Welcome Jennifer Tyler as Camp Ondessonk’s new Development Events Coordinator
By Judy Blase Woodruff
Jennifer has come a long way from growing up in Jenks, Okla., moving to Fort Wayne, Ind., in high school, and then moving to Norman Okla., to attend the University of Oklahoma.
She earned a B.A. in Journalism (Public Relations) and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Oklahoma – Boomer Sooner! She has more than a decade of experience in legal research, public policy analysis, and leadership within both governmental and non-governmental organizations. She worked as legal counsel in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, then as a judicial law clerk in the Minnesota State Courts. She also has been a campaign staffer and manager for political campaigns in Oklahoma and St. Louis County.
She has been married to her husband, Todd, for almost 18 years. He retired from the Air Force in 2024 after 21 years of service. They live in O’Fallon, Ill., with their four children, Scarlett (12), twin boys – Mack and Rex (10), and Brooks (5). They are cat lovers and have two cats named Sunshine and Popsicle. Her sons love animals of all kinds that they have a pet chameleon named Galaxy.
Jennifer’s favorite thing about being an Air Force spouse is the variety of opportunities she has had to contribute and build local and military communities. She served in leadership roles as a board member in their squadron and base spouses’ organizations, local employee association, school PTOs and advisory councils, sorority chapter adviser, and as a church lay leader. She has used her expertise in communication, fundraising, and event planning to build and sustain membership, volunteers, activities, and morale. She states, “I was proud to be selected in 2024 to participate in the Military Spouse Leadership Development Program and received training in leadership and crisis management from Harvard University.” Her background more than qualifies her to be the new Development Events Coordinator where she will plan and execute events with the goal to engage the Camp community, build partnerships, and raise awareness of Camp O’s mission.
She proudly states, “I’m a Camp mom! My sons were introduced to Ondessonk through a friend and they attended Mini Camp last year for the first time. They are so excited to be Mini Camp Explorers this year and stay for a full week. They are already planning their canoe and kayak adventures and can’t wait to ride the horses.”
Jennifer has been most surprised by the strong volunteer community and their passion for Camp. “I couldn’t believe how far some people traveled to attend the Gala! I love hearing old Camp stories and what makes Camp special to so many people.”
When asked what her favorite thing about her new position is, she says, “It’s the opportunity to contribute to strengthening the Camp community. I love planning the little details of events that are meaningful and help people feel a strong sense of belonging.”
Jennifer has a wide range of interests including exploring new places, traveling, going to the movies, and trying new restaurants with friends and family. She listens to a variety of news and current events podcasts. She will take any personality test you give her. She is a new avian enthusiast and enjoys creating the perfect conditions in her backyard for birds to gather. She loves to swim, and someday hopes to own a pool. She also collects antique globes and maps from around the world.
Final thoughts…“When I married my husband, I was scared of change. I was afraid to move and try new things. Now almost 18 years later, we have moved seven times and lived on four different continents, and I have loved every minute of it. I believe experiences are essential in life to make us better people, and I love how the experiences that Camp O has to offer build confidence and leadership skills for our youth. I am proud to be a Camp mom and a Camp staffer!”
Click here to learn more about Camp Ondessonk’s Leadership & Staff.
