Fall 2016 Outdoor Education Season - Camp Ondessonk
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Volume 56, Issue 2
Fall Newsletter
“Teaching What Matters Most”
Fall 2016 Outdoor Education Season
DIOCESE OF BELLEVILLE
By Greg Santen Program Director
At this reflective time of the year, the year-round Camp O staff are looking back on a hugely successful summer as we prepare for another fall season full of great
programs and events. There is still plenty of daylight left in the calendar and soon the Shawnee Forest will be beaming with color to brighten and warm our days as
they get shorter and cooler.
The 2016 Fall Outdoor Education staff is deep into another busy season and excited to be able to live in this beautiful place while furthering Camp’s mission of
empowering kids of all ages. Our new Program Coordinator, Tom Gattuso, and I are thrilled to have a great team of outdoor educators this season. Veteran summer
and outdoor education staff member Xavier Tolbert will be returning for another season; Jess Peak, Lanie Gravlin, and Alex Bragorgos, who also have spent several
summers on staff, will be joining the fall staff for the first time; former summer staff and unit leader Jed Buechele has returned to Camp to take on a new role as
outdoor education staff; and last but not least, Bobby Thornton, is new to the Camp O family but very eager to meet you all and have a fantastic fall outdoor education
season.
Camp will be hosting many groups throughout the fall, including school groups, scout troops,
spiritual and teambuilding retreats, and Road Scholars. Our school groups are the core of our
program season; coming to us from Belleville, Evansville, St. Louis, Paducah, and the local area.
Please contact me if you would like to bring your school or scout group to Camp this school year.
We are also excited to be hosting more than 40 adult Road Scholars from across America who come
to Camp for unique, intimate experiences exploring Southern Illinois on foot, horseback, or by
canoe. Friends Weekend was a huge success as over 400 members of the Camp family showed up
to celebrate their favorite place on Earth. Our Specialty Weekends are always a great way to keep
Camp in your life throughout the year. Fall Family Camp, Stable Round-Up, and Lodge Reunion are
in September. October will see our Mother-Daughter Weekend, Fall Family Fest, the 6th Annual
Ondessonk Trail Races, and a return of a favorite event at Camp: the 12th Annual Southern Illinois
Fat Tire Festival presented by the Bike Surgeon in Shiloh, IL.
But even with all the great events going on at Camp Ondessonk this fall, there are still plenty
of chances to come to Camp for beautiful autumn solitude if you want to just get away, sleep in a
treehouse, and enjoy this beautiful place. Give us a call to reserve a unit for the weekend and bring
the whole family! See you this fall! Heepwah! From left to right: Bobby Thornton, Jess Peak, Xavier Tolbert,
lanie Gravlin Tom Gattuso-Program Coordinator,
Jed Buechele, and Alex Bragorgos.
Our Mission Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Exceptional outdoor and spiritual adventures empowering kids of all ages. Ozark, IL
62972
Permit No. 1
Camp Ondessonk
Our Vision
2016 Camp Ondessonk
Inspired by our Catholic tradition and commitment to the growth of
3760 Ondessonk Road
Ozark, Illinois 62972 people and faith, we will: Board of Directors
618-695-2489 · Operate a world class camp in a spectacular natural environment
Dr. Christopher Wangard, Kyle Klues
www.ondessonk.com · Inspire leadership, self-confidence and lifelong learning
President Structural Design Engineer
· Promote stewardship and appreciation of God’s gifts Pediatric Hospitalist Cindy Knebel
Site Supervisor Chief Financial Officer
Anderson Hospital Home Federal Savings & Loan
Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCD’s) Glennon Care Pediatric
Associates
Association
By Susan M Schneider Director of Finance Nora Landgraf Gutzler
Tracy Beckham Phipps, Retired Auditor
Are you 70 ½ years or older? Do you have aspirations of giving to Camp Ondessonk or other Vice President USPS Office of Inspector
non-profit organizations? Have you met your Required Minimum Distribution this year? If so, Attorney General
please consider the Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) provision as an effective means of Herzog Crebs LLP
David Read
avoiding taxation of philanthropic gifting. Sara Simonin, Secretary Executive Director
A Qualified Charitable Distribution is a tax-free direct transfer from your personal retirement Foundation Specialist Stillwater Senior Living
program to a charitable organization. You must be 70 and ½ to be eligible to make a Qualified Enterprise Holdings
Charitable Distribution (QCD). QCD’s are permitted from IRA’s, inherited IRA’s, SEP and Simples Foundation Joseph Werner
plans. QCD’s are not eligible for employer plans. There is an annual limit of $100,000 per person Building Contractor
per year. If you file a joint return, your spouse can also make a QCD within the same year. The Belinda Bauer Joe Werner Construction
QCD must be a transfer directly to a 501 (c) (3) organization. Retired Speech-Language
Pathologist Thomas Young Sr.
