Our Mission

The Mission of Camp Ondessonk is to provide an environment that inspires

physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual growth for individuals and groups

through the appreciation and stewardship of nature.

“Teaching What Matters Most”

Spring Newsletter

Volume 51, Issue 1

PAID

62972

New Counselor in Training ProgramBy Rusty Parker

Since its inception, Camp Ondessonk’s CIT Program has successfully developed

generations of Ondessonk staff members, and this summer marks the unveiling

of an exciting new look to the program. Designed to fulfill the mission of instilling

and cultivating qualities of integrity, compassion, hard work, and selflessness in

emerging lifetime leaders, Camp’s new CIT Program will take on a slightly different

structure consisting of a guaranteed full two weeks of programming for all CITs,

with a third week being offered to a small number of CITs who will be selectively

invited back based on performance. While the first week of the previous program

was devoted to training within a specific activity area, the first week of the new

program will instead engage CITs in creative programming designed to contribute

to their leadership development through the cultivation of those qualities most

necessary for strong leadership and effective camp counseling. Having developed

in these capacities throughout the first week, and having received an orientation

to their assigned activity area at the end of the first week, it is our hope that CITs

will be better prepared for successful participation in their activity area training

during week two. The second week, then, will offer CITs the opportunity to learn

the hard skills and teaching techniques of a particular activity, and CITs will be

tested and evaluated on their performance. While most of the CITs in a given

session will complete their program at the end of this second week, a handful of

select CITs will be offered the opportunity to closely shadow a Unit Leader in a

bonus third week, which will allow those select CITs to live in a unit and be trained

in the activities and responsibilities of a unit counselor. While the CIT Program

at Camp Ondessonk has always been one of Camp’s most successful and popular

programs, we are excited about the new additions to the program and feel strongly

that these additions will contribute meaningfully not only to the development

of future staff members, but also to the development of future leaders. The CIT

program staff can’t wait to implement this new program and are looking forward

to working with another outstanding group of CITs this summer. Heepwah!

Camp O Quarter Auction Nets

$3200 for the Campership FundBy Connie Lanaghan

Bid paddles were waving and quarters were “cha-chinging” as 110 Camp

Friends gathered for the 1st Annual Camp O Quarter Auction, held on February

19th, 2012 at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Highland, Illinois. Twenty-four area

vendors set up their wares for a pre-auction shopping party, and they graciously

donated more than 140 items for the silent auction, attendance prizes and the

main event.

“I think we had a good turnout, and we met our goal for our first year,” said

Camp board member Cindy Knebel, who coordinated the event with fellow board

member Lynn Fuhler. “About 80% of the attendees won some sort of prize and

everyone had fun.”

Quarter Auctions are the newest craze in fundraising events, and are growing

in popularity in the St. Louis area. A cross between an auction and a bingo, bidders

place quarters on the items they want to bid on and raise their paddle number, and

the winner is chosen by a drawing.

Big Heepwahs to Cindy Knebel and Lynn Fuhler for spearheading the event, to

all the participating vendors, and the Lodge and Camper volunteers who worked

at the event!

Our Vision

The Vision of Camp Ondessonk, a camp founded on the Catholic Faith,

is to be the world’s best youth camp. Inspired by positive role models,

campers will experience the wonders of God’s creation through

adventurous, challenging activities in a unique, rustic environment.

2 www.ondessonk.com

Camp Ondessonk

3760 Ondessonk Road

Ozark, Illinois 62972

618-695-2489

www.ondessonk.com

Jeanne M. Newton,

President

Vice President,

Human Resources

and Marketing

Belleville News Democrat

Susie Schneider,

Vice President

Business Consultant

Rheinecker & Associates

Elizabeth M. Keserauskis,

Secretary

Executive Director of

Marketing and

Communications

Southern Illinois

University - Edwardsville

Tip Belz

Electrician

IBEW - Local 309

Heidi Dodd

Attorney

Harter, Larson & Dodd, LLC

Marge Downey

Educator / Principal, Retired

Lynn Fuhler

Project Administrator

Pond & Company - Architects,

Engineers, Planners

Claire Hatch

Principal

Blessed Sacrament School,

Belleville, IL

Fr. John Iffert

Pastor

St. Mary Parish,

Mt. Vernon, IL

Cindy Knebel

Banking Professional

David Read

Assistant Vice President

of Sales

Hamilton Insurance Agency

Erin Rinderer

Advertising Production

Supervisor & Graphic Designer

Belleville News Democrat

Eric Schauster

Grant Writer

City of Belleville

Dr. Christopher Wangard

Pediatric Hospitalist

Site Supervisor,

Anderson Hospital

Glennon Care Pediatric

Associates

Joseph Werner

Building Contractor

Joe Werner Construction

Ex Officio Trustees:

Most Reverend

Edward K. Braxton,

Ph.D., S.T.D.

