Spring Lodge Reunion 2023
By Tristen Payne
The Lodge Officials extend their heartfelt gratitude to all the dedicated participants of Spring Lodge Reunion 2023, who worked tirelessly to make it a resounding success! We commend you for your outstanding efforts and unwavering commitment to Camp Ondessonk. In the spirit of Earth Day, Lodge members completed various service projects to help Camp prepare for the quickly approaching summer season. Some of these projects included digging holes to replace posts around the archery range and at the challenge course, trail maintenance crews tackled cleaning up current hiking trails and continued work on the new Grotto trail, and a crew hiked out to all the overnight spots and cleared out firepits and overgrowth. Another group spread new sand on the beach of Lake St. Isaac while the mulching crew mulched all the flower beds and other areas around Camp. Additionally, members spent time in the office making hundreds of phone calls to remind people to sign up for summer camp during the telethon. Lastly, a group ventured to the barn to oil all the saddles and groom the horses!
On Saturday night after Mass, the Lodge Officials held a meeting where they made some exciting changes to the constitution surrounding the election and voting procedure for future Lodge Officials. The night concluded with smores’ and a bonfire surrounded by new and old friends.
On Sunday morning, the Lodge Officials recognized all the Lodge Councils for their incredible work over the off-season. A huge Heepwah is extended to the Peoria Lodge Council for winning Council of the Year! Members of the Peoria Lodge Council displayed tremendous dedication to both Camp and their communities over the year through various projects, including organizing two work weekends, volunteering at their local food pantry, sewing sashes, raising more than $1000, to be allocated to the Campership fund, donating blankets and other items to Salvation Army, making holiday cards for hospitals and nursing homes, and they are currently planning to host a golf outing over the summer! Additionally, we would like to congratulate the Central Indiana Lodge Council for receiving the “Greenest Council” award. Despite being newly formed in the fall, they have shown eagerness and dedication toward building their Lodge member base and continuing to meet regularly. We look forward to seeing what they will accomplish together!
Lastly, the Lodge Officials would like to remind and express their gratitude to members that paying Lodge dues helps to ensure that weekends like Spring Lodge Reunion are free for Lodge members to do incredible work for Camp. Your support is invaluable in helping us continue to make a positive impact on our community.
Click here to learn more about The Loyal Lodge of Ondessonk & Tekakwitha.