The Distributions can be beneficial to those whose IRA distributions would push them into
Farrier, self-employed
higher federal income tax bracket, increase taxability of Social Security Income and reduce phase- Reverend Steven L. Beatty
outs affected by your adjusted gross income. Qualified Charitable Distributions will not be taxable Parish Pastor & Camp Ex Officio Trustees:
income in the year of transfer and will count towards your Minimum Required Distributions Ondessonk Chaplain Most Reverend
(MRD) if transferred by December 31st. QCD’s are not deducted as charitable contributions. St. Kateri Tekakwitha Parish, Edward K. Braxton,
Please contact your Tax Professional for detailed information about giving to your favorite Ridgway, IL Ph.D., S.T.D.
organization(s) in this way. Bishop
Tip Belz Diocese of Belleville
Retired Electrician
IBEW - Local 309 Rev. Msgr.
John W. McEvilly, V.G.
Lynn Fuhler Vicar General / Moderator
Senior Project Administrator of Curia
Pond & Company - Architects, Diocese of Belleville
Engineers, Planners
Follow Camp on
Michael D. Gibbons,
Anne Fohne Keeley CPA, CMA
Attorney Chief Finance Officer
The Keeley Law Firm Diocese of Belleville
Elizabeth M. Keserauskis,
Vice President for Marketing
and Enrollment Services
St. Louis College of Pharmacy
1980’s Reunion
80 Weekend
Keep readin
May 5-7 your details!ll
Page 4 has ag.
2 www.ondessonk.com
The Director’s Desk
Every Sunday evening during summer camp Alissa Hollmann, our Camping Services Director, welcomes an assembly of several hundred newly arrived campers
in Le Coeur (The Heart of camp). In short, she covers the expectations we have of campers and she informs them what to expect from the staff and the entire camp
community.
Perhaps the most important part of Alissa’s message is when she explains that Camp Ondessonk is a place where kids should be able to be themselves without
being ridiculed or ostracized and that being different is OK and even celebrated. “We will accept and respect you the way you are.” Like most things in life, there are
exceptions. The occasional camper that chooses to be mean or hateful to others isn’t given license to do so, but everyone already seems to understand that part of
the agreement. What is sometimes difficult for new campers to fully grasp, though, is that we fully expect everyone, including ourselves, to include, accept, and love
unconditionally.
Alissa’s message is one that has been repeated at Camp Ondessonk in rough variation for many, many years. I sometimes watch the faces and body language of
campers during the moments in which these seemingly simple expectations are recited. First-time campers, still nervous in their new outdoor home for the week,
seem to relax a little.
We often hear from older, returning campers that the culture of acceptance is their favorite part of camp. As Ondessonk veterans, they try to preserve the
atmosphere so that new campers will experience the same. I mention this here because I think that we, as well as the parents of our current campers, sometimes need
to be reminded that children, if allowed to do so, often teach us just as much as they learn from us. In order for us, as a community, to be at our best, we must “live”
the accepting atmosphere we strive to create. This isn’t the Ondessonk way. It’s His way. We just happen to do it pretty well at Camp Ondessonk.
Onto other subjects of gratitude... Connie Lanaghan recently departed after serving the organization as Director of Development for more than eight years.
Connie helped us increase annual donor participation from less than 100 individuals prior to her arrival to 848 in 2015. Many of those individuals now give multiple
times annually - something that was rare of our donor base prior to 2008. Her work strengthened and vastly developed a more rounded culture of stewardship that,
quite frankly, was in great need of growth and development. Ondessonk’s many Friends, campers included, are grateful and wish Connie great success in the future.
And finally, thank you campers, parents, volunteers, donors, and staff for another summer of growth. Your participation makes us stronger.
