Camp Ondessonk is an outdoor adventure paradise! Located on 983 acres in the heart of the Shawnee National Forest, Camp Ondessonk is full of breathtaking heights of huge sandstone bluffs and ridges, lush bottoms, thick oak/hickory forest, canyons, and pre-historic Native American sites.
During the fall, winter, and spring, Camp offers outdoor adventure and education programs to school and youth groups, conference and spiritual retreats, a variety of special interest weekends, hiking, biking, and private camping (or glamping!) for friends and family gatherings. So whether you want a quiet weekend with your family, or want to bring 200 sixth graders for a week of environmental education, Camp Ondessonk’s Year-Round programming will meet your needs!
Thomas Bawden, senior program director of outdoor education at YMCA Camp Copneconic in Fenton, Michigan, stated, “With proven positive impacts of spending time outdoors, it is undeniable that increasing children’s engagement with their natural world should be a priority. Camps are uniquely poised to provide children with a high-quality, engaging experience outdoors that will equip them with the skills, mindset, and passion to continue their natural exploration when they leave camp property. With limited time and resources, it is imperative that camp staff maximize the time they have to share their passion for nature with their campers.”
It is advised that groups make reservations several months in advance – especially larger groups wanting meals and programs and for dates during the busier months of April, May, September, and October. Call (618) 695-2489 or email [email protected].