Volunteering is at the very core of Camp Ondessonk‘s functionality; the passion and commitment exerted by volunteers who are dedicated to its preservation helps Camp thrive. For more than 60 years, Camp has been blessed with strong support from thousands of volunteers who come from all walks of life with a variety of skills and qualifications that benefit various areas of Camp.
There’s always a place for you at Camp Ondessonk! The Camp Family comes together throughout the year to prepare for campers, support special events, care for the trails and keep the Spirit of Ondessonk strong. Whether you have a few hours to lend a hand, a special skill to share, or simply want to spend more time on the Camp Road, your time and talents can make a difference. Explore our opportunities below, or complete our Volunteer Interest Form to let us know how you’d like to get involved, and we’ll be in touch when opportunities arise. Together, we can help care for this special place and continue teaching what matters most.
Summer Camp Volunteers
The summer volunteer program is open to anyone between the ages of 25 and 125 who would like to share their talents and time for a session of camp. Ondessonk’s Volunteer Coordinator works directly with each volunteer applicant to determine an assignment that will be fulfilling to the volunteer while providing for Ondessonk’s immediate needs. Typical projects or areas in which volunteers serve the campers of Ondessonk include the Trading Post, Health & Sanitation, Handicrafts, maintenance projects (minor repairs, mowing, painting), gardening, Health Center (for MD, DO, RN, NP, PsyD, PA-C), camper and staff emotional and behavioral support (LCPC, LSW, LCSW), sewing lodge sashes and in other Activity Areas (determined by skill set and camp’s needs).
Summer volunteers stay in the St. Noel Center and share their living space with other volunteers of the same gender. Married couples are assigned to a private room when space allows. We offer comfortable lodging in hostel-style, climate-controlled guest rooms with private bathrooms, and free WiFi.
All volunteers are subject to a background check and Diocese of Belleville Child Protection Training. The background check is administered by the Diocese of Belleville Office of Child Protection through a partnership with the Illinois State Police and other law enforcement entities. Child protection training is provided on the first day you arrive. Our annual fee for the Diocesan background check is $7. A voluntary contribution to defray the cost of these required annual checks is appreciated.
SPECIAL OFFER FOR MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS: If you are an MD, DO, RN, NP, PsyD, PA-C, LCPC, LSW, LCSW Camp Ondessonk will provide 100% summer camp tuition (not to exceed Traditional Camp Rate A tuition) coverage to your child or the child of your choice in exchange for a week of summer camp service in the Health Center or emotional support. Due to American Camp Association medical care standards, this offer is limited to those with the credentials cited above. Medical professionals with other credentials are encouraged to volunteer in the Health Center as well, but are not eligible to sponsor a child for free tuition.
Volunteering while your child is in attendance? We encourage you to provide your child with as “pure” a camp experience as possible. Therefore, daily interaction between parent and child is very limited. In our experience, this is the best approach for the child and parent, not to mention the other campers. If your child is a first time camper, we encourage you to volunteer on a separate week from their enrollment.
If you need assistance or a paper application, please contact Lucia at volunteer@ondessonk.com
Stable Round-Ups & Adult Work Weekends
2027 SPRING STABLE ROUND-UP WEEKEND
April 16, 2027 @ 4:00 pm – April 18, 2027 @ 11:00 am
Every spring and fall, volunteers attend the annual Stable Round-Up Weekend to contribute their skills and labor to Camp Ondessonk’s stable program and grounds. Past projects have included everything from maintaining tack and equipment, building a new hay barn to sprucing up garden areas, rebuilding rock walls and new trails. These weekends are invite only, but more information can be requested by emailing registration@ondessonk.com. Many thanks to all of the volunteers who keep returning season after season to contribute expertise and hard work! Invitations will go out in the beginning of March and all volunteers must RSVP.
2027 FALL STABLE ROUND-UP WEEKEND
Dates Coming Soon!
