|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Home |
FATHER AND SON BONDING OPPORTUNITY
Brother Knights, allow me to share with you a unique opportunity we have as Knights of Columbus. Many of you may know that the Diocese of Belleville operates a Catholic Youth Camp in southern Illinois called Camp Ondessonk. It is a wonderful place where children ages 9-15 are taught team building and outdoor skills while building confidence on a foundation of Catholic Christian values. What you may not know is that camp is by no means limited to just your children. It is available to you as well in several ways:
Knights of Columbus Father/Son Weekend: April 22-24
Available activities will include:
Nature Hikes
Handicrafts
Archery/Riflery (pending instructor availability)
Water Crafts (Canoeing and kayaking on Lake Echon)
Horseback Riding*
Climbing Wall*
High Ropes Challenge Course*
Evening Campfires
Outdoor Mass
* These activities incur additional fees and/or liability waivers, and participants must be at least 10 years of age.
Brochures will likely be available in March. The fee schedule is the same as the cost of Family Camp last Fall which was $35 per person for the weekend. Horseback Riding and High Ropes will be $15 per person for each activity. The cost will include two nights lodging, three meals on Saturday and two on Sunday in Camp O’s wonderful new dining facility. Friday night is check-in/activity sign up time and no meal is served.
The camp has a number of cabin/tree house clusters called Units. You’ll sleep on bunks with mattresses, but the structures are open so you can enjoy the night air. Most Units front the lake. Large groups, individual Father/Son pairs and any combination in between are all equally welcome. This is an outstanding opportunity to get away for a weekend and spend quality time with yours son or sons enjoying God’s creation. You can bet that Alex and I will be there.
There are two ways to ensure you have a place at this special event. If we wish to attend as a group, simply tell me and I’ll make the arrangements. If not call the Camp Secretary at 618-695-2489 and have her add you to the brochure mailing list. You’ll have about a month to decide and send in your registration.
Summer Volunteer Program
Attend camp with or without your children in exchange for providing Camp with your skills and time. Much is explained about volunteering on the Camp website, as well as excellent descriptions of the programs offered there. Go to http://www.ondessonk.com for more information. I will be available to anyone with questions as I have assumed the mantle of Camp Promoter for SW KY and NW TN. Anyone wishing to talk to me about Camp can reach me at 270-475-8111, leave a voicemail if I’m not home.
Outdoor Education & Retreats
Camp is open year-round to private groups such as Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, church groups, and schools. Several programming options are available with as little or as much assistance from Camp staff as is desired. Call the Camp office to reserve your weekend or for more information.
I encourage you to prayerfully consider attending the K of C Weekend and also sending your children in the Summer. If you have the time and inclination to volunteer as well, even better! I’ll leave you with the Camp cheer. I won’t tell you what it means; once you’ve been there you won’t have to ask.
HEEPWAH!!