Bishop

Diocese of Belleville

Very Rev. John W. McEvilly,

V.G.

Vicar General / Moderator

of Curia

Diocese of Belleville

James V. Mroczkowski,

CPA

Finance Officer

Diocese of Belleville

Board of Directors

Lodge UpdatesBy Tim Coffey

Between making some additions to the way Fall Lodge Reunion is run, inducting almost

200 new members, raising several hundred dollars for Ondessonk and the Campership Fund,

spreading awareness among many communities, and performing service at Camp, the Lodges

of Ondessonk and Tekakwitha have had a very eventful year. Last summer, with the help of

many summer staff and volunteers, we were able to induct nearly 200 new members. These new

members have already been an awesome addition to Lodge and its mission. Tri-State Lodge Tribe

recently spent an entire weekend working at Camp, performing necessary cabin maintenance

and working on the ongoing project of reopening Fat Man’s Misery. The Metro East, Springfield,

Clinton County, and Tri-State Lodge Tribes have all hosted “Fun Nights” at churches and schools

in their areas. These events garner interest in Ondessonk, raise significant funds for Camp and

the Campership Fund, and are an awesome time for those in attendance. Be sure to keep an eye

out for an Ondessonk Fun Night in your area during the next school year! Attendees of this fall’s

Lodge Reunion observed some changes from those Reunions in the past. They gained valuable

knowledge and skills through seminars offered up by Ondessonk staff and even a professional

storyteller. And of course, there were all of the best parts of Lodge Reunion: reconnecting with

friends, performing service, electing officials, and hiking. Lodge has done and continues to do

great work for communities and Camp Ondessonk. If you are a Lodge Member, please consider

being a part of this service by re-activating and becoming an active part of your Lodge Tribe. For

more information about Lodge and becoming active, email lodge@ondessonk.com or call 618-

695-2489.

Rat Patrol Skating PartyBy Emma Klues

Almost 100 friends gathered on Saturday March 3rd,

2012 for Rat Patrol: A Birthday Benefit for Camp Ondessonk

at the Skatium in St. Louis at which supporters celebrated the

anniversary of the naming of Camp Ondessonk, originally on

February 26th. This event was a fun reunion of staff alumni

enjoying food, drink, roller skating, tunes by DJ Jason Valentine,

and catching up with each other. The event raised almost

$2000.00 in donations and gifts-in-kind from the Amazon.

com registry camp created. Many folks donated money, while

others chose to contribute vital items such as life jackets, riding

helmets, ammunition, and tarps. This event takes place every

other February/March, opposite the Gala. A huge thank you to

everyone who attended, and a big heepwah to the planning committee Brynn Freed, Allie McCreary,

Callie Kreidler, Emma Klues, Dan Frierdich, Stephanie Colbert, Megan Bell, Ryan Brummer, Amy

Broadway, Carrie Birge, Katie Birge, Jill Kunkel-Weidman, Laura Beauchamp, Greg Santen, Jenn

Brennan, Rebecca Cler and Amber Garvey. If you would like to make sure you receive an invitation

next time for the 2014 event, email your updated info to ratpatrol@ondessonk.com. If you want

to send camp a belated birthday present, check out our registry at http://amzn.to/CampO and be

sure to add a note to say it’s from you!

A dog eating her invitation

did not stop Tracy (Beckham)

Phipps from attending -

Heepwah!

Letter from the Executive Director - Farewells and Welcomes.

Dear Ondessonk Friends,

One of the many pleasures of my job is the great honor of working alongside a team of

excellent camp administrators. In the process of serving Ondessonk and its campers, we become

very close. I am sad to report that at the end of 2011, two fantastic staff members, Evan Coulson

and Rebecca Cler, left the organization to pursue new adventures. Then more recently, Sara

Oviatt, our Equestrian Director for the last year and a half, departed to be closer to loved ones

while working as Campus Life Coordinator for a community college West of Denver.

Evan Coulson, whose role was primarily rooted in summer camp leadership and staff

development, is now Coordinator of Outdoor Pursuits at Steven F. Austin University in

Nacogdoches, TX. This position will allow him to pursue his ultimate goal of becoming a university

professor while, among other duties, leading college students on backcountry trips throughout the United States. Evan and his wife Gabby, also a longtime Ondessonk

staff member, are now happily living in their tiny house in the great piney forest of East Texas.

