Since 1959, Camp Ondessonk has provided children and children-at-heart the opportunity to experience first hand the beauty of God's creation.  Located in the Shawnee National Forest of Southern Illinois, Camp Ondessonk provides an experience which encourages campers to have fun, grow spiritually, make friends, grow in self-confidence and self-esteem, and develop values.  All of Camp's programs focus on providing a safe, fun, and enriching experience for participants by encouraging them to participate in a wide variety of new and exciting activities in a non-competitive atmosphere.

This summer's camping season begins June 8.  This year we will offer the  traditional program in four Coed sessions, three sessions for girls, and 2 sessions for boys.  We will also continue to offer Mini Camp, Horse Adventure, and Hikes, Rides, and Rocks. In addition to these old favorites, we have several exciting new programs in the works.  If one week of Camp just isn't enough, check out Camp and a Half. Counselors-in-Training have the opportunity to come to Camp during Coed season this year!

Camp Ondessonk is proud to be accredited by the American Camping Association (ACA).  Our accreditation means that we have exceeded the highest standards for safety, health, staff training, and program quality in the nation.  To read more about what this accreditation means, click here.

Camp Ondessonk is under the direction of the Catholic Diocese of Belleville.  Staff members are experienced counselors and activity instructors.  Key instructors are certified through NAA, Red Cross Lifeguarding, First Aid and CPR, the Certified Horsemanship Association, Project Learning Tree, Project Wild, and Challenge Course facilitation.  Many adult staff are former campers and graduates of the Camp Ondessonk Counselor-in-Training program.  In all, there is one counselor for every six campers.

Camp Ondessonk offers programs serving many different groups throughout the year.  During the fall, winter, and spring we offer outdoor education program to school and youth groups, challenge and high ropes courses, conference and retreat facilities, and a variety of special interest weekends and Open Houses.  For a list of important upcoming events, click here.

A great camping experience requires more than just a facility and a program. One of Camp Ondessonk's greatest strengths is the large number of staff and volunteers that work throughout the year to facilitate and support our programs. Our staff and volunteers are positive role models who are committed to helping participants grow spiritually and emotionally. Help us update our files!  Are you a former staff member, volunteer, or Lodge member who wonders why you never receive anything about Labor Day, Stable Roundup, or Lodge Reunion?  Chance are your record on the database is not current.  To make sure you receive information, please help us by sending an email to camp@midwest.net.  Be sure to include your name (including maiden), address, phone number, email addres, years you were on staff, and year you were inducted into Lodge.  We look forward to renewing our contact with you! There are lots of other cool things on this site which we encourage you to explore.  Check out the links to the left to see what Camp Ondessonk has to offer, and keep coming back because our website is constantly being updated.  If you find dead links or have a suggestion for our webmaster, you can reach her here.  All other inquiries should be directed toward camp@midwest.net.