Teenage Summer Camp
We have Teenage Summer Camps specifically designed for your teenager with leadership development as its core principle. Teenagers have the opportunity to directly participate in outdoor education and adventure under a knowledgeable staff with extensive experience in fields related to youth development and outdoor leadership.
Working in small groups with two or three highly trained staff members, adventure campers focus on one set of skills for an entire week. This creates an opportunity for remarkable knowledge and skill growth. To help parents make good choices for their children, these programs are divided into three levels. ALL OF CAMP ONDESSONK’S ADVENTURE PROGRAMS ARE COED; REGARDLESS OF THE GENDER OF THE CONCURRENT TRADITIONAL SESSION.
Like Traditional Campers, Adventure Campers are eligible for induction into Lodge, Ondessonk’s honor society.
SAME GREAT PROGRAMS, GREATER VALUE…
BEGINNER ADVENTURES
Campers in Beginner Adventure sessions spend their days building skills, their evenings enjoying traditional Ondessonk activities like the Tuesday Night Game, and gaining new experiences in smaller, more intimate groups. No prior rock climbing, hiking, paddling, or horsemanship experience required.
Horse Camp
Ages: 12-15
2017 Dates:
Session 1 Horse Camp – June 4- June 10
Session 3 Horse Camp – June 18- June 24
Session 5 Horse Camp – July 2- July 8
Session 6 Horse Camp – July 9- July 15
Session 8 Horse Camp – July 23- July 29
To be placed on a waiting list for a session that is full call our Camp Registrar 877-659-2267 ext. 109.
Cost: $660/$610/$560 ($100 non-refundable deposit if registering by mail; remainder due 4 weeks prior to camp date; variable payment options if registering on line – $100 of which is a non-refundable deposit)
Love horses? Love Camp O? Want both? Horse Camp is for you. Spend your days at the Ondessonk Stables learning how to care for and groom your horse, develop basic horsemanship and riding skills, and enjoy long rides through our pristine pasture lands and oak-hickory forested trails. Spend your evenings doing those Camp O activities you love, the nights cozy in your cabin. And yes, you can bring your horse on the overnight!
Visit the Packing List Page to know what to pack.
Read the Horse Camp Itinerary to see what you’ll be doing.
Apply for a scholarship.
Hike, Bike, Paddle, and Climb
Ages: 12-16
2017 Dates:
Session 1 Hike, Bike, Paddle, and Climb – June 4- June 10
Session 7 Hike, Bike, Paddle, and Climb – July 16- July 22
To be placed on a waiting list for a session that is full call our Camp Registrar 877-659-2267 ext. 109.
Cost: $625/$575/$525 ($100 non-refundable deposit if registering by mail; remainder due 4 weeks prior to camp date; variable payment options if registering on line – $100 of which is a non-refundable deposit)
This program is designed to give older campers a taste of multiple adventures within one program. This “sampler” offers a taste of several adventures, including hiking, mountain biking, paddling, and rock climbing. All gear and instruction is provided including a top of the line mountain bike from expert guides and instructors from the Bike Surgeon in Shiloh, Illinois.
Register for Hike, Bike, Paddle and Climb.
Visit the Packing List Page to know what to pack.
Read the HBPC Itinerary to see what you’ll be doing.
Apply for a scholarship.
INTERMEDIATE ADVENTURES
Intermediate Adventure sessions offer more time away from the main area of Ondessonk, a higher level of challenge, and more advanced instruction. Intermediate Adventure Campers spend most nights in the backcountry and return to the main area to enjoy end-of-session all-camp activities like Marathon and Closing Campfire. Prior experience recommended but not required. Great attitude required.
Shawnee Backpacking & Zipline Adventure
Ages: 13-16
2017 Date: Session 4 Shawnee Backpacking & Zip-Line Adv. – June 25- July 1
Cost: $625/$575/$525 ($100 non-refundable deposit if registering by mail; remainder due 4 weeks prior to camp date; variable payment options if registering on line – $100 of which is a non-refundable deposit)
Explore the beautiful Shawnee National Forest on the ground and in the air. This program will combine backpacking on the beautiful River to-River trail with a vertical view of the forest from ziplines located throughout Southern Illinois.
Register for Shawnee Backpack & Zip-Line Adventure.
Visit the Packing List Page to know what to pack.
Read the Backpacking and Zipline Adventure Itinerary to see what you’ll be doing.
Apply for a scholarship.
Horse Adventure
Ages: 13-16
2017 Dates:
Session 2 Horse Adventure – June 11- June 17
Session 4 Horse Adventure – June 25- July 1
Session 7 Horse Adventure – July 16- July 22
Session 9 Horse Adventure – July 30- August 5
Cost: $685/$635/$585 ($100 non-refundable deposit if registering by mail; remainder due 4 weeks prior to camp date; variable payment options if registering on line – $100 of which is a non-refundable deposit)
Since 1991, our long-standing Adventure Camp favorite! Exploring the scenic backcountry trails of the Shawnee National Forest offers the perfect opportunity to expand horsemanship skills and develop outdoor living skills. Campers will receive instruction and supervision from instructors trained by the Certified Horsemanship Association throughout their trip. Evenings are spent taking care of the horses, setting up the campsite, cooking meals, and relaxing around the campfire.
Visit the Packing List Page to know what to pack.
Read the Horse Adventure Itinerary to see what you’ll be doing.
Apply for a scholarship.
