Mother/Daughter Weekend, October 2–4, 2026, and Father/Son Weekend, April 23–25, 2027. Registration information for Father/Son Weekend will be available later this year.
The scholarship opportunity will be shared with families in SIRAC’s service area, which includes Gallatin, Saline, Hardin, Pope, White, Williamson, Franklin, Jackson, Massac, Union, Johnson, and Alexander counties. Families interested in applying for a scholarship for an upcoming family weekend can complete the application at: https://form.jotform.com/262296258556166
For families who may not otherwise be able to afford a weekend at Camp, a scholarship can mean more than a discounted registration. It can mean the opportunity to unplug from everyday pressures, spend meaningful time together, try something new, and discover the beauty of Southern Illinois.
We are grateful to SIRAC for recognizing the value of nature-based family experiences and for partnering with Camp to help open the door for more families.
Click here to learn more about upcoming Camp Ondessonk Events.