Every spring and fall, volunteers attend the annual Stable Round-Up Weekend to contribute their skills and labor to Camp Ondessonk’s stable program and grounds. Past projects have included everything from maintaining tack and equipment, building a new hay barn to sprucing up garden areas, rebuilding rock walls and new trails. These weekends are invite only, but more information can be requested by emailing registration@ondessonk.com. Many thanks to all of the volunteers who keep returning season after season to contribute expertise and hard work! Invitations will go out in the beginning of September and all volunteers must RSVP.
Metro East Parades & Year-Round Development Events
2026 OPTIMIST SANTA PARADE
November 27, 2026 @ 10:00 am
Join Camp Ondessonk in Belleville, IL for the 2026 Optimist Santa Parade! The parade route will begin at the intersection of North 3rd and West A Street and proceed south on 3rd Street to West Main. PLEASE NOTE: The parade will disband at Union United Methodist Church in the area of Forest Avenue. Information on how to sign up will be posted soon! Please check back, we’d love to have you.
2027 Gala
Camp Ondessonk’s gala is one of our most important fundraising events, and it takes a dedicated team of volunteers to make the evening truly special. Whether you love planning events, have connections to local businesses, enjoy gathering unique auction items, or simply want to lend a hand on the big day, there’s a place for you on the Gala volunteer team!
Join the Planning Committee – Help bring An Enchanted Forest to life! Planning committee members can assist with event planning, décor and theming, sponsorships, communications, guest experience, activities, and more. This is a great opportunity for those who enjoy working with a team and want to be involved throughout the planning process.
Help Secure Auction & Raffle Items – Do you have a great connection with a local business, restaurant, entertainer, sports team, or other organization? Help us build an incredible selection of silent auction, live auction, and raffle items by reaching out to businesses and individuals who may be willing to donate. You don’t need to have an existing connection to get involved. We can provide information and resources to help you make the ask!
Help at the Event – Prefer to help behind the scenes? We’ll need volunteers on March 6 to assist with set-up, registration, auction activities, games and entertainment, guest assistance, decorations, clean-up, and more. Day-of volunteers are essential to creating a smooth and memorable experience for our guests.
Let us know how you’d like to help by contacting Michelle Bretscher or 618-695-2489.
Stay tuned for more information about upcoming volunteer opportunities.
Questions about volunteering? Contact volunteer@ondessonk.com or call (618) 695-2489 x145
CLICK EACH SECTION BELOW TO LEARN MORE ABOUT VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES.
Summer Camp Volunteers
The summer volunteer program is open to anyone between the ages of 25 and 125 who would like to share their talents and time for a session of camp. Ondessonk’s Volunteer Coordinator works directly with each volunteer applicant to determine an assignment that will be fulfilling to the volunteer while providing for Ondessonk’s immediate needs. Typical projects or areas in which volunteers serve the campers of Ondessonk include the Trading Post, Health & Sanitation, Handicrafts, maintenance projects (minor repairs, mowing, painting), gardening, Health Center (for MD, DO, RN, NP, PsyD, PA-C), camper and staff emotional and behavioral support (LCPC, LSW, LCSW), sewing lodge sashes and in other Activity Areas (determined by skill set and camp’s needs).
Summer volunteers stay in the St. Noel Center and share their living space with other volunteers of the same gender. Married couples are assigned to a private room when space allows. We offer comfortable lodging in hostel-style, climate-controlled guest rooms with private bathrooms, and free WiFi.
All volunteers are subject to a background check and Diocese of Belleville Child Protection Training. The background check is administered by the Diocese of Belleville Office of Child Protection through a partnership with the Illinois State Police and other law enforcement entities. Child protection training is provided on the first day you arrive. Our annual fee for the Diocesan background check is $7. A voluntary contribution to defray the cost of these required annual checks is appreciated.
