Camp Ondessonk history

Growth of the camp facilities continued over the next few years including more units (making a total of seven in 1964: Brebeuf, Chabanel, Daniel, Garnier, Goupil, LaLande, and Lalemant), the B.O.Q., and a new infirmary.

By 1965, the summer enrollment reached 4,380 campers with 120 staff members. “Pioneer Weeks,” or two-week sessions were introduced as well as the addition of the Tarzan swing, a diving platform, and a zipline in the same summer.

Camp Ondessonk welcomed possibly the most iconic member of its family in July 1966 when it acquired Tommy the Bear.

In 1967 Amantacha became the first tree house unit.

On July 7, 1981, a camper received a minor wound on his hand when he reached into the cage during feeding time and grabbed at Tommy's ears.

Coed sessions were added in 1989 and eventually surpassed the popularity of separate gender seasons.

Specialty Camps were introduced in the summer of 1992 and would later evolve into the Adventure Camp Programs.

In 1995, Teondecoren was transformed into a tepee unit located in the upper pastures.

In 1996, camp reached a major achievement when it earned accreditation from the American Camp Association.

Mini camp was introduced for younger campers in 2000.

Yonah lived in the cage formerly occupied by Tommy, as the camp bear until his death in 2001.