Spring 2026 Volunteer Opportunities for Loyal Lodge of Ondessonk & Tekakwitha Members

The Loyal Lodge of Ondessonk & Tekakwitha plays a vital role in sustaining Camp Ondessonk’s mission through service, leadership, and community engagement. Lodge members extend the spirit of Camp well beyond the summer months by volunteering their time, talents, and energy to support Camp programs and strengthen local communities directly.

Spring 2026 offers a full calendar of meaningful service opportunities for Lodge members and Lodge families. From community events to hands-on work weekends and race-day support, each experience reflects Camp Ondessonk’s values of stewardship, faith, leadership, and fellowship.

Camp Ondessonk Trivia Night

Saturday, March 7, 2026 | 6:30–8:30 PM

The spring season begins with Camp Ondessonk Trivia Night, an evening of fellowship, friendly competition, and service. Lodge members, parents, alums, and friends are invited to participate in this important fundraising event supporting Camp programs and scholarships.

This year’s “Through the Decades” theme invites teams to travel from sock hops to streaming hits, blending nostalgia with fun. Trivia Night is more than a social gathering. It is also a hands-on way to volunteer by helping form teams, recruit participants, and support a key Camp fundraiser.

• Location: Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 505 Fountains Parkway, Fairview Heights, Ill. 62208
• Event Highlights: Multi-round trivia covering nostalgia and general knowledge; optional decade-themed attire
• Tickets: $30 per individual or $200 per table of 8 (space is limited)
• Volunteer Opportunities:
  • Help with event set-up and logistics
  • Help organize or recruit a trivia team
  • Sponsor a table or donate raffle items
  • Invite friends, family, and coworkers to attend

All proceeds directly support Camp Ondessonk youth programs and scholarships.

For more information, contact Jennifer Tyler at 618-695-2489 ex.112 or jennifer.tyler@ondessonk.com.

Belleville St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Saturday, March 14, 2026 | 11:00 AM

Lodge members are invited to volunteer by joining Camp Ondessonk’s float in the Belleville St. Patrick’s Day Parade, hosted by the Ancient Order of Hibernians (Michael P. Keeley Division). This event is a visible and celebratory way to represent Camp Ondessonk while supporting a long-standing community tradition.

• Location: Downtown Belleville, Ill.
• Who Can Participate: Active Lodge members, parents, alums, and friends
• Volunteer Role: Walk with the Camp Ondessonk float and represent Camp within the community
• What to Wear: Camp Ondessonk apparel or Garnier Green encouraged

This is a simple but meaningful way to volunteer while celebrating faith, heritage, and community.

March Work Weekend

March 20–22, 2026 | Camp Ondessonk

March Work Weekend provides Lodge members with an opportunity to serve Camp directly through hands-on projects that prepare Camp for spring events and summer programming.

During this weekend, Lodge volunteers will focus on trail maintenance and course preparation in advance of the Ondessonk Trail Races.

• Service Focus: Trail maintenance and race-course preparation
• Who Can Attend: Active Lodge members
• What to Bring: Work clothes, work gloves, and closed-toed shoes
• Impact: Ensures Camp trails are safe, accessible, and ready for a major community event

This weekend is ideal for members who enjoy physical work, teamwork, and contributing to Camp infrastructure.

Ondessonk Trail Races (Volunteer Opportunity)

Saturday, April 11, 2026 | Camp Ondessonk

Lodge members are needed to volunteer during the 16th Annual Ondessonk Trail Races, one of Camp Ondessonk’s signature spring events. With expanded race offerings this year, volunteer support is essential to ensure a safe and successful experience for runners and families.

Race Overview (For Participants)

• Half Marathon
  • Start Time: 8:00 AM
  • Early Bird Pricing: $50 until March 13; $75 after
  • Awards: Top male and female finishers
• Manchester Trail 10k
  • Start Time: 8:30 AM
  • Early Bird Pricing: $40 until March 13; $50 after
  • Awards: Top male and female finishers
• 5k Run
  • Start Time: 9:00 AM
  • Pricing: $30 early bird; $35 after March 13
  • Awards: Top male and female finishers
• One-Mile Fun Run
  • Start Time: 10:00 AM
  • Pricing: $20
  • Family-friendly course around Lake Echon

Lodge Volunteer Roles

Lodge volunteers are especially needed for:

• Aid stations
• Race registration and check-in
• Race timing support
• Course marshaling and logistics
• General event support and hospitality

Volunteering at the Trail Races is a high-impact way to serve Camp, support community wellness, and demonstrate Lodge leadership. For more information, contact Jennifer Tyler at 618-695-2489 ex.112 or jennifer.tyler@ondessonk.com.

Spring Lodge Reunion (Service Weekend)

April 17–19, 2026 | Camp Ondessonk

Spring Lodge Reunion is a cornerstone of the Loyal Lodge of Ondessonk & Tekakwitha’s service experience. This free, service-focused weekend brings Lodge members together to prepare Camp for the upcoming summer season while strengthening friendships and faith.

• Check-In: Friday, April 10, 7:00–9:00 PM at the Trading Post
• Service Projects: Saturday daytime projects focused on Camp preparation and maintenance
• What to Bring: Work clothes, work gloves, closed-toed shoes, bedding, and personal items
• Meals Provided: All meals on Saturday, plus breakfast on Sunday
• Mass: Celebrated Saturday evening
• Check-Out: Sunday, April 12, 10:00–11:00 AM at the Covered Bridge
• Cost: FREE for active Lodge members
• Registration Deadline: April 8, 2026

Adult supervision is provided by Camp Ondessonk summer staff.

Active Lodge Membership Required

Participation in Lodge service weekends and certain volunteer opportunities requires active Lodge membership. Members are encouraged to renew annual dues online to ensure eligibility and continued involvement.

• Renew Lodge Membership: Pay dues online to remain active
• Register Early: Volunteer and event registration deadlines apply

Serve Camp. Strengthen Community. Live the Lodge Spirit.

Each of these Spring 2026 opportunities reflects the purpose of the Loyal Lodge of Ondessonk & Tekakwitha: service rooted in faith, leadership through action, and lifelong connection to Camp Ondessonk.

Whether you are gathering a trivia team, maintaining trails, supporting runners, or working side-by-side at Spring Lodge Reunion, your service ensures Camp Ondessonk remains strong for future generations.

We invite you to renew your membership, register early, and join fellow Lodge members this spring as we continue the tradition of giving back to Camp and our community.