Sincerely,
Dan King, Executive Director
For just $12.50/month, you can help a camper in
need come to Summer Camp 2017!
www.ondessonk.com 3
New Program Coordinator
Tom Gattuso recently joined the Ondessonk family August 15th as our New Program Coordinator. Tom
previously worked as the Coordinator of Youth Ministry in Terre Haute, IN and is a graduate of the Outdoor
Education Program at Idaho State University. He has previously worked as an outdoor educator as a field
instructor at a wilderness therapy program, and as a counselor at a ranch camp. Tom and his Fiancé Jess will be
married in April and she will join Tom at camp permanently in the late spring. We recently sat down with Tom
to find out more about his passion for the outdoors and what led him to Camp Ondessonk.
(Visit Ondessonk.com to read the full interview)
Tell me about your experience as a Youth Minister.
After high school I attended Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio where I become heavily involved
in retreats. Since then, I have volunteered for youth ministry programs, worked as a part-time youth minister,
received a degree in Outdoor Education, worked at the Catholic camp owned by the Archdiocese of Indianapolis
and then finally landed the job as Youth Minister for five Catholic parishes in Terre Haute, Indiana. My time
there was unlike any other. It was a brand new combination of 2 previous ministries, one that ran for 30 years
under one youth minister and one that had 4 youth ministers in the span of 10 years. In the two years I was
there, we built a strong program, a good volunteer base and really great relationships with the teens.
The job for me was always about the teens! I wanted them to know that our faith is something exciting,
something powerful, and something worth putting our time and effort into. But most of all, I wanted them to
know that there was someone out there that loves us no matter what - no matter who we are or what groups
we identify with. There is a God who meets us right where we are and we don’t have to put on any of our masks
because he already sees us for who we truly are, and that is the person he loves most! My goal was to be what
Paul was to me, someone who would be selfless in their interactions and someone who would be there no Tom and his Fiancé Jess
matter what.
What opportunities do you see at Camp for individuals wanting to learn more about God and
Nature?
There are two big things I see with camp. First, it is a great equalizer. Meaning, there is not one type of person who thrives at camp. Everyone is put on equal footing
as soon as you step on to camp property. There is room for everyone to shine here because camp is more of
a personal journey and not a place of competition. Whatever gifts God has blessed us with, there is a place
on camp where each one of us can shine. This gives us a great opportunity to develop new curriculum for all
kinds of groups to enjoy. The second thing is the stillness you can find at camp. “Be still and know that I am
God,” Psalm 46:10. Most of us today are dictated by our schedules. We are so constantly moving, talking,
browsing, and smart phoning that the only time we are still are the minutes spent before actually falling
asleep. It is no wonder why people don’t hear God anymore. God’s voice is a small still whisper and to truly
hear it, we need to be still and quiet. One of my goals is to work with Fr. Steven on a retreat curriculum that
can be facilitated by any staff member that we can go out and offer to youth ministry programs. This will
lighten their load, help camp and bring people to a closer relationship with God.
1980’s Reunion Scheduled for Spring 2017
Think back to a decade when hair was much bigger, John Paul II was in his first decade as Pope,
Reagan was President (most of the decade), Prince became King, and parachute pants were commonly
worn by people with no plans to jump from an airplane. 1980 through 1989 was a period of growth,
transition, and renewal for Camp Ondessonk. If you experienced this stretch of Ondessonk history, you
know Camp Spirit and we need you to return to celebrate the decade... with or without your Aqua Net
brand hairspray; it’s really up to you.
Scheduled for Friday, May 5th through Sunday, May 7th, the 1980’s reunion is open to campers,
volunteers, donors, staff members, and anyone else involved in Camp Ondessonk during the decade (or
thereabouts - we won’t be checking ID cards). In fact, you are welcome to attend if you merely like 80’s
music but weren’t even born until the 1990s.
Please help spread the word of this family friendly event to your camp friends. Activity areas will
be open for kids and adults, glowing campfires will surround Lake Echon, great food will be served, and
many faces will undoubtedly hurt from smiling. Please register at Ondessonk.com or give us a call to
request a mailed registration form.
