Working in small groups with three to four specially-trained staff members, our Teen Adventure Camps allow campers to focus on various sets of skills for an entire week. This creates an opportunity for remarkable knowledge and skill growth. Like Traditional campers, Adventure campers are eligible for induction into the Lodge of Ondessonk & Tekakwitha, Camp Ondessonk’s service society.
ALL TEEN ADVENTURE CAMPS ARE COED!
Shawnee Adventures
Ages 13-15, Beginner
Shawnee Adventures is designed for seasoned campers looking for a new way to experience Camp Ondessonk. Campers embark on four different one-day adventures that explore Camp Ondessonk’s 983 acres and the surrounding Shawnee National Forest to learn technical and leadership skills. They will participate in activities during the day, such as rock climbing, hiking, mountain biking, and canoeing and then stay on-site at night, eat meals in the Dining Hall, and join Camp’s traditional evening activities to remain engaged in the Ondessonk traditions that they love.
Frontcountry, On-Camp Adventure
Horse Camp
Ages 12-15, Beginner
Horse Camp is designed for campers looking to expand their equine camp experience. Campers get to enjoy trail rides through our pastures and forested trails, arena lessons improving upon position and riding technique, and will ride to their overnight spot at Durbin’s Barn. All riding levels are welcome from introductory to experienced riding. Campers who have never ridden a horse before are encouraged to attend Traditional Camp to acquire their first riding experience.
Weight limit of 225lbs for rider and horse safety.
Frontcountry, On-Camp Adventure
VIDEO: Horse Camp Provides a Non-Traditional Experience
Art & Earth Adventure
Ages 13-15, Beginner
Connect with nature and awaken your creative spirit at Art & Earth Adventure. This week-long immersive experience invites campers to explore both the arts and the natural world through hands-on activities like wildcrafting, storytelling, regional artisan crafts, and more. On Friday afternoons and evenings, campers will also take part in Camp Ondessonk’s beloved traditional activities, staying rooted in the traditions they cherish. Discover new ways to interpret the beauty of nature—and share that connection with the world around you.
Frontcountry, On-Camp Adventure
VIDEO: Art & Earth Adventure at Camp Ondessonk | Part 1 | Wildcrafting, Storytelling & Nature Arts
VIDEO: Art & Earth Adventure at Camp Ondessonk | Part 2 | Meeting Campers Where They Are
VIDEO: Art & Earth Adventure at Camp Ondessonk | Part 3 | Camp Ondessonk Teen Program
VIDEO: Art & Earth Adventure at Camp Ondessonk | Part 4 | The Series Finale
Camper vs. Wild
Ages 13-15, Beginner
In Camper vs. Wild, campers build leadership skills by learning primitive nature-based skills, guided challenge activities, and immersion experiences. Skills include outdoor cooking, map and compass & land navigation, fire building, water purification, primitive crafts, and more! The program ends with an immersive survival hike where campers must navigate across Camp Ondessonk using newly learned navigation techniques, while stopping along the way to participate in challenges the staff has set up to test their skills. Campers will spend multiple days during their week camping at Pine Lake and other outpost sites at Camp Ondessonk. Camp Ondessonk will provide the tents and tarps needed for this adventure.
Frontcountry, On-Camp Adventure
VIDEO: Camper vs. Wild Exposes Campers to the Outdoors
Advanced Horse Camp
Ages 13-16, Intermediate
Advanced Horse Camp is designed for the horse camper who is proficient at trotting or has previous Horse Camp sessions under their belt. Advanced Horse campers work closely with one horse for the entire week, and participate in multiple mounted and ground lessons every day. In addition to this, they get to ride their horses to the overnight spot at Durbin’s Barn.
Weight Limit of 225lbs for rider and horse safety.
Frontcountry, On and Off-Camp Adventure
Climbing Adventure
Ages 13-15, Intermediate
Climbing Adventure campers spend their days practicing and learning the knots, equipment, and techniques needed to rock climb outdoors. The beginning of the session is spent climbing at Pakentuck on Camp’s property, then campers get to travel to premiere rock-climbing destinations close by in Southern Illinois. One day is dedicated to learning to ascend a rope high into the forest canopy with a professional tree climber. Nights are spent camping at nearby backcountry sites.
Frontcountry, On and Off-Camp Adventure
Horse Adventure
Ages 13-16, Advanced
Horse Adventure is designed for campers interested in exploring the scenic backcountry trails of the Shawnee National Forest on horseback. It offers the perfect opportunity to expand and develop horsemanship and outdoor skills. Throughout their adventure, campers will be taking care of the horses, setting up the campsite, cooking meals, relaxing around the campfire, and may have the opportunity to explore creeks and swimming holes. It is required that campers have previous horseback trail experience, including mild to moderately technical trails.
Weight Limit of 225lbs for rider and horse safety.
Backcountry, On and Off-Camp Adventure
Frontcountry Camping means living in a tent at Camp or an established campground with bathroom facilities and water available.
Backcountry Camping means living in a tent or under a tarp away from a road or vehicle. Backcountry campers must carry all their supplies with them and must find and purify water each day. No bathroom facilities exist. Staff teach campers how to live comfortably without front country amenities.
