Camp Ondessonk has two Mini Camp programs available for our younger campers. Our Mini Camps are the perfect way to give campers an introduction to the Camp Ondessonk tradition of rustic, nature-based camping in the Shawnee National Forest. With one Ondessonk counselor for every three or four campers, mini campers receive nearly constant guidance and companionship from our caring staff. Incidentally, many of our staff members were once mini campers.
Mini Camp
Age Range: Entering 3rd grade or 8 years old – 5th grade or through 10 years old
Mini Camp is a special 3-day session for younger campers who are not quite ready to stay away from home for a whole week. This program provides a supervised introduction to camping with lots of individual attention. Their schedule includes handicrafts, boating, swimming, archery, woodscraft, special themed activities, evening campfires, skits, and lots of singing. All activities are modified to best serve their age group. Learn more about Mini Camp’s programs and activities.
Mini Camp Explorers
Age Range: Entering 3rd grade or 8 years old – 5th grade or through 10 years old
Mini Camp Explorers is a special 6-day session that offers an extended experience that builds upon the Mini Camp program. By popular demand, young campers will spend the entire week discovering all the Camp Ondessonk activities and traditions so beloved by campers over the past 60 summers.
Mini Camp Explorers will enjoy nature walks, handicrafts, boating, swimming, archery, a pony ride experience, campfires, structured social time, and skits while living in a communal setting designed to develop social skills and build friendships. Mini Camp Explorers is led by a specialized staff equipped with the counseling skills to best serve the mini camp age group and introduce campers to the wonderful world of an outdoor, week-long sleep-away camp. Learn more about Mini Camp’s programs and activities.
