The Belleville Optimist Annual Santa Parade is touted as the largest holiday parade in Southern Illinois and features floats, marching bands, and dance groups. This program is designed for participants wanting an enhanced experience in horsemanship while still enjoying many of the all-camp activities of traditional camp. We hope to see you all this summer! I will use positive reinforcement and encouragement rather than competition, comparison, or criticism. The first camp infirmary was located on a rock near the back end of the original dining hall. The unit of Couture was originally located in lower Pakentuck and was made up of tents. They also act as families for campers for the week as units attend activities and compete in all-camp activities together. April 29 May 1: Father/Son Weekend Fathers and sons spending quality time out in the woods for the whole weekend. Ride my bike nearby. He was found wandering near Mount Vernon, Illinois and was given the name Yonah, meaning bear spirit in Cherokee. Camp Ondessonk is committed to providing a Catholic, faith based, fun, safe, educational, and inclusive experience for all campers, CITs, staff, parents, and volunteers. The trips were eventually discontinued. I was not a Boy Scout. Camp Ondessonks Executive Director, Camping Services Director and Programming Director have all been Wilderness First Responder certified. Came inside when it was too hot. The two units were eventually dismantled due to lack of need for 12 units. Joe Werner, of Fairview Heights, also serves on the camps board. I grant permission to check my references and release Camp Ondessonk & the Diocese of Belleville from any and all resultant liability. Not sure I ever hit a target. I understand that by inserting a date in the below acknowledgement that it absolves and releases Camp Ondessonk & the Diocese of Belleville from any and all liability for any and all legal action involving relinquishment of the information to others. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Camp Ondessonk, at camp@ondessonk.com or 618-695-2489! Fax: (618) 695-3593. Zap zap zap!FarmerGive, Bessie, give! But for this city kid, it was a trip to another world of lakes, snakes, treehouses, campfires and horses. Most of the tree houses are set back in the forest. During the summer session, a cabin in Tekakwitha burned down due to a candle left burning by a camper. Camped out in the backyard occasionally. The tent unit was placed off the parking lot in the former Frontier Unit's tent practice area. In the late 1970s the Silver and Golden Frontier Program was added. Members are divided geographically into councils, which act independently to give back to Ondessonk through fundraisers or service. ***Open camping is available during weekdays as well as weekends.***. Just like porridge, this classic repeat-after-me-song is a staple of our Global Partnership Programin Africa. A summer camp classic, this traditional song is led at camps allover the globe! Each evening, campers help to take care of the horses, cook meals, and set up the campsite. Hope to see you there! It was later moved to a location near the main area of camp and even to a position along Camp Road for a time. All staff applicants must be at least 16 years old by May 28, 2023 or going into Junior year of High School. Gender did not apply to these units because there was no coed season of summer camp during the time during which they were around. Create new account. Look ahead! Amantacha, baptized as Louis de Sainte-Foi, was a Huron educated in France under the instruction of Antoine Daniel. The new dining hall was opened for the summer of 2004 and a Coed CIT program was added the same summer. This level is recommended for only those experienced in the Ondessonk adventure programs. Gender only applies during coed season during which boys and girls are separated into units. If selected, any misstatement or omission of fact on this application may result in my dismissal. [15] Because of the extended nature of their stay, campers are able to participate in all the activities of traditional camp in a modified form for their age and abilities. Phew!Football PlayerSet! [17] Campers spend their days in the stables learning such things as how to care for and groom their horses, as well as receiving more in-depth instruction in riding skills and general horsemanship. It makes the perfect pre-meal, pre-activity, or post-nap energizer. Peace Like a River. in Geography with an emphasis in Environmental Planning from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Allow this song to get quieter and slower as you move