The Stewarts Generous Donation of Time and Expertise
By Judy Blase Woodruff
Not all folks begin volunteering at Camp Ondessonk because they were campers or counselors first. Judy and Randy Stewart are a perfect example of this, because the Girl Scouts introduced them to Camp O. Judy laughs, “I was a Girl Scout leader, and information about several camps was given to me. I only chose Ondessonk because I could send a child free for each week that I volunteered.”
Since Judy was a licensed nurse, she and Randy took advantage of that offer throughout the years, sending their grandchildren Gabe, Angel, Jackson, Haley, Brody, Landon, Lucas, great niece, Grace, and Jackson’s friend, Zander, to enjoy a week at Ondessonk at the same time she volunteered as a nurse. Judy began in the Health Center in 2016, with Randy beginning his volunteering in Maintenance the year after.
Judy has always felt the need to give back. Growing up in Old Ripley in Bond County Ill., she states, “I grew up poor and worked hard to rise above. I had a hand or two to help me up, and I pay it forward as much as I can.” One of Judy’s favorite memories is having to take a sick camper into town to the hospital and sitting with her while she was being treated. “She just touched my heart!” Judy’s volunteering as a nurse at Ondessonk will have to change now that she is retired and no longer has the license needed, but that won’t stop Camp’s Volunteer Coordinator, Lucia (Juenger) Hodges, from finding the perfect spot for Judy’s talents.
When asked what her favorite memory of Camp is, Judy states, “Peggy Hausmann! She has been my roomie more times than not. She has told me much of the history of Camp, and has extended the hand of friendship to me. She is a good person.”
From Litchfield, Ill., Randy also likes giving back, but as Judy explains, “I do believe he enjoys the company of the other volunteers. He doesn’t get to socialize as much now that he is retired as he did when he worked in the Corrections field. I think he feels much the same way about Jim Shively as I do about Peggy.”
Throughout their years of volunteering, the Stewarts have always placed Camp Ondessonk a priority for their summer activities. Judy and Randy were inducted into the Lodge of Ondessonk & Tekakwitha in 2019 and 2021 respectively, and they truly have shown dedication to Camp Ondessonk in commendable ways by giving back through their generous donation of time and expertise.
Now that Judy and Randy are retired, in addition to their volunteer time at Ondessonk, they enjoy a variety of activities, especially going to concerts – REO Speedwagon being a favorite, along with sharing adventures and making memories with their children and grandchildren.
Click here to learn more about volunteering at Camp Ondessonk.