Rebecca Cler, who served camp most recently as Program Director, relocated to St. Louis. She often rides her bike - I’ve been told with a big smile, to her new job

as Walk Manager at Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America. Rebecca and her loyal dog Vena now live in a neighborhood close to parks, coffee shops, and numerous

Ondessonk friends. Needless to say, we miss her infectious smile and strong leadership skills.

While departures are challenging, they also bring great opportunity. Camp Ondessonk could always use new ideas, energy, and faces. Our campers deserve great

leaders, and they will soon be introduced to two of the best.

Jeremy Culpepper, our new Camping Services Director, came to us by way of YMCA Camp Onyahsa,

where he started as an eight year old camper and eventually became Associate Camp Director. He earned

his undergraduate and Master’s degrees from Bowling Green State University. More recently, Jeremy

completed his Doctoral program coursework in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management from Clemson

University. While his academic background will surely benefit our campers, I believe they will benefit more

from his warm, genuine, and immediately likeable personality. Further, he brings to Ondessonk added

bonuses in the form of Rachael, his wife, and Holden, their wonderful three year old son.

Our new Program Director, Brian Croft, began preparing for Ondessonk’s spring programming season

in late January, when he moved to camp with Denise, his wife. Currently completing his Master’s degree

in Recreation Resource Administration from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Brian previously

worked as Outdoor Program Leader at Touch

of Nature Environmental Center. His extensive

experience serving school groups clearly shows

in his work for Ondessonk thus far. Brian grew

up in Teutopolis, IL, and was heavily involved

in Boy Scouts as a kid. He openly shows

enthusiasm for his new position, often telling

Ondessonk veterans how happy he is to be

here.

As hard as it has been to say farewell to

Evan, Rebecca, and Sara, their departures

make-way for something great. We all have an

opportunity to experience the joy of making a

few new friends, which is, of course, one of the

greatest parts of being an Ondessonk friend.

As always, please keep camp in your life for

the rest of your life.

Sincerely Yours,

Dan King, Executive Director

3www.ondessonk.com

4 www.ondessonk.com

Where Are They Now?

Kyle and Emma (O’Brien) KluesBy Ryan Brummer

Fate was written in the stars for this curly-haired couple from the early

2000s. Kyle Klues and Emma O’Brien started a new chapter in their lives

on May 21, 2011 when they were married. They tied the knot at Touch of

Nature, just south of Carbondale, and in true Ondessonk fashion made

the trip all the way back to Ozark, Illinois for the reception in the Old

Dining Hall.

Both Kyle and Emma worked six summers (2001-2006) at Ondessonk.

Kyle spent his time in the range, mainly archery, and the kitchen until he

worked his way up to Unit Leader. Emma started out leading horses and

working in the barn before working with kids as a Unit Leader, and finally

moved on to help shape the Special Activities Coordinator position.

Currently, Kyle, Emma, and Jackson, their dog, are getting acquainted

with their new house in St. Louis. Kyle spends his days working as a

structural engineer at Horner & Shifrin, while Emma is a Project Manager

at Elasticity.

They are excited to stay involved with Ondessonk during the summer

and throughout the year helping with the Gala, Rat Patrol, Annual Fund

Drive, Ondessonk Online and other events. This summer, Emma is

volunteering to unit lead during Coed 1 and Kyle is doing the same during

Boys Camp!

If you have suggestions of past staff members Ondessonk should

highlight in our next newsletter, please e-mail Ryan Brummer at

promotion@ondessonk.com.

The Ambassador

Pizza Party!Ondessonk.com/pizza

For every new camper your

Ambassador Pizza Party signs up--

You will receive $25 off your child’s

enrollment fee. If your Ambassador

Pizza Party signs up the most new

campers you will receive ½ off your

child’s enrollment fee. To participate

please contact Tony Vrooman: Tony.

Vrooman@Ondessonk.com

or 618-580-0441.Thank you for sharing Camp

Ondessonk’s mission and vision.

Your kit will include:

Kyle and Emma Klues

Camp Mattress Replacement Project Initiated Thanks

to $10,000 GrantBy Connie Lanaghan

Sweet dreams for our campers as they lay their bodies on new mattresses, courtesy of a $10,000 leadgrant in 2011 from the Virginia Wellington Cabot Foundation. Our mattress replacement project is partof an ongoing effort to enhance our campers’ outdoor experience by replacing all 376 camper mattressesby summer, 2014. Special thanks to the Virginia Wellington Cabot Foundation for funding this important

project and to former ExecutiveDirector Tim Eiserle and his wife Robin Wellington for sponsoring our project proposal. The foundation’s lead grant allowed us to replace 100 mattresses and refurbish another 150 with newcovers last summer. Our goal is to replace another 80 - 100 this summer.Each $75 gift gets us one mattress closer to our goal. Your support in thisproject will be greatly appreciated byour campers.