through the verses. }. It offers programs and facilities year round. The major exception is the Goupil tree houses which are located on top of a 40-foot cliff and are accessible via a winding 75 step staircase. Campers are assisted by two or three specially trained staff members. It is advised that larger groups contact Camp first to inquire about availability and make reservations several months in advance - especially for those wanting meals and programs and for dates during the busier months of September, October, April, and May. In 1996, camp reached a major achievement when it earned accreditation from the American Camp Association. There are two advanced adventures offered, Horse Expedition and River Adventure. It wasn't until later that coed sessions were introduced. It is located in the Shawnee National Forest of Southern Illinois, near Ozark, Illinois. I understand not following or living up to Camp Ondessonk's values, policies, and procedures I could be asked to depart the CIT experience. In May 1968, Lake Echon was completed giving campers a separate lake for boating and swimming. With it being one of the only places with air conditioning, it is known as an excuse to be the spot to relax and cool down for a bit.[13]. On a typical day at camp chants ring through the dining hall, cheers sail across the field, and songs embrace the campfire. Unit Cheers - Chabanel by Camp Ondessonk published on 2022-06-10T21:16:02Z. Specialty Camps were introduced in the summer of 1992 and would later evolve into the Adventure Camp Programs. Before summer hits we do have a lot of other activities coming up this spring. Further, I grant permission to Camp Ondessonk to release this application and attendant documents to the appropriate search committees. I've got peace like a river. As part of their camp experience, campers stay in rustic units usually consisting of three-walled structures open in the front. We do not allow personal watercraft or fishing boats on any of our bodies of water. All CITsare expected to read, understand, and adhere to the following Code of Ethics: All applicants must submit an up-to-date professional resume. Intermediate adventure programs include Horse Adventure, Rock Adventure, Mountain Biking Adventure, and Camper vs. Wild. The dining hall is air conditioned, and has windows on all sides to allow for ventilation. Your email address will not be published. Last edited on 28 February 2023, at 00:07, Learn how and when to remove these template messages, reliable, independent, third-party sources, Learn how and when to remove this template message, "The Messenger - Newspaper of the Diocese of Belleville, IL", http://02a2ebc.netsolhost.com/site/files/7-09-newsletter.pdf, http://www.biographi.ca/EN/009004-119.01-e.php?id_nbr=16, http://www.leblogdelabergerie.com/articles/Savages.htm, http://catholicism.org/eustace-ahatsistari-huron-warrior.html, http://www.antoinettebosco.com/joseph/epilogue.htm, http://ondessonk.com/index.php/about-us/our-site, http://ondessonk.com/files/2012%20%20Brochure.pdf, http://www.facebook.com/CampOndessonk/posts/10150639269980782, "Medical Care & Nutrition - Camp Ondessonk", http://ondessonk.com/index.php/summer-camp/traditional-camps, http://ondessonk.com/index.php/activity-areas, http://ondessonk.com/index.php/summer-camp/adventure-camps, http://ondessonk.com/index.php/summer-camp/adventure-camps?start=8, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Camp_Ondessonk&oldid=1141998394. See if I can hit a target with an arrow. Camp Ondessonk. When not booking school group visits or facilitating a challenge course program, Rebecca can be found enjoying the trails of Camp Ondessonk with her dog, Vena. Blow up in your face! Hard to be cool when you are 10 years old and scared. I got a little homesick early in the week. Several other Jesuit missionaries working among the Huron during this time were martyred as well. We picked locust shells off the tree. The Covered Bridge was also constructed in 1968 by volunteers from Saint Mary's Parish. I love being a camp counselorTheres nothing Id rather beIf I werent a camp counselorA(n) _________ I would beAnd as you pass me byThis is what youd hear me cry Bird WatcherHark! Each summer, the camps were staffed by seminarians and college students all under the direction of Monsignor John T. Fournie. We're guessing it'll do the same for you and your family too, if you let it! Sleep-away camps for ages 8-15. During the first summer of camp in its new location, 481 campers and 52 staff attended over the four-week period that camp ran. The trips took place over the Christmas holidays and went