4 www.ondessonk.com
Where are they now: Katie Carpenter
By Katie Bertelsmen
Heepwah, Go Irish and Fly Navy are a few mottos close to Katie Carpenter’s heart. The satisfaction of service to others has been instilled in Katie since her days
as a camp counselor. Later, she became a Residential Advisor during her tenure at the University of Notre Dame- This call to service resonates even now, as she quite
literally watches out for others from above in her Navy helicopter. A few words to describe Katie are: empathetic, intelligent, generous, innovative, and adventurous.
The sky is the limit when it comes to Ensign Carpenter!
Give me some background about yourself:
I grew up in Millstadt, Illinois, and first learned about Camp Ondessonk during a presentation in grade school. My first time
at Camp was as a mini-camper in Goupil in 2003. I went to a few weeks of Girls’ Season over the next few summers, eventually
becoming a CIT in 2008 and serving on staff from 2009-2013 (Stop, look and listen, here comes Garnier!).
What did you value most as a camper and later on as a staff member?
For campers, I think that one of the unique aspects of the camp experience is the environment in which you are encouraged
to step outside of your comfort zone and challenge yourself. Campers have an important journey of self-discovery jammed into
a week or two of camp. As you return in following summers, you learn more about yourself. The camp environment is conducive
to this self-discovery due in large part to the presence and efforts of the summer staff. As a staff member, you continue to learn
about who you are, but also who you want to be. Exposure to many different leadership styles over the course of a summer helps
you learn which styles you like, and which styles you don’t. Having been fortunate enough to be on leadership staff, I was also
able to employ foundational leadership styles and see which worked for me. University helped me further develop those basic
leadership skills and fine tune who I am as a leader. Katie and Rambo
Some of the best parts about Camp for me are the long-lasting and growing friendships. One friendship, for example, began
in 2006 between me and a staff member in my unit. I went on to become a CIT under her direction, and then a staff member in her activity area and unit. It is truly
amazing to be friends with your childhood role model.
So, Katie, what have you been up to recently?
I graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 2015 with a degree in Pre-Professional Sciences (ND’s version of a pre-med degree). Shortly after graduating,
I became commissioned as an officer into the United States Navy. I am currently in Florida for flight school. Hopefully over the next few months, I will complete
my current training and move on to advanced helicopter training. After finishing flight school, I will have the opportunity to fly for the Navy while also utilizing the
leadership skills I first began developing at Camp.
Stable News
By Meagan Walters Equestrian Director
Horses and staff have been busy as bees at the Ondessonk Stables! The summer riding programs were a complete success providing new experiences for both first
time riders and horse adventure campers alike. With Horse Camp filled to capacity last summer we are excited to announce the addition of a fifth week session being
offered July 2-8, 2017. Campers will also have the opportunity to travel to Lexington Kentucky, the horse capitol of the world, for the Kentucky Equine Excursion
the week of June 11-17. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for future horse professionals and all horse lovers!
In August, the Ondessonk Stables hosted a Certified Horsemanship Association Clinic and a new Road Scholar program. Riding instructors came from all
over the country to become certified CHA instructors in the English and Western disciplines. Our new Road Scholar program provided advanced training that
builds upon our Introduction to Horses and Riding program. Participants thoroughly enjoyed their
innovative lessons, extended trail rides in the Shawnee
Forest, and an optional overnight. We look forward to
hosting another full advanced Road Scholar as well as
introduction programs in October and November of
2016.
This Fall Camp Ondessonk’s Stables will host
multiple school groups, specialty weekend campers,
and public groups. We are looking forward to a busy
and beautiful Fall season and hope you join us for a trail
ride!
Heepwah and Happy Trails!
Meagan Walters provides a future wrangler
their first equestrian experience.
www.ondessonk.com 5Log Cabin Rental - Freeburg, IL
Family News
• Katie Frank is marrying Andrew Wood in July 2017.
• Rachel (Beatty) and Trevor Kell had their third girl, Lucy Ann, in April.
• Bill and Catherine Beatty welcomed Natalie Kateri in February, and Bill started a new job as a wildlife
biologist with the US Fish and Wildlife Service in Anchorage, AK working with walruses and sea
otters.
• Catherine (English) and Nick Cagle welcomed Cecelia in September.
• MaryAnne (Dunson) and Cavan Winn welcomed John Zane in June.
• Julian Watkins and Allison Essner were married in July.