Interview with Jeremy Culpepper - Camping Services Director

What were the first three things you did when you arrived at Camp Ondessonk?-Wondered if I had made the correct turn (after driving for a couple minutes down the camp road).

-Looked up into the clear, night sky, amazed at how many stars I could see.

-Went to sleep in the room that I was staying in at St. Noel (I had the choice of about 10 beds to

sleep in, and of course, chose a top bunk!)

What is your favorite part of your job?So far, my favorite part of the job has been talking to each of the 200+ summer staff applicants on the

phone. I learned more about Camp Ondessonk in a 2-week

period, than I think I could have learned working here for

an entire year. I loved the camp stories each of them had to

tell; along with the one unique thing about Camp Ondessonk

that they each felt I should most look forward to this

upcoming summer (that happened to be one of my interview

questions).

What is your favorite movie?Fletch (gotta love Chevy Chase)

If you could trade places with any other person for a week, famous or not famous, living or dead, real or fictional, who would it be?

My son…… just so I could see what is going on inside his

little head.

Read the rest of the interview at our Blog: ondessonk.

wordpress.com

5www.ondessonk.com

Interview with Brian Croft- Program

DirectorWhat are you most excited about for this summer?

I have been training my whole life for the professional

gaga circuit. I think that camp will help me reach my

goal! Some people have called me the Chuck Norris of

Gaga!

What is your favorite meal?Anything Rachelle Stice our Food Service Director cooks.

My goal for the summer is to not end up looking like

Jabba the hut, but with Rachelle in the kitchen, it’s not

looking good. Her Biscuits and Gravy for breakfast can

make anyone a morning person.

If you could be any character in fiction, who would you be?No question, either Harry Potter or Han Solo. They are

so much alike that it’s hard to choose.

What is your favorite part of your job?Being a part of this amazing family is my favorite part. The Ondessonk family spans more than half a

century and to be a part of it all is truly amazing. I can honestly say that I have landed my dream job.

Read the rest of the interview at our Blog: ondessonk.wordpress.com

Family News

Virginia Klemme passed away April 12, 2012. Many staffers from the 60’s remember her fondly as a wonderful volunteer. We extend our sympathies to her family and friends.

Jen Sabo is engaged to Desh Nandedkar.

Laura Collebrusco will be graduating from Southern Illinois University Carbondale in May with a degree in Exercise Science and will be continuing her education through a graduate program in Exercise Physiology at University of Northern Colorado Greeley.

Julian Watkins is officially an attorney; admitted to practice last month.

Josiah Garvey is engaged to Amanda Costa and will be married in June.

Megan Bell is engaged to AJ Jones and will be married in August.

Nikki (Baker) Storms and her husband Brad are expecting their second child in September.

Kristi Wilsman is engaged to Dan Schuster.

Catherine English is moving to Lockport, IL.

Nikki Patino is finishing/graduating from her residency at University of Illinois Medical Center in Occupation and Environmental Medicine in June 2012. She will also complete her Master’s degree in Public Health from University of Illinois in Chicago this May.

Caroline English was accepted to the study abroad program and will be traveling to Ireland this June.

Lukas and Kate (Sanders) Schmid are expecting their first child, a girl, in June.

Amber Garvey moved to Austin, TX.

Beth Beazley and Linnah Neidel recently provided support services to researchers while living and working in Antarctica.

Matt and Erika Shively were married in October 2011.

Evan Coulson and Gabrielle Hodges moved to Nacogdoches, Texas.

Rebecca Cler is now the Walk Manager at the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation in St. Louis.

Jen Lutz married Jack O’Brien in November 2011.

Will Shelton and Laura Beauchamp are engaged and will be married in December.

Lizzy Fillback is engaged to Denver Seay.

6 www.ondessonk.com

Off-Season Super DealFor Only $175.00

Includes:Continental breakfast and picnic lunch

Call 877.659.2267 for reservations

Camp Ondessonk Smart Tuition Program

Convenient Monthly Payments

Sign up in August 2012 and payments are

only $55.00 per month.