to places like Europe, Africa, and the Bahamas. Yonah lived in the cage formerly occupied by Tommy, as the camp bear until his death in 2001. Evan started at Ondessonk as a summer camp counselor in 2004 after serving 5 years in the Coast Guard. During the day they would hike around the area and swim in Pine Lake as they learned valuable survival skills. The All Decades Staff Reunion is this weekend! The well-known Camp Ondessonk has re-opened, with COVID-19 safety measures. More fish fries, clubs, classes featured in this weeks southwestern Illinois calendar, Business roundup: New Belleville restaurant closer to opening, auction for outdoor store, Rare animal dashes across road, then returns with precious cargo, Texas photos show, Massive snakes swollen gut ignites debate over what it just swallowed in Australia, TikToker slathers parents kitchen in peanut butter months after doing the bathroom, Suspect in Dupo shootings had lengthy criminal record. Thats unique and special. Hometown: Edwardsville, Illinois With this in mind, we require CITs to behave in a mature and responsible way and respect the rights and dignity of others while they are at Camp Ondessonk, participating in camp sponsored activities, or representing Camp Ondessonk in any way. That my children have developed strong lifelong friendships at Camp O. I will use positive techniques of guidance, including redirection, and acknowledgement and anticipation of each campers unique needs. It is advised that schools contact Camp first to inquire about availability and make reservations several months in advance - especially larger groups and for dates during the busier months of April, May, September, and October. Thanks to all who came to our Father-Son Camp last weekend! The first six weeks of camp was for boys and the last six weeks of camp was for girls. His brother. Ow! That same year also saw the addition of four new shower houses and a roadway around almost all of Lake Echon, which replaced the dirt roads and trails. You have chosen to report this camp for inaccurate content.If you would like to receive a reply, please include your email address in the comment box below. Following the same format as Horse Camp, participants of Rock Camp spend their days climbing but return to main camp in the evening to be a part of the all-camp activities, and to bunk in one of the units. By 1989 the units of Teondecoren and Ahatsistari were no longer available to campers as a unit choice. : School Annual Publishing Company, 2009. The final type of cabins is the Tekakwitha Lodges featuring four-walled A-frame buildings with screened in windows and doors. It is named after a Boy Scout group from Paducah, Kentucky. As much as my world has changed, its refreshing that Camp Ondessonk is much the same today as it was when I was a kid. Please refer to the Camp Map to see which lakes are available for fishing. Take a hike. Campgrounds Near Me; Summer Camp Tip- Swim . Most nights of the program are spent camping out under the stars in the babackcountryIntermediate adventures give participants the chance to receive more advanced instruction and develop their skills to a greater level. Base! An old wooden cafeteria that is no longer used for eating because of its size. To help with the expanding number of campers, Ahatsistari and Lalemant which had been tent units were rebuilt in order to accommodate more campers. 2023 Camp Ondessonk. Staff training emphasizes child development, child protection, teaching skills, and responsible leadership. One day, one dayOne day, one dayMy mama said[Name]Cook the porridge! Hut! Our camper fees are extremely competitive and unlike many other summer camps, Ondessonk does not charge additional fees for horseback riding or senior camper electives. Music-making. refrain from intimate displays of affection with anyone else. They also perform a service project for Camp, exemplifying the overall spirit of Lodge. Although campers spend most of their time away from main camp, they do return at the end of the week to participate in the all-camp activities on Friday. If you are not confident with your resume, do not worry we will work on it as part of the CIT program. She developed this confidence and independence that was so wonderful to see. Beginner adventures include Horse Camp, Rock Camp, and Hike, Bike, Paddle, and Climb. We love being camp counselors,Theres nothing wed rather be!Since we are camp counselors,Were as happy as can be! If you need help building a resume visit, function SvgDhtupload2(props) { Where else can you do that?. Only one-fourth of the camps in the US have earned this mark of