Caden's First Trip to Camp Ondessonk

Over the spring, Caden mentioned going to church camp again with his friend, Ryan. When I contacted Ryan's mom, I found out Ryan was making a big jump from Lake Springfield Christian Assembly to Camp Ondessonk in Southern Illinois. We had heard great things about this camp from a co-worker of Curt's, but I was a nervous wreck about sending Caden almost four hours away for a week. Fortunately, Caden and Ryan joined two experienced Ondessonk campers (Ace and Luke) from Chatham. The moms gave me guidance and reassurance. The boys gave Caden even more excited anticipation of his week away.

On Saturday, Jovie and Rey seemed concerned with the packing process. I was too! Camp Ondessonk has been a successful Catholic Church camp since 1959, so I knew Caden would be in good, experienced hands. Still made me nervous though! 

Ondessonk knows how to keep worried moms more at ease. Hundreds of photos were posted on a special website daily. The other moms and I stalked that website every day for glimpses of our boys. So reassuring when we saw their faces, especially if they were smiling! Somehow, all of the boys instantly looked older from a distance. Also, on Monday morning, the camp director emailed the parents with a weather, breakfast, and activity report. I was so happy to receive that email! Monday ended up being a LONG day for me with only one photo of Caden's group posted late in the evening due to his unit's day-long hike. Caden was not able to communicate with us. He could have mailed a letter, but he was too busy having fun for letter writing. He was not able to take his phone either. Being unplugged for a week was so good for Caden! We were able to send one-way emails that were printed off for campers and distributed at meal times. Of course, I emailed him nightly. ;)    

Since Caden was the one to actually experience Camp Ondessonk, he is my guest blogger for this entry.

Sunday: On Sunday I got settled into my bunk. I was in Cabin 4 of the unit Goupil.

This is the unit of Goupil

Me before my swim test

My cabin

Lake St. Isaac

Me and my friends

Our inspection lines

Before Mass

Monday: On Monday we went on our all day hike in the Shawnee National Forest. We walked around camp and learned about its history.

Inspection lines

Tuesday: On Tuesday we started doing our activities. First we did archery and then we did challenge, which is team building and a rock wall. At night, we played our Tuesday night game. That is a mix of capture the flag and hide and seek. **Likely when he was exposed to poison ivy** :(

Archery

Team Building

Rock Wall

Wednesday: On Wednesday, our activities were boating and council. In council, you learn about the history of your unit.  **Caden's unit hiked and camped out this night also. He said they cooked foil burgers over the campfire and slept on flat rocks under the stars.**

Before boating

Boating

 

Thursday: On Thursday we had horseback riding and riflery. We also had lots of free time so we played Gaga Ball.

A camp favorite, Gaga Ball

Preparing for horseback riding

Me on my horse, Babe

Friday: Friday was our last full day. We had arrowhead hunt, which is when you can earn patches for showing your skills at certain activities. I got the arrowheads for health, arts and crafts, horsemanship, woodsmanship, and challenge course. After that, we had a big "race" called marathon. There are several different events in it, such as running, fire starting, and swimming. We got 3rd place. The next day, my parents picked me up and I headed home.

Gaga Ball

Watching marathon after our events

Planning for activities after marathon

Tug of war

Caden had an amazing time at Camp Ondessonk! I think it is safe to say it was his favorite part of this summer. When we picked him up, I was beyond happy to see his face. He barely had a voice (too much cheering and chanting), and he was covered in poison ivy, which got much worse after we returned home unfortunately. Poor guy! Despite the exhaustion, hoarse voice, and itchy skin, he shared lots of fun stories about his experiences. He said his favorite activities were challenge and horseback riding, but he enjoyed it all. He cannot wait to go back next summer!