• Jason Valentine started a new business cleaning and restoring carpets and hard surfaces.
• Courtney (Coe) and Scott Ostrowski are expecting their second child in January.
• Crystal (Haas) and Keith Tebbe are expecting their first future camper in April.
• Sarah Merkel is marrying Jared Goble in June.
• Chris Wysocki married Sara Creagan in September.
• Amber Garvey married Zack O’Renick and they are expecting a little RagRat in February.
• Kate Albrecht wrote and published the second Camp WannatippaTrashCan book and finished year
one of a PhD program in Public Administration.
• Caroline English is marrying Adam Duda in November.
• Olivia Hammond started nursing school.
• Greg Fox is going back to school for education and got a job at a really cool school.
• Ryan Fraser is engaged to Lauren Bradley.
• Kelsey O’Shaughnessy started a new job in Admissions at Butler University.
• Cassie Buchheit is marrying Ryne Gorsuch in November.
• Mitch Cunningham finished his masters in genetic counseling and is living and working in Detroit.
• Carolyn McManus is a speech therapist at Glasgow Elementary in St. Louis.
• Anastasia (Wylie) and Jaime Lopez and big sister Millicent welcomed Arthur James in
May and Anastasia is the VP & Director of Social Media at PadillaCRT in NYC.
• Carrie Birge is now working for Salesforce Marketing Cloud.
• Jenni Owens (Doe Doe) is now a Home Delivery Rep for Oberweis.
• Dan Wassman is living in Colorado Springs and flying Blackhawk helicopters, with a novel in the
works.
• Shannon Sullivan is in her third year teaching at Confluence Charter school in St. Louis.
• Annie Rose (Martin) and Joe Keith are expecting their first mini camper in February.
• Pat and Donna (who is retiring in January) Higgins are excited for grandchild number 7 this fall.
• Jeanette Weust, 78, of Belleville, IL, died in June.
• Betty Driscoll, 69, of Smithton, IL, passed away in September.
“ home away
“
from home
Online Registration
Opened October 1st!
6 www.ondessonk.comSummer 2016 Wrap-Up
By Alissa Hollmann Camping Services Director
From June 4 to August 6 of this year, campers crossed the covered bridge 2922 times to begin a new session at Camp Ondessonk. There were 2922 cheerful
greetings from Unit Leaders and 2922 new unit shirts given out on Sundays; 2922 Marshmallows on Monday nights; 2922 Explorers who set out from Camp into the
Shawnee National Forest; and 2922 fresh stories of campfires, games, and new friends. Our 2922 campers came from 28 states and from Mexico. They traveled from
as far away as Oregon, Alaska and Florida. But when they arrived, they were coming home.
Of the 2922, 569 were Mini Campers or Mini Camp Explorers who stayed in the units of Aonetta and Chiwatenhwa within the Monsignor Fournie Mini Camp
Village. The second summer in Mini Camp Village was even better than last year. First, the addition of the new catwalks and fire pits gave each unit a sense of
cohesiveness and a place to gather for Monday night campfires. Also, the new amphitheater and rope bridge element gave campers additional outlets for creative play
at their units. The Mini Camp program will continue to grow in the coming years and we are very excited for the new additions yet to come.
72 of the 2922 were Teen campers attending Adventure Camps. This year there were new options for Teen campers at Camp Ondessonk, including new Adventure
Camps. Surf Adventure was a new program that had a successful inaugural summer. Surf Adventure campers traveled to South Carolina where they took part in
surfing lessons each morning and other exciting activities each afternoon like stand up paddle boarding and a sea kayak tour. Surf Adventure will certainly be back
next summer!
The 2922 camper sessions that we held this summer were a full 250 more than the number of campers served in 2015, and far above our goal of 2700. The success
of 2016 was due in large part to our wonderful summer staff and volunteers, who work so hard each summer to give our campers the best experience possible. In 2016,
there were 167 volunteers. Collectively, they donated approximately 7000 hours of their time and talent to help Camp look great and run smoothly. Not to mention
that volunteers improved the overall program of Camp by allowing us to offer activities (and desserts!) that couldn’t be done without them!
Now that 2016 is in the books, we are excited to look towards 2017 and see what awaits us as we move forward. We cannot wait to meet our 2017 staff, show off
the facility upgrades that are planned for this school year, and see the next 2922 campers’ faces as they experience coming Home again.