distinction. It is still used for various reasons including last day breakfast, skit (if it is raining) etc. The reference needs to be someone who can speak to your character, personality, abilities, and qualities. The units give campers the chance to bond more closely with their cabin mates as well as the 30 or so other campers in their unit. Some weekends are open for lodging only. One week most summers, we left our neighborhood and headed south to camp. I heard Mr. X. in the woods late at night. The campers staying there chose to stick out the rest of the week, with their parents bringing them new clothing and such, and the cabin was later rebuilt. He offers some advice to every adult who once went to Camp Ondessonk: Theres an opportunity to reconnect with your past through Camp Ondessonk, he told me. We had a great time and the weather was perfect. Education: B.S. Updated June 11, 2015 11:40 AM. Ahatsistari was located on the "girls" side of the lake and when Teondecoren became a cabin unit it was located on the "boys" side of the lake, however neither was an official unit when coed sessions were introduced. You learned a lot about your friends while at camp. I was lucky. Campers sing this song while waiting for the dining hall to be ready for meals. maintain an attitude of respect, loyalty, patience, courtesy, tact and maturity. There are weeklong summer camps for boys, girls and coed camps, ages 10 to 15. Various Locations; Lower Pakentuck, near main area, along Camp Road, Began as Conestoga Wagons at Pine Lake, later added primitive tree houses, finally became permanent tree house unit near Amantacha. Wham!CowboyRope that steer! in Leisure Science with an emphasis in therapeutic and outdoor recreation from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Below please submit two character references. I feel . In the meantime, we have one last present for you. Log In See more of Camp Ondessonk on Facebook. Campers must be a member of the Loyal Lodge of Ondessonk and Tekakwitha in order to be eligible to attend. Come join us for one or all of these events; and remember ONLY 68 MORE DAYS! During an intermediate adventure, campers spend more time away from the main area of camp in the natural areas surrounding Ondessonk. Right next to the unit of Garnier. Behind the scenes, there are new Read more. Text the word HEEPWAH to 55222 to receive one surprise text in. One of the most memorable Lodge trips was in 1968 and went to Italy and Switzerland. "Lodge of Ondessonk and Tekakwitha." 56-63. 10% of Camp Ondessonk employees are Black or African American. There are also many areas at Camp to pitch a tent, or for those who dont wish to rough it, rent a hostel-style room in our St. Noel. The St. John de Brebeuf Award is given to an active or associate member for rendering meritorious service to Camp Ondessonk, the Lodge service organization, and the community. One of the split rocks is Augustin's Agony. Everything parents want and need to know about sending their child to Camp Ondessonk. Campers stay in a unit as in traditional camp. The Blob made its debut in the swimming area in the late 1990s but was later removed for safety reasons. There will be a performance on the last day of camp. Everything parents want and need to know about sending their child to Camp Ondessonk. Until you and camp meet again, keep singing, moving, and grooving your way through life. Get a true Ondessonk camping experience by sleeping among the trees or under a waterfall. Unit Cheers . Although the Golden Arrowhead did not make its debut until a few years after Camp Ondessonk's beginning, the very first summer of camp featured the Silver Bearclaw, which was awarded to the unit that earned the most points throughout the week. Counselors line up in front of the group to share where they might have worked if they hadnt gone to camp. At Camp O, there were no TVs, radios, baseballs or bicycles. The original camp program of Ondessonk, traditional camp allows participants to experience all the long-standing activities camp is valued for. In doing so, I will: accept personal responsibility to protect children from all forms of abuse, including: Verbal Abuse Humiliation, Degradation, Threats, Profanity, Sexual Abuse including inappropriate touch, displays, acts, Mental Abuse Hazing, Neglect, Manipulation, Teasing, Bullying. There was a swinging bridge across the main lake. Staffed by medical professionals and on call pediatric physicians every day of the summer, there is never a moment without someone who is able to provide help. Later, members of the primitive units built their own tree houses about 