Dear Prospective Volunteer:

Thank you for your interest in an extraordinary volunteer opportunity! Volunteering at Camp Ondessonk gives adults from all walks of life a chance to affect real change in the lives of our campers and enjoy a week of hiking, swimming, gardening, ministering, riding horses, and so much more. I am amazed by the generosity of so many people who choose to spend their vacation and free time working for Camp.

To make volunteering at Ondessonk a rewarding experience for you, as well as the campers and staff, your understanding and cooperation are needed and greatly appreciated. 

Some things you can expect this year that might feel new or different when volunteering at Camp Ondessonk for Summer 2026 include but are not limited to: 

• If you feel that the area you are assigned does not have enough tasks for you to fill your day, I will have a list of other areas or projects that could benefit Camp that week.
• You will not be able to access your St. Noel room until 3pm on Sunday, and must vacate by 10am on Saturday. Please do not put your items in the room prior to this time. 
• The Volunteer Meeting is at 4pm on Sunday in the Basement of St. Noel. We will then head to the Main Area for our photo at 5:10/5:15pm. 
• Mass is held at 5:30 pm every Sunday of Summer Camp. Our summer camp population is made up of campers, staff members, and volunteers communally participating in and contributing to the Mission, Vision, and Core Values of Camp Ondessonk, a Catholic Youth Camp. Attendance at Mass is considered a high priority in this community. All campers, staff, and volunteers are expected to be present unless official duties or sickness prevents attendance. Designated seating will be marked for volunteers. If needed, transportation to and from the Grotto will be arranged. Please alert the Volunteer Coordinator if you need transportation assistance.
• Housing will be divided by gender for volunteers; married couples will be housed together only if there is room. 
• A volunteer manual with some policies, procedures, and expectations. 

The application and selection process for 2026 will be:

• You must be 25 years of age to volunteer.
• You must submit all paperwork at least six weeks prior to your arrival to allow time for a criminal background check, as well as meeting diocesan policies and procedures. A small donation to defray the cost of your background check ($7.00) would be very appreciated.
• Prospective Volunteers can complete either a paper or digital application (you do not have to submit both).
• Returning Volunteers have a shorter application that does not require the initial paperwork.
• Applications will be open until all spots are filled.
• Volunteer acceptance and placements will be announced beginning January 15th. This is to ensure we have the volunteers placed during times and in positions that best benefit both the volunteers and the operational needs of Camp. 

It is possible to volunteer while your child is a camper, but we discourage parents of first-year or Mini campers from volunteering due to the risk of homesickness for your child and the others in his/her unit. Because volunteers will have specific duties requiring a great deal of attention, volunteers may not bring children not enrolled in a camp session.

If you have any questions about the volunteer program or application process, please contact me at 618-695-2489 x145 or volunteer@ondessonk.com. 

I look forward to the possibility of working with you this summer! Please click the next button to complete your application. 

 

Lucia Hodges

Volunteer Coordinator

All new volunteers with Camp Ondessonk must submit the following paperwork before being considered for placement. Please print, complete, and upload the following document:

Diocese of Belleville Volunteer Application

 

In addition to this document, you will also be asked to complete two online background checks (you will receive emails from a company called Virtus and Illinios DCFS) and a Child Protection training that will be sent after accepted. 

Camp Ondessonk Volunteer Code of Ethics

Camp Ondessonk is committed to providing a Catholic, faith-based, fun, safe, educational, and inclusive experience for all campers, CITs, staff, parents, and volunteers. With this in mind, we require volunteers to behave in a mature and responsible way and respect the rights and dignity of others while they are at Camp Ondessonk, participating in Camp-sponsored activities, or representing Camp Ondessonk in any way.

If you are in a volunteer position at Camp Ondessonk, you will commit to upholding Catholic values in your public work and acting as a positive role model and mentor to our staff, CITs, and campers. It will be hard work, BUT you can expect to end your experience with a better sense of community, self-value, faith, work ethic, and commitment to others.

All volunteers are expected to read, understand, and adhere to the following Code of Ethics:

1. I promise to strive to meet the mission and vision of Camp Ondessonk, putting the Catholic core values of the organization at the forefront of all that I do as a volunteer.
2. I understand that my job is to always protect children. In doing so, I will:
   
   • accept personal responsibility to protect children from all forms of abuse, including:
     
     • Physical Abuse – striking, shaking
     • Verbal Abuse – humiliation, degradation, threats, profanity
     • Sexual Abuse – including inappropriate touch, displays, acts
     • Mental Abuse – hazing, neglect, manipulation, teasing, bullying
   • never leave a camper unsupervised and always follow the “Rule of Three”.
   • ensure camper discipline adheres to Camp's policies, and does not include corporal punishment.
3. I promise to be a positive role model for youth at Camp and acknowledge I am a representative of Camp and the Diocese of Belleville to camper families during my off time, both outside of Camp and online. In doing so, I will:
   
   • exhibit the highest ethical standards and personal integrity.
   • conduct myself in a manner that is consistent with the discipline and teaching of the Catholic Church.
   • maintain an attitude of respect, loyalty, patience, courtesy, tact, and maturity.
   • show initiative, be responsible, and do things without being asked.
   • display a positive attitude in response to stress and change.
   • treat campers, CITs, and staff of all races, religions, cultures, and backgrounds with respect, dignity, and consideration.
   • refrain from the use of profane or abusive language in the presence of campers and staff, or where campers and staff may hear or see.
   • refrain from inappropriate conversations with campers and staff, or in places where campers and staff may hear, including topics such as politics, relationship status, sexual activity, drinking, smoking, etc.
4. I promise to be a good volunteer. In doing so, I will:
   
   • support and aid other volunteers and staff when the time and need arises.
   • express dissent quietly, thoughtfully, respectfully, and never with campers present.
   • respect the possessions and belongings of volunteers, staff, CITs, and campers, as well as the facilities and equipment of Camp Ondessonk.
   • take care of myself and recognize my personal needs so I can be the best I can be.
5. I promise to make good decisions. In doing so, I will:
   • treat with confidentiality and respect the personal information I learn from or about campers, CITs, and staff (subject to the policies on reporting abuse and neglect).
   • only smoke, vape, use, or possess any tobacco or e-cigarette product in designated locations at Camp Ondessonk.
   • only drink alcoholic beverages at St. Noel, not in the presence of campers or staff, or before going to interact with campers or staff.
   • not bring weapons onto Camp property.

I will use positive techniques of guidance, including redirection, and acknowledgement and anticipation of each staff’s and camper’s unique needs. I will use positive reinforcement and encouragement rather than competition, comparison, or criticism. I will make expectations clear and avoid power struggles with staff and campers.

If you would like to volunteer in the Health Center, please note:

Camp Ondessonk will provide up to $739 toward any Rate A camp tuition for the child of your choice in exchange for a week of service in the Health Center. To qualify for this credit, you must be licensed in the State of Illinois as an MD, DO, RN, NP, PsyD, PA-C, LPC, LCPC, LSW, or LCSW. A copy of your Illinois Certification/License MUST be submitted prior to the discount being applied.

We can only accept three Health Center and/or Emotional/Behavioral Health Professional Volunteers per week, so applying early is essential. Once accepted, if for any reason you are unable to volunteer, you will be responsible for the tuition of your sponsored camper.

We rely heavily on the assistance of our volunteer healthcare professionals, and thank you in advance for your time, consideration, and service to Camp.

To view a brief overview of volunteer assignments, please click here.