Camp Ondessonk is taking a significant step forward in year one of its 10-Year Forest Management Plan, focusing on restoring the health and biodiversity of a key forested area near…
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Are you looking for a safe, accredited climbing camp and a unique adventure camp for 13 to 15-year-olds? Camp Ondessonk’s Climbing Adventure program answers parents’ question, “Where can my teen…
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By Pati Egan Each unit had a little job they were responsible for doing each day. This was called the Unit Maintenance Project. It was felt that if the campers…
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![Camper vs. Wild: Camp Ondessonk's Teen Adventure Program for Future Leaders Camp Ondessonk's Camper vs. Wild is a Teen Adventure Program for ages 13–15 that turns beginner campers into confident outdoor leaders. Set in the scenic Shawnee National Forest in Southern Illinois, this teen Summer Camp adventure pushes youngsters "outside their comfort zone and into the wild," teaching primitive survival skills and self-reliance. Over a week at Pine Lake, small groups of teens focus on one skill set under expert staff guidance. This immersive program emphasizes real-life leadership skills through teamwork and guided challenge activities. Primitive Camping Skills for Beginners Camper vs. Wild highlights hands-on outdoor skills that build confidence and competence. Participants learn basic backpacking, outdoor cooking, map & compass navigation, fire building, [and] water purification as part of the program. These skills are taught in a beginner-friendly setting, so even first-time backpackers can jump in. For example, campers will: 1. Plan and carry out backpacking trips, learn to pack a pack, Hike trails, and set up camp in the backcountry. 2. Cook meals outdoors: Using camp stoves or fires to prepare simple wilderness recipes, fostering independence and teamwork. 3. Build campfires safely: Practicing Fire-Starting techniques and safety is a classic Camp skill that teaches patience and respect for nature. 4. Purify natural water: Learning to filter and treat stream or lake water to make it safe to drink is an essential wilderness survival skill. 5. Navigate by map and compass: Mastering traditional navigation is "a fundamental backcountry skill," With these abilities, teens carry themselves (and their gear) forward and learn to thrive outdoors. According to one adventure instructor, even something as challenging as drinking creek water becomes a "growth zone" opportunity. As Unit Leader Molly Fitzhenry explains, if a camper is intimidated by ideas like "purifying and drinking water out of a creek," the program lets them "get the skills to live outside safely and enjoy living outside." In other words, Camper vs. Wild provides a safe, supportive learning environment where teens can master primitive living at their own pace. Leadership and Confidence in the Wild Outdoor adventure programs are known for building leadership and resilience. In Camper vs. Wild, teens solve real challenges—such as planning a route or cooking a group meal—which naturally builds leadership. For instance, campers take turns leading navigation exercises: after Map-and-Compass lessons, "they're going to guide us to our new location all by themselves," one counselor noted. Such tasks require decision-making, problem-solving, and effective communication. Camp Ondessonk emphasizes that "through group challenges and guided activities, teens learn to solve problems independently, make critical decisions, and adapt to various outdoor situations," fostering practical leadership skills and self-reliance. These outcomes are backed by youth development research. Learning survival skills "fosters independence, teamwork, and critical thinking, all while encouraging a deeper connection with nature." When campers collaborate on tasks like building a fire or shelter, they "learn that working together enhances their success" and many naturally step into leadership roles. In short, Camp Ondessonk's adventure programs turn fun wilderness challenges into opportunities for personal growth. Real Camper vs. Wild Experiences What do actual campers say? Teen participants report that Camper vs. Wild is a unique change of pace. One returning camper, Remington, contrasts it with traditional camp: "In Camper vs. Wild… it's relaxing and peaceful to be out in the wild," he said, enjoying the slower rhythm and focus on nature. Staff also praise the balance of challenge and fun. Fitzgerald notes that because Camper vs. Wild spends more time in the backcountry, campers develop a deeper appreciation for their surroundings and skills (from fire-building to plant ID). Parents and campers highlight how each day's primitive lessons—whether filtering water or identifying trees—build confidence. Join Our Teen Summer Camp Adventure Camp Ondessonk's Camper vs. Wild is part of a suite of Teen Adventure Programs designed to empower youth. All adventure camps at Ondessonk are coed and led by trained counselors with outdoor leadership backgrounds. The focus on primitive camping and leadership development makes Camper vs. Wild stand out among teen summer camps. Whether your teen is a nature novice or an experienced camper, this program offers a supportive environment to make new friends, learn new skills, and grow into a self-reliant leader in the wilderness. Seize the summer for adventure! Camper vs. Wild is an ideal introduction to backpacking and campcraft. Teens return home from these programs with a new sense of confidence – after all, as one counselor put it, accomplishing these outdoor tasks makes participants feel "capable and self-reliant." For an unforgettable teen adventure that's both educational and inspiring, consider Camp Ondessonk's Camper vs. Wild. Spaces fill fast, so register now and let your teen blaze their own trail at one of America's leading teen summer camps.](https://i0.wp.com/ondessonk.com/wp-content/uploads/Camper-vs.-Wild-Camp-Ondessonks-Teen-Adventure-Program-for-Future-Leaders-Camp-Ondessonks-Camper-vs.-Wild-is-a-Teen-Adventure-Program-for-ages-13%E2%80%9315-that-turns-beginner-campers-into-confident-ou.jpg?fit=800%2C500&ssl=1)
Camp Ondessonk’s Camper vs. Wild is a Teen Adventure Program for ages 13–15 that turns beginner campers into confident outdoor leaders. Set in the scenic Shawnee National Forest in Southern…
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At Camp Ondessonk, we’re proud to offer an exciting Mountain Biking Adventure program designed especially for 13–15-year-olds. As a top-rated Illinois Summer Camp, our 983-acre Ozark campus provides nearly 25…
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Creating menus and preparing meals is a passion for Camp’s new Food Service Director, Paula Foley. With her wealth of experience serving camps and resorts all over the country, Paula…
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