13 feet off the ground by lashing wood they gathered to trees. Improve this listing. There is now a bigger dining hall that is used but it is farther from the main area. Camp Ondessonk welcomed possibly the most iconic member of its family in July 1966 when it acquired Tommy the Bear. This story was originally published June 11, 2015, 6:39 AM. Tommy's lawyer quickly appealed the decision to a local court which overturned the decision. While family members can provide character references, they will likely be more meaningful coming from someone unrelated to you. The trading post building was also constructed the same year allowing it to move out of the small section of the Administration Building it had been previously housed in. ", "I loved it. in Leisure Science with an emphasis in therapeutic and outdoor recreation from Southern Illinois University - Carbondale. In 1973, Teondecoren was made into a cabin unit when camp was overbooked for a coming week and the cabins supposedly had to be built by staff the weekend before. These saints and their American Indian companions are honored and remembered at Camp Ondessonk with the camp units, lakes, and major land forms named after them. Businesses can utilize conference and retreat facilities. Eustace Ahatsistari, honored as the greatest war chief of all the Huron nations, was accompanying Goupil and Couture through enemy territory when the group was captured by the Mohawk Indians. We sang songs and gave cheers in the dining hall every dinner. Camp Ondessonk: Celebrating 50 Years of Camp Spirit! Camp Ondessonk: Celebrating 50 Years of Camp Spirit! display humor and a positive attitude in response to stress and change. With your [body part]Repeat, adding in these body parts with stirring motions:Right hand Left hand Right leg Left legHeadBottom. It is decorated with art work depicting camp that was created by current and former staff members as well as friends of camp. adhere to the zero-tolerance policy for the use, possession, distribution or being under the influence of alcohol, cannabis, or illegal drugs at camp. I understand that my duty is to protect children at all times. When Couture was no longer a unit the tents were used to expand other units in camp. If you are selected and accept a position at Camp Ondessonk, you will commit to upholding Catholic values in your public work, and acting as a positive role model and mentor to our campers. Camp Ondessonk is an equal opportunity provider of summer camp and leadership programs. not smoke, vape, or use any tobacco or e-cigarette product on Camp Ondessonk property. Someday, I look forward to reliving a piece of my childhood where the only thing that has changed is myself. New Positions for Ondessonk Summer Staff Promote Positivity and Success . Consider asking a family friend, neighbor, mentor, coach, priest/minister, teacher or professor. Not only did I do and learn things I never thought I would, it also made me a better Christian and brought me closer to God. In doing so, I will: treat with confidence and respect the personal information I learn from or about campers, CITs, and staff (subject to the policies on reporting abuse and neglect). Camp Ondessonk also has two additional camper sleeping areas. Nickname: Teon (Has a very scary and quite well known ghost story). Since 1959. Your resume will develop as you continue to gain life and job experience. The star on the top right represents St. Jean de Lalande. Gently now! And that's why we love it. Camp Ondessonk. This required some reorganization as a boys and girls side of the lake was designated, separate bathhouses were issued, and brother/sister units were developed. Evan started at Ondessonk as a summer camp counselor in 2004 after serving 5 years in the Coast Guard. The Belleville Optimist Annual Santa Parade is touted . Bad aim. Camp Ondessonk is a rustic, outdoor, Catholic youth camp run by the Belleville Diocese. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features Press Copyright Contact us Creators . d: "M40.213 10.172c1.897.21 3.68.738 5.35 1.58a15.748 15.748 0 0 1 4.374 3.242 15.065 15.065 0 0 1 2.951 4.533c.72 1.704 1.08 3.522 1.08 5.455 0 1.827-.28 3.654-.843 5.48-.562 1.828-1.379 3.47-2.45 4.929A13.39 13.39 0 0 1 46.669 39c-1.599.948-3.452 1.458-5.56 1.528H37.26a1.62 1.62 0 0 1-1.185-.5 1.62 1.62 0 0 1-.501-1.186c0-.457.167-.852.5-1.186.334-.334.73-.5 1.186-.5h3.848c1.44 0 2.75-.37 3.926-1.108a10.851 10.851 0 0 0 3.03-2.846 13.53 13.53 0 0 0 1.95-3.9 14.23 14.23 0 0 0 .686-4.321c0-1.582-.316-3.066-.949-4.454a11.623 11.623 0 0 0-2.582-3.636 12.857 12.857 0 0 0-3.742-2.478 11.054 11.054 0 0 