Camp Ondessonk: Adventure in the Shawnee National Forest

Camp Ondessonk, a Diocese of Belleville-run Catholic youth camp, has been a fixture in the Shawnee National Forest since 1959. The camp's mission is to provide exceptional outdoor and spiritual adventures, empowering kids of all ages. The name 'Ondessonk' itself is a Huron word meaning 'Bird of Prey,' a name given to St. Isaac Jogues, a Jesuit priest martyred while serving the Huron people.Set on 983 acres, Camp Ondessonk offers a traditional summer camp experience for children ages 8-16. Campers participate in activities such as canoeing, archery, riflery, and horseback riding. Evenings bring campfires, skits, and games. The camp's facilities include rustic units like treehouses and cabins, designed to immerse campers in nature. Many trails also lead off-property into the Shawnee National Forest.Ondessonk also offers off-season programming, including group rentals and retreats. The camp's unique environment features diverse ecosystems, with both northern and southern tree species thriving in the Ondessonk Valley. The Loyal Lodge of Ondessonk & Tekakwitha is a service society comprised of campers, staff and volunteers who have shown their loyalty and dedication to Camp.