Camp Ondessonk

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  • Fall Family Camp at Camp Ondessonk Brings Summer Fun into September

    Fall Family Camp at Camp Ondessonk Brings Summer Fun into September

    A Weekend of Connection and Adventure

    During the weekend of September 12–14, 2025, Camp Ondessonk welcomed more than 250 participants for a weekend filled with sunshine, laughter, and outdoor fun at Fall Family Camp. Families gathered in the heart of the Shawnee National Forest to experience a taste of Summer Camp before the crisp autumn air sets in.

    The weekend was designed to bring families together, blending adventure, relaxation, and the special spirit of Ondessonk that has inspired generations. Parents, grandparents, and kids of all ages enjoyed the unique chance to step away from busy routines and reconnect with each other in the beauty of nature.

    Summer Camp Favorites Open for Families

    Fall Family Camp wasn’t just about enjoying the warm days of September; it was about reliving the joy of summer. Many of Camp Ondessonk’s signature Summer Camp activities were open for families to try together:

    • Boating: Families paddled Lake Echon, soaking in the final days of warm weather.
    • Archery: Plenty of bullseyes brought smiles and cheers at the Archery Range.
    • Handicrafts: Creativity flowed as campers of all ages made Boondoggle keepsakes to take home.
    • Climbing Wall: Adventurers tried their skills and cheered one another on as they tested their climbing abilities.
    • Swimming: Yes, even in September, families took the plunge, enjoying one last swim of the season!
    • Horseback Trail Rides: Families saddled up and explored scenic woodland trails, experiencing Camp Ondessonk’s equestrian tradition together.

    Whether it was a child teaching their parent how to tie a Boondoggle, or families cheering each other up the climbing wall, the weekend was filled with the shared joy of discovery and play.

    A Camp Experience for All Ages

    What makes Fall Family Camp special is its inclusiveness. From toddlers splashing in the shallows to grandparents relaxing by the campfire, every generation had a role in the weekend. For many families, the weekend wasn’t just about activities; it was about creating lasting memories and traditions.

    The slower pace of fall combined with the energy of Camp activities gave families the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. Evenings were spent sharing stories, laughing under the stars, and experiencing the simple joy of being together.

    Why Families Love Fall Family Camp

    • A chance to unplug and reconnect without distractions.
    • Opportunities to try new activities in a supportive environment.
    • A unique way to experience the magic of Camp Ondessonk outside of the summer months.
    • The perfect blend of outdoor adventure and family bonding.

    It’s more than just a weekend; it’s an experience that strengthens family bonds and keeps the spirit of camp alive all year long.

    Fall Family Camp at Camp Ondessonk Brings Summer Fun into September_2

    Looking Ahead

    Fall Family Camp 2025 was a resounding success, with more than 250 participants leaving with full hearts, smiling faces, and stories to share. As one parent put it, “It felt like summer never ended, we made memories that will last a lifetime.”

    If you missed out this year, keep an eye out for next year’s Fall Family Camp dates. Whether you’re a long-time Ondessonk family or brand new to Camp, this weekend is the perfect way to experience the magic together.

    Click here to see Camp Ondessonk’s upcoming events.

  • Exciting Developments for Future Campers

    Exciting Developments for Future Campers

    By Amanda Bailey

    From Challenge to Council and East Side to West Side, Camp Ondessonk is developing and improving activity areas for future campers. Below are 3 additions to Camp’s programming that upgrade camper and visitor experiences starting this summer and continuing during the school year.

    The High Jungle
    While participants are harnessed and clipped the entire time, they begin the course by climbing up the rockwall and transition to the first, out of three, new elements.

    1. Zigzag Crossing: 
    Walking sideways on the cable, participants lean in and out from the ropes to reach the next element.      
    zigzag

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    2. X-Bridge:
    Exactly as it sounds. Participants walk to each x-shaped step until they reach the next platform.      x-bridge

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    3. Postman Walk:
    The last element of The High Jungle challenges participants to walk on the bottom cable, lean forward and shuffle across to reach the zip-line.
    postmanswalk

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Upon completing each element, challengers are rewarded with a speedy exit down the zip-line.

    Council
    Council has been moved from the Gazebo to its own location near the unit of Tekakwitha, along Lake Echon. Session 5 introduces rock, wood entry way and benches. The Council Coordinator this summer, Sean Walsh, mentions, “It had to be in the woods. Why be in the Main Area where there are buildings and distractions for campers? We can go to a place where they can admire the nature that they can’t at home.”

    Council benches built by Session 5 volunteers Adam Armstrong, Maggie Simpson and Ken Haas.
    Council benches built by Session 5 volunteers Adam Armstrong, Maggie Simpson and Ken Haas.

    Rock
    Council in progress this week, located on the edge of Lake Echon, near the unit of Tekakwitha.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Walsh adds, “I tell my staff, people go to the Barn for the horses, Aquatics for the water, Challenge for the rock wall, but they come to Council for us. And now we can appreciate the nature while learning the lessons taught at Council.”

    Ondessonk Trails
    Ondessonk’s staff and volunteers are revamping hiking trails in order to submerge campers and visitors deeper into the woods during hikes and all day explorations. The finished trail from Morgan’s Field to Pakentuck allows campers and visitors to never walk on camp roads during their explorations until it’s    time to return for dinner. Joe (435)

    “These Camp trails allow access to beautiful nature that features large groves of trees and sandstone bluff lines. You walk through many different ecosystems in our woods and see the succession before your eyes. It creates a unique Camp Ondessonk experience for all variety of ages.”
    — Ryan Kiefer, Nature Director

     

    “We love to improve our programs to make Ondessonk a unique tradition of fun for campers, visitors and families that visit throughout the summer and year round.”
    –Nolan Hurst, Program Coordinator

    Heepwah!

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