0-4.48-.922l-1.212-.053-.37-1.159c-.878-2.81-2.292-4.998-4.242-6.562-1.95-1.563-4.594-2.345-7.932-2.345-2.108 0-4.005.36-5.692 1.08-1.686.72-3.136 1.722-4.348 3.005-1.212 1.282-2.143 2.81-2.793 4.585-.65 1.774-.975 3.68-.975 5.718h.053l.105 1.581-1.528.264c-1.863.316-3.444 1.317-4.744 3.004-1.3 1.686-1.95 3.584-1.95 5.692 0 2.39.8 4.462 2.398 6.219 1.599 1.757 3.488 2.635 5.666 2.635h4.849c.492 0 .896.167 1.212.5.316.335.474.73.474 1.187 0 .456-.158.852-.474 1.185-.316.334-.72.501-1.212.501h-4.849a10.08 10.08 0 0 1-4.374-.975 11.673 11.673 0 0 1-3.61-2.661 13.173 13.173 0 0 1-2.478-3.9A12.073 12.073 0 0 1 0 28.301c0-2.706.755-5.148 2.266-7.326 1.511-2.178 3.444-3.636 5.798-4.374.14-2.354.658-4.542 1.554-6.562.896-2.02 2.091-3.777 3.584-5.27 1.494-1.494 3.25-2.662 5.27-3.505C20.493.422 22.733 0 25.193 0c1.898 0 3.637.237 5.218.711 1.581.475 3.004 1.151 4.269 2.03a13.518 13.518 0 0 1 3.268 3.215 18.628 18.628 0 0 1 2.266 4.216Zm-11.964 13.44 6.22 6.85c.245.247.368.537.368.87 0 .334-.123.642-.369.923l-.421.263c-.211.246-.484.343-.817.29a1.544 1.544 0 0 1-.87-.448l-3.69-4.11v16.97c0 .492-.166.896-.5 1.212-.334.316-.729.474-1.186.474-.492 0-.896-.158-1.212-.474-.316-.316-.474-.72-.474-1.212V28.25l-3.584 4.005a1.544 1.544 0 0 1-.87.448.959.959 0 0 1-.87-.29l-.42-.264c-.247-.28-.37-.588-.37-.922 0-.334.123-.624.37-.87l6.113-6.746v-.052l.421-.422a.804.804 0 0 1 .396-.29c.158-.053.307-.079.448-.079.175 0 .333.026.474.079.14.053.281.15.422.29l.421.422v.052Z", Coed sessions were added in 1989 and eventually surpassed the popularity of separate gender seasons. By Amanda Bailey Staff and campers have a week full of activities, cheering and skipping through the trails of Camp Ondessonk. Education: B.S. All individuals working at Ondessonk choose the job because of a strong desire to serve others. All rights reserved. Parishes from various parts of Southern Illinois provided funds and volunteer builders. In 2008, he assumed the role of Camping Services Director, overseeing Ondessonks summer camp program and other camper services. The cross represents a world dedicated to Christ. Argh!PlumberPlunge it! Depending on position, staff members are certified by the Certified Horsemanship Association, National Rifle Association, American Red Cross, or other appropriate certifying bodies. show initiative, be responsible, and do things without being asked. respect the possessions and belongings of staff, CITs, and campers, as well as the facilities and equipment of Camp Ondessonk. Arriving at camp in the back of a Miller High Life beer truck driven by the bar owner, Omar Monds, the owner of a beer distribution company, Chick Fritz, and one of Mr. Monds employees, Tommy was welcomed to his new home where he would live for the next 28 years. As Frontier units were later introduced the Pioneer sessions were discontinued. By 1976, Ondessonk was in need of updates and renovations. Participants of the program stay in one of the units and are accompanied by extra staff members at all times to provide enhanced guidance and companionship for the younger campers. Surrounded by other areas of stream that are great for catching crawdads and skipping rocks. I understand that acceptance of an offer of a counselor in training does not create a contractual obligation uponCamp Ondessonkto employ me in the future. Mini camp was introduced for younger campers in 1999. If selected, I will abide by the policies and procedures of Camp Ondessonk & the Diocese of Belleville Child Protection Policy. I liked the hikes to natural lakes and rock dwellings like Fat Mans Misery. My heart always went out to the chubby kids because they were teased about not being able to fit through the tight squeeze between rocks. Lent is in full swing, so theres no shortage of available fish fries in the area. A store in the main area that sells food and items such as: toiletries, camp gear, camp paraphernalia, soda on certain days, and ice cream/candy. A boulder in a stream that is just high enough to cannonball off of. Camp Ondessonk is a rustic, outdoor, Catholic youth camp run by the Belleville Diocese. The Golden Frontier trips were slightly different in that they traveled by cruise ship in the Caribbean. The building is heptagonal and has a fireplace in the center. The tree houses were accessible only by rope ladder. In keeping with the primitive theme of the unit, the girls of the Primitives were known to make their own clothing out of feed sacks from the stables to wear during the week. Camp Ondessonk is owned by the Catholic Diocese of Belleville and has been offering summer camp experience since 1959, the same year I was born.