A Letter from the Lodge Chief
By Wade Xanders
is on
The Fall Reunion has come to a close, tribe officials have been elected, work projects have been
completed, and revisions to the Constitution have been finalized. With the Fall Reunion completed,
we have some exciting changes to announce. To better serve the needs of our members, we’ve created
two new tribes! The Metro East Lodge Tribe has been divided into two tribes. The Metro-East Tribe,
which was formerly comprised of Lodge members living in the entire St. Louis region, will continue
to operate east of the Mississippi, and the brand new Gateway Lodge Tribe will operate on the West
side of the river. The goal is to provide better accessibility to meetings and events for members of both
tribes. Lodge officials also implemented the new World Wide Lodge Tribe! The World Wide Tribe will
take advantage of today’s technology to provide members who don’t live in close proximity with an
opportunity to be better involved in Lodge. The tribe will operate almost entirely online and hopes are
high to see what they can accomplish!
At the Fall Lodge Reunion, we recognized two tribes with the “Tribe of the Year” Awards for going
above and beyond expectations and providing exemplary service to their communities and Camp
Ondessonk. This title is usually awarded to one tribe, however both the Springfield and Peoria tribes
deserved recognition for their incredible work and dedication! The Springfield tribe raised over $2,000
and 231 food items. Their biggest fundraiser was the “Saturday Spectacular” where they hosted 36
“campers” and packed in a week of camp in just six hours in a local gymnasium. This event alone raised
$1,157! This year was a big one for the Peoria Lodge Tribe as well. On Halloween they trick or treated
for cash, and donated the proceeds to the Ondessonk scholarship fund which helps kids go to camp who
couldn’t otherwise afford it. They also collected a wagon load full of canned goods which were donated
to the food pantry at St Vincent’s Church in Peoria. They created seven blankets which were donated to
the St Vincent de Paul Society in Bloomington, and for Earth Day the tribe picked up a whopping five
full bags of trash at their local park. Heepwah Peoria, Springfield, and all the other tribes for the great
things they are doing for Camp and their communities. Keep up the incredible work. We hope to see you
all in the spring!
www.ondessonk.com 7Ondessonk Snapshots
Heepwah to all Stable Round-Up
and Lodge Reunion volunteers!
We simply couldn’t keep up with
camp’s maintenance and building
needs without your help!
Father
April 28-30, 2017
SON@
Weekend Ondessonk.com
8 www.ondessonk.comSpecial thank
Foundation fo s to the NR A
r their gener
support of ou ous
r riflery prog
ram.
Camp Ondessonk hosted
over 440 campers for
Friends Weekend!
Are You Reading This? So are other camp families!
Advertise with Ondessonk and have your organization
.
noticed by over 24,000 camp families.
Grab your phone and contact
Tony.Vrooman@Ondessonk.com or 618-580-0441 for more information!
www.ondessonk.com 9YOU CAN GO BACK HOME
By Jeanne Newton
Over 100 former Ondessonkers and their family members returned to Camp on May 13-15 for a
fantastic 70s Reunion!
Folks came from places far and wide, including California, North Carolina, Texas, Michigan, Kansas,
and Alaska. Some hadn’t been at Camp in almost 40 years, but felt right at home as soon as they drove
through the gates! One could hear names like Rheinecker, Jansen, Schutzenhofer, Gass, Pitt, Grannan,
Boatwright, Thomason, Harper, Kreitner, Cochran, Stowe, Garvy, and Caravella being bandied about. Along
with Szymula, Loehr, Foley, Becker, Boyer, Dusek, Klein, Canavan and Regalbuto, just to name a few!
Hiking, horseback riding, archery and canoeing were enjoyed, along with a Friday night campfire, a
Saturday night dance, featuring Tip Belz’ Motown Review band, and a Sunday gathering on the deck of
St. Noel, where photo albums were passed
around and stories of past adventures were
shared and embellished!
The weather cooperated beautifully,
ranging from 40s at night to 70s during the
day...which was appropriate since that was
pretty much the age range of attendees, too!
Many thanks to Steve Rheinecker and
Susie Rheinecker-Schneider for putting the
event together, and to Dan King and his staff
for helping to make the weekend a success.