SPECIAL OFFER FOR MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS: If you are an MD, DO, RN, NP, PsyD, PA-C, LCPC, LSW, LCSW Camp Ondessonk will provide 100% summer camp tuition (not to exceed Traditional Camp Rate A tuition) coverage to your child or the child of your choice in exchange for a week of summer camp service in the Health Center or emotional support. Due to American Camp Association medical care standards, this offer is limited to those with the credentials cited above. Medical professionals with other credentials are encouraged to volunteer in the Health Center as well, but are not eligible to sponsor a child for free tuition.
Volunteering while your child is in attendance? We encourage you to provide your child with as “pure” a camp experience as possible. Therefore, daily interaction between parent and child is very limited. In our experience, this is the best approach for the child and parent, not to mention the other campers. If your child is a first time camper, we encourage you to volunteer on a separate week from their enrollment.
If you need assistance or a paper application, please contact Lucia at volunteer@ondessonk.com
Stable Round-Ups & Adult Work Weekends
2027 SPRING STABLE ROUND-UP WEEKEND
April 16, 2027 @ 4:00 pm – April 18, 2027 @ 11:00 am
Every spring and fall, volunteers attend the annual Stable Round-Up Weekend to contribute their skills and labor to Camp Ondessonk’s stable program and grounds. Past projects have included everything from maintaining tack and equipment, building a new hay barn to sprucing up garden areas, rebuilding rock walls and new trails. These weekends are invite only, but more information can be requested by emailing registration@ondessonk.com. Many thanks to all of the volunteers who keep returning season after season to contribute expertise and hard work! Invitations will go out in the beginning of March and all volunteers must RSVP.
2027 FALL STABLE ROUND-UP WEEKEND
Dates Coming Soon!
Every spring and fall, volunteers attend the annual Stable Round-Up Weekend to contribute their skills and labor to Camp Ondessonk’s stable program and grounds. Past projects have included everything from maintaining tack and equipment, building a new hay barn to sprucing up garden areas, rebuilding rock walls and new trails. These weekends are invite only, but more information can be requested by emailing registration@ondessonk.com. Many thanks to all of the volunteers who keep returning season after season to contribute expertise and hard work! Invitations will go out in the beginning of September and all volunteers must RSVP.
Metro East Parades & Year-Round Development Events
2026 OPTIMIST SANTA PARADE
November 27, 2026 @ 10:00 am
Join Camp Ondessonk in Belleville, IL for the 2026 Optimist Santa Parade! The parade route will begin at the intersection of North 3rd and West A Street and proceed south on 3rd Street to West Main. PLEASE NOTE: The parade will disband at Union United Methodist Church in the area of Forest Avenue. Information on how to sign up will be posted soon! Please check back, we’d love to have you.
2027 Gala
Camp Ondessonk’s gala is one of our most important fundraising events, and it takes a dedicated team of volunteers to make the evening truly special. Whether you love planning events, have connections to local businesses, enjoy gathering unique auction items, or simply want to lend a hand on the big day, there’s a place for you on the Gala volunteer team!
Join the Planning Committee – Help bring An Enchanted Forest to life! Planning committee members can assist with event planning, décor and theming, sponsorships, communications, guest experience, activities, and more. This is a great opportunity for those who enjoy working with a team and want to be involved throughout the planning process.
Help Secure Auction & Raffle Items – Do you have a great connection with a local business, restaurant, entertainer, sports team, or other organization? Help us build an incredible selection of silent auction, live auction, and raffle items by reaching out to businesses and individuals who may be willing to donate. You don’t need to have an existing connection to get involved. We can provide information and resources to help you make the ask!
Help at the Event – Prefer to help behind the scenes? We’ll need volunteers on March 6 to assist with set-up, registration, auction activities, games and entertainment, guest assistance, decorations, clean-up, and more. Day-of volunteers are essential to creating a smooth and memorable experience for our guests.
Let us know how you’d like to help by contacting Michelle Bretscher or 618-695-2489.
Stay tuned for more information about upcoming volunteer opportunities.
Questions about volunteering? Contact volunteer@ondessonk.com or call (618) 695-2489 x145