Camp Ondessonk

Ozark, United States

4.5

8 reviews

Accepts Credit Cards

Contacts

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Telephone:
+1 618-695-2489
Website:
ondessonk.com
Address:
3760 Ondessonk Rd, Ozark, IL, 62972
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Accepts Credit Cards
Yes

Today

Today –
Local time (Ozark) 2:05 AM Saturday, June 21, 2025

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Description

Specialties

Since 1959, Camp Ondessonk’s summer camp programs have provided an experience that encourages campers to have fun, nurture spiritually, make friends, grow in self-​confidence and promote important traditional values. Our Summer Camp Programs allow youths ages 8 to 16 to experience firsthand: Tree-​House Camping, Horseback Riding, Archery, Swimming, Canoeing, Rock-​Climbing, and Nature Exploration under the supervision of carefully selected staff. Camp Ondessonk is ACA (American Camp Association) accredited meeting over 300 standards in site safety, facilities, staffing practices, and operating procedures.

History

Established in 1959.

Camp Ondessonk is the result of the vision and efforts of many people.

With blessings from His Excellency, The Most Reverend Albert R. Zuroweste, Monsignor John T. Fournie led St. Philip Parish of East St. Louis in creating a summer program for its children by renting the facilities of Camp Piasa and Camp Vandeventer. After successful summers in 1957 and 1958, great interest from other Diocese of Belleville parishes stimulated expansion beyond St. Philip Parish. In 1959, Camp St. Philip evolved into Camp Ondessonk.

After much consideration, a 300 acre tract of land was purchased adjacent to the Shawnee National Forest of Southern Illinois. The scenic beauty of the region lent itself to picturesque exploration in an area now considered by many to be among the most beautiful and diverse ecosystems in the United States.

Meet the Manager

Dan K.

Manager

Dan King– Executive Director

Dan’s history with Camp Ondessonk began in 1981, his first year as a camper. For the next several summers, he attended at least one session per summer. At the time, families lined up hours early at the beginning of each session to register campers for the most popular cabin units. Dan’s parents were always willing to oblige their two sons’ passion for Camp Ondessonk… The family car was often one of the first in line. Dan was an Ondessonk Counselor in Training in 1986. He spent the summers of 1987 – 1994 on the summer staff, which included co-​leading the first ever Camp Ondessonk Horse Adventure trip. Following college, Dan gained program planning and administrative experience at several other camps as a wrangler, outdoor educator, Program Director, and Summer Camp Director. He returned to Ondessonk in 2006 and became Executive Director in 2008.

Vicinity

Near this location:
1
mi
The Irish Inn
600 Soloman Ln Box 97
1
mi
Ozark General Store
11935 US Highway 45 N
1
mi
David Michael Photography
820 Ozark Rd
1
mi
Ozark General Store
11935 US Hwy 45 N
1.5
mi
Bloodworth Head & Block Repair
12285 US Highway 45 N
2.9
mi
K & R Country Market
65 Mulberry St

8 reviews of Camp Ondessonk

No registration required
Place rating: 1
Ashland City, TN
Worst experience ever. My niece just left there hungry and covered with bites. They don’t feed the kids very much. For example, her breakfast this morning consisted of one donut and a piece of fruit. How is that a good nourishing breakfast? She even asked for more food and was refused food.
She was covered in hundreds of bites and was offered no aid other than to say «your mom will put anti itch cream on it when you get home». What happened to the medical professional that is supposed to be on site?
Had I known that this was going on, I would have gotten her out of there ASAP. But you can only send emails, not receive them. Oh yeah, at a dollar a piece. Yes, that’s right, you can email your camper but at a price. They can’t send any to you.
Place rating: 5
Breese, IL
Camp O is nore than just a gorgeous place of natural beauty and wonder. It is a singularly unique experience for all those lucky enough to spend time there.
Place rating: 5
Harrisburg, IL
Life changing in the best way! Been going for the past 45 years and I don’t plan on stopping. Helps with creating a purposeful life, respecting our earth and spirituality.
Place rating: 5
Saint Louis, MO
Camp Ondessonk is one of the highlights of my daughters’ years. My oldest asked for an extra wee for Christmas last year. The kids kept very busy with activities all day and evening. Many are activities most kids won’t have many chances to experience at other times — boating, archery, horseback riding, and many others. My daughters come home with email addresses for the friends they. Make every year. The staff are fantastic people. They are young men and women that you would want your children to emulate. Camp is very rustic, which puts the kids in a totally unique environment, makes them exercise a little bit of self reliance, and let’s them really be in touch with the beautiful surroundings. Camp O has had a great impact on our family, hope the same is true for you!
Place rating: 5
Belleville, IL
Camp Ondessonk was a life changing experience for my son. He gained skills in leadership, and is more independent and self confident than he was before. The counselors were professional and courteous to the campers and parents. They worked to provide a safe and fun environment for the campers. I chose Camp Ondessonk in part because of the importance it places on training its staff and its accreditation by the American Camping Association, which has very high standards.
Place rating: 5
Edwardsville, IL
It would be impossible to put this place into words. All I can do is try to tell you about my experiences there.
20 years ago, I was a camper there. It was truly amazing. I went every year I was allowed to. It was always the highlight of my summer.
After my camper life was over, I lost touch with Ondessonk. Earlier this year, I found out that my daughter was old enough to go for her first time. We went down for an open house weekend and I was immediately sucked right back in. My daughter loved the idea of spending a week there also. I registered her and signed myself up to volunteer for two weeks during summer camp.
In 20 years, nothing’s changed. A few short hours into my two week stay, it was like I found a time machine. I was blasted back to those times in my childhood. It was one of the best times I’ve ever had.
The week after I came home, my daughter went. We decided that she should go when I wasn’t there. Being away from, «home,» is a big part of Ondessonk. She didn’t want the security net of knowing I was just down the gravel road. She wanted to have the experience on her own, just as I did.
Did she love it? That would be an understatement. I’m sure Camp-​O will be a life changing experience for her.
Last summer we spent 10 days in Orlando. Disney, Universal Studios, Wet n Wild, the works. She said she had way more fun at Ondessonk. Hearing her say that was absolutely amazing.
Place rating: 5
Belleville, IL
I have to start by saying how beautiful this area is! I sent my 13 year old to camp last summer (all girls week) She had the time of her life! It was really good for her to get away from teenage stresses and technology! The staff and counselors are so caring I felt very comfortable leaving! I have to say not only was this a great rewarding and learning experience for my daughter but It taught me a few life lessons as well! In the words of my daughter «HEEPWAH»
Place rating: 5
New Lenox, IL
Camp Ondessonk is a great place to send your kids for a wonderful and safe camp experience. Activities include, hikes, horseback riding, swimming, handicrafts, archery, and outdoor overnights. Campers stay in units which are three wall rustic cabins. Kids are under the supervision of trained and background checked camp counselors. The camp director Dan King is professional and kind and was happy to answer all my questions and concerns. King, was a camper when he was a kid and now runs the place! My child had a great time and wants to go back next year. He made made many friends. If you want to know more check out the website.