Let’s do it again soon!
Left to Right, Cathy (Jansen) Williams, Dan Jansen,
Dave Jansen, Kathy “Tinker Bell” Chambliss,
and Pati Egan.
10 www.ondessonk.com2017 Eclipse
By Alissa Hollmann Camping Services Director
On August 21, 2017, Camp Ondessonk will be perfectly positioned to observe a total eclipse of the Sun. For about two and a half minutes, the sun will be completely
blocked from view by the shadow of the moon. That’s two and a half minutes of eerie daytime darkness. But the total time between when the eclipse begins and ends
completely is closer to 3 hours. It is said if you are in an open field, like the pastures at Camp, you will be able to see this shadow approaching like a dark rain storm. Then once
in the shadow the sky will grow dark like twilight just after sunset with that pinkish orange glow encircling the horizon. Stars and planets will be visible in the sky, and you will
be able to see the Corona (the outer atmosphere) of the sun with an unaided eye. This will include prominences and flares if any are present. Animals and birds will attempt
to bed down and roost as if getting ready for the night, temperatures will drop and you will temporarily be able to look directly at the sun with your own eyes. In fact, you will
have to in order to be able to see the Sun at this time. The Photosphere of the Sun or the part we normally see will be blocked by the Moon, but the Corona will extend twice
the diameter of the Moon in a glow that can only be seen during a total solar eclipse. This will be quite an experience, and one that typically happens only once in a lifetime.
Camp Ondessonk will be hosting an Eclipse Viewing Event from August 19-21. Everyone is welcome to join us for this unique experience. We’ll have typical camp
activities like swimming, hiking and trail rides available as well as educational sessions led by amateur and professional astronomers. Then on Monday we’ll have
the opportunity to be at camp to witness the main event. The event will begin with dinner and Mass on Saturday night and will conclude Monday afternoon. This is
certainly worth missing school for! We hope to see you all there!
To learn more about Camp’s Eclipse Viewing Event or to register, visit www.ondessonk.com/events.
For more information on the 2017 Eclipse of the Great American Eclipse visit: http://www.greatamericaneclipse.com/
www.ondessonk.com 11Give the gift of Camp
with 3 ways to save!
1 Pay full tuition during registration and receive
$20 worth of non-refundable Barter Bucks for the Trading Post.
Super Session Promos – valid Oct. 1, 2016 – Feb. 1, 2017:
2
• Boys Session 4 = $415 (June 25-July 1 / Ages 10-15)
• Girls Session 7 = $415 (July 16-22 / Ages 10-15)
• Coed Session 5 = $415 (July 2-8 / Ages 10-15)
• Paddling Adv. Session 3 = $450 (June 18-24 / Ages 13-16)
• Mt. Bike Adv. Session 3 = $450 (June 18-24 / Ages 12-16) Register in:
• Teen Leadership Camp Session 3 = $450 (June 18-24 / Ages 13-14) • October 2016 - March 2017
• Shawnee Backpack & Zip Line Adv. Session 4 = $475 (June 25- July 1 / Ages 13-16)
monthly draft of $100/camper*
• Climbing Adv. Session 6 = $475 (July 9- 15 / Ages 13-16)
• April 2017
3
monthly draft of $125/camper*
Camp Ondessonk Tuition Programs - • May 2017
monthly draft $150/camper*
Sign Up for Easy Monthly Drafts! • June 2017
**The Super Session discount pricing may not be used with other promotion
monthly draft $200/camper*
or Tuition Assistance Programs.
• July 2017
Super Session discount pricing is only valid from Oct. 1, 2016 - Feb. 1,
2017. If after participants sign up using the
Super Session Discount they opt for a different camping session or program
monthly draft $300/camper*
not included within the Super Session
Discount pricing dates. then those participants will be required to pay
the full upgrade Barter Bucks received
through paying full tuition during online Early Bird registration are non-refun
dable.
*based on Rate A Traditional Camp fees
Summer Registration at: All EZ-EFT Monthly Drafts must be
ondessonk.com paid in full by Aug. 20, 2017. Payments are
based on Traditional Rate A pricing.
877-659-CAMP
Summer programs Tree-House Camping,
available for males & Horse-Back Riding, Ar
chery,
females 8-17 years old. Swimming & much m
ore!You can also read