Climbing Adventure
Ages: 13-16
2017 Date: Session 6 Climbing Adventure – July 9- July 15
Cost: $625/$575/$525 ($100 non-refundable deposit if registering by mail; remainder due 4 weeks prior to camp date; variable payment options if registering on line – $100 of which is a non-refundable deposit)
Climbing Adventure campers spend their days practicing knots, familiarizing themselves with the equipment, and learning the techniques of rock climbing. This program is designed to develop skills and knowledge that allow campers to feel comfortable on progressively more challenging climbs. The beginning of the session is spent climbing at Pakentuck on Camp’s property and progresses up to the Jackson Falls area, the Midwest’s premier climbing destination located in the Shawnee National Forest. One day is dedicated to learning to ascend a rope high into the forest canopy with a professional tree climber. Nights are spent camping on-site or at nearby campsites where participants cook and relax together.
Register for Climbing Adventure
Visit the Packing List Page to know what to pack.
Read the Climbing Adventure Itinerary to see what you’ll be doing.
Apply for a scholarship.
Mountain Biking Adventure
Ages: 12-16
2017 Date: Session 3 Mountain Biking Adventure – June 18- June 24
Cost: $625/$575/$525 ($100 non-refundable deposit if registering by mail; remainder due 4 weeks prior to camp date; variable payment options if registering on line – $100 of which is a non-refundable deposit)
Campers will spend the beginning of this program at camp learning riding techniques, bike repair, and practicing on our extensive trail system. This program will progress with more challenging rides off-site on some of the best mountain biking trails the Shawnee National Forest has to offer. Bring your own bike or ride one of the line mountain bikes provided by the expert guides and instructors from the Bike Surgeon in Shiloh, Illinois.
Register for Mountain Biking Adventure.
Visit the Packing List Page to know what to pack.
Read the Mountain Biking Adventure Itinerary to see what you’ll be doing.
Apply for a scholarship.
Camper vs. Wild
Ages: 12-16
2017 Dates:
Session 2 Camper vs. Wild – June 11- June 17
Session 9 Camper vs. Wild -July 30-Aug 5
To be placed on a waiting list for a session that is full call our Camp Registrar 877-659-2267 ext. 109.
Cost: $625/$575/$525 ($100 non-refundable deposit if registering by mail; remainder due 4 weeks prior to camp date; variable payment options if registering on line – $100 of which is a non-refundable deposit)
Participants will develop real-life leadership skills by learning primitive camping techniques and outdoor living skills. Campers will base camp all week from one of Camp O’s more remote campsites at Pine Lake. Lessons and activities include: basic backpacking, outdoor cooking, map and compass navigation, fire building, water purification, and much more!
Visit the Packing List Page to know what to pack.
Read the Camper vs. Wild Itinerary to see what you’ll be doing.
Apply for a scholarship.
Paddling Adventure
Ages: 13-16 years
2017 Date: Session 3 Paddling Adventure – June 18- June 24
Cost: $685/$635/$585 ($100 non-refundable deposit if registering by mail; remainder due 4 weeks prior to camp date; variable payment options if registering on line – $100 of which is a non-refundable deposit)
Campers will experience a true Ozark river trip as they spend 4 days paddling Missouri’s beautiful Eleven Point River. The group will receive a day of instruction at Camp prior to departing. Our lifeguard-certified counselors will lead campers through fun ripples and easy rapids that require navigation but are appropriate for novices. As they go, campers will work on their paddling and outdoor living skills while setting up camp each night under the stars. Campers are required to wear lifejackets at all times in and on the water, but should still be comfortable in moving water and able to complete the intermediate swim assessment upon check-in at camp.
Visit the Packing List Page to know what to pack.
Read the River Adventure Itinerary to see what you’ll be doing.
Apply for a scholarship.
ADVANCED ADVENTURES
These programs are based away from Camp Ondessonk and are great opportunities for older or veteran campers to use the skills they’ve gained in previous adventure sessions, on their own, or at other camps. Advanced Adventures include longer travel times and the opportunities for learning about new areas of the country!
Smoky Mountain Adventure
Ages: 15-18
2017 Date: Session 5 Smoky Mountain Adventure – July 2- July 8
Cost: $850/$800/$750 ($100 non-refundable deposit if registering by mail; remainder due 4 weeks prior to camp date; variable payment options if registering on line – $100 of which is a non-refundable deposit)
Specially designed for high school age campers, we will travel to North Carolina and experience one of the nation’s best introductory whitewater rivers with professional guides. This trip will also include hiking on the Appalachian Trail, one of America’s greatest long trails. Campers must be able to pass the intermediate swim test.
Register for Smoky Mountain Adventure
Visit the Packing List Page to know what to pack as well as the NOC Packing List.
Read the Smoky Mountain Adventure Itinerary to see what you’ll be doing.
Apply for a scholarship.
Surfing Adventure
Ages: 13-17
2017 Date: Session 8 Surfing Adventure July 23-29
Cost: $815/$775/$725 ($100 non-refundable deposit if registering by mail; remainder due 4 weeks prior to camp date; variable payment options if registering on line – $100 of which is a non-refundable deposit)
NEW! Surfing Adventure Campers will travel to historic Charleston, South Carolina where they will participate in a multi-day surf camp with professional surfing instructors. In the afternoons there are opportunities for Stand Up Paddleboarding, visiting Ft. Sumter, or exploring the Francis Marion National Forest. This program also includes a half day kayak tour through saltwater marshes with abundant wildlife. Campers must be strong swimmers comfortable in breaking waves.
Register for Surfing Adventure
Visit the Packing List Page to know what to pack.
Read the Surfing Adventure Itinerary to see what you’ll be doing.
Apply for a scholarship.
My teenager thinks they are too old for summer camp