Call 877.659.2267 ext. 109

Online Contacts

7www.ondessonk.com

Camp’s vehicle and heavy equipment fleet is in critical

need of improvement. If you have a mechanically sound van,

truck, passenger vehicle, or utility tractor you’d like to donate,

please contact Dan King at 618-695-2489, ext. 102. Vehicle

and heavy equipment donations are subject to IRS regulations.

Ondessonk will happily provide guidance in making this type

of tax deductible gift. Please visit ondessonk.com and click

on “Stewardship”, then “Wish List” for a complete list of

Ondessonk’s in-kind gift needs. Thank you for helping us work

“Camp Magic” for these items!

May 4-6 Women in the Outdoors dglennon@live.com

May 11-13 Spring Lodge Workshop jeremy.culpepper@ondessonk.com

June 2 Open House/Homecoming 10AM-5PM Free Event linda.scruggs@ondessonk.com

June 3-9 Coed Camp 1/ Horse Camp / Mini-Camp Explorers becky.jennings@ondessonk.com

June 6-9 Mini-Camp 1 becky.jennings@ondessonk.com

June 3 -16 River to River Backpacking Adventure/CIT 1 becky.jennings@ondessonk.com

(both programs open to males and females)

June 10-16 Coed Camp 2 / Horse Adventure becky.jennings@ondessonk.com

June 10-23 CIT 2 (Open to males and females) becky.jennings@ondessonk.com

June 17-23 Coed Camp 3 / Horse Camp / Rock Camp becky.jennings@ondessonk.com

June 17-30 CIT 3 (Open to males and females) becky.jennings@ondessonk.com

June 24-30 Boys Camp / Rock Adventure (Open to males and females) becky.jennings@ondessonk.com

June 24 to July 7 Horse Expedition (2 week pack trip! Open to males and females) becky.jennings@ondessonk.com

July 1-4 Mini-Camp 2 becky.jennings@ondessonk.com

July 4-7 4th of July Family Camp becky.jennings@ondessonk.com

July 8-14 Girls Camp 1/ Horse Camp (Open to females) becky.jennings@ondessonk.com

July 8 to 21 CIT 4 (Open to females) becky.jennings@ondessonk.com

July 15-21 Girls Camp 2 / Horse Adventure becky.jennings@ondessonk.com

July 22-28 Coed Camp 4 / Horse Camp becky.jennings@ondessonk.com

July 15-28 CIT 5 (Open to males and females) becky.jennings@ondessonk.com

July 29 to Aug. 4 Coed Camp 5 / Horse Adventure / Lodge Camp becky.jennings@ondessonk.com

Aug. 4 SUMMER CAMP ENDS

Aug 25 Camp O Night at Grizzlies Stadium connie.lanaghan@ondessonk.com

Aug. 30 to Sept. 3 Labor Day Friends Weekend-INVITATION ONLY EVENT linda.scruggs@ondessonk.com

Sept. 14-16 Fall Family Camp linda.scruggs@ondessonk.com

Sept. 16 - 21 (tent. dates) Road Scholar: Hiking Through So. Illinois brian.croft@ondessonk.com

Sept. 22 17th Annual Golf Benefit connie.lanaghan@ondessonk.com

Sept. 23-28 Road Scholar: Hiking in Southern Illinois brian.croft@ondessonk.com

Sept. 28-30 Women in the Outdoors dglennon@live.com

Sept. 28-30 Fall Stable Roundup- INVITATION ONLY stables@ondessonk.com

Oct. 5-7 Mother & Daughter Weekend linda.scruggs@ondessonk.com

Oct. 7-12 Road Scholar: Hiking in Southern Illinois brian.croft@ondessonk.com

Oct. 12-14 Fall Lodge Reunion brian.croft@ondessonk.com

Oct. 14-19 Road Scholar: Introduction to Horses and Riding brian.croft@ondessonk.com

Oct. 14-19 Road Scholar: Hiking Through Southern Illinois brian.croft@ondessonk.com

Oct. 20 Free Fall Festival linda.scruggs@ondessonk.com

Oct. 20 Moccasin Gap 10 Mile Trail Race & Heepwah 5K Fun Run linda.scruggs@ondessonk.com

2012 Camp Ondessonk Calendar

Summer programs available for males

& females 8-17 years old.

Tree-House Camping,

Horse-Back Riding, Archery,

Swimming & much more!

Summer Registration at:

ondessonk.com

877-659-CAMP

Ondessonk Smart Tuition ProgramCamp Ondessonk introduces a new monthly tuition payment option for camper families. The program will feature thefollowing:

per month. Preauthorized monthly fee payments, automatically drafted using Electronic Funds Transfer.

parents to pay fees online.

is safe and secure.

www.Ondessonk.com/Tuition