THE THREE FLAMES OF TRIBAL COMPETITION

1.  MAXIMUM EFFORT - Learning how to give everything you have in everything you do!

2.  TRUE SPORTSMANSHIP - Learning how to respond when you win, learning how to respond when you do not win!

3.  MAXIMUM ENTHUSIASM - Learning how to be fired up in all that you do!

After Tribal Initiation, the kids go to the Field House with their cabins for some great bonding games and then head back for showers and their first Cabin Devo!  Opening Day is always so special and Incomparable at Camp Ozark, whether it is your 1st year or your 10th! 

Spiritual Emphasis

At the heart of Camp Ozark is our desire for kids to know God’s love for them just as they are.   The verse of the summer for 2010 is Romans 1:16, "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes:". 

Tonight, like each night at Lifeline, our worship begins with the campers and counselors dancing and singing to the song of the summer.  This year it is “Live Life Loud”by Hawk Nelson.  Perhaps you, like the mother of Jack & Julia (two great campers from Tennesse) should download it to your iPod for the road trip home from camp.    Hope your kids love it as much as mine do! 

Song of the Summer- Live Life Loud- Hawk Nelson

Someone throw your hands up
If you wanna take a chance then
You gotta sing a little louder
Let's wake this crowd up

I got a hankering for something special
Tonight's the night it becomes official
Don't stop the rock, hold both your hands up
Sh-sh-show these people how to shake things up

I'm not sitting down 'til I'm older
And I'm not shuttin' up 'til it's over
Raise your hands and shout if you're with me
Once we start, it won't make a difference

If you wanna live life loud, throw your hands up
If you wanna scream and shout, let me hear you
Takin' all the fakers out if you're with me
Everybody work it, just keep living

Here are a few more helpful hints as you prepare your camper:

1.  Don't send your child's nicest things to camp!  In addition to the possibility of losing the item, we play hard, outside and clothes get dirty!  If you have a camper that loves the Craft Center as much as our children, they will difinitely come home with a creative master piece and more than likely dried paint on a few articles of clothing!

2.  If your first time camper is younger, practice doing all basic hygiene by themselves, like brushing their teeth, hair and showering without assistance.  Counselors are always their to help and supervise.  This can be a great time to reinforce independence and the importance of good hygiene.

3.  Pack stationary and pre-addressed, stamped envelopes to increase the likelyhood your child writes you.  I even know some parents that have gone as far as writing out the letter with some key blanks like "Today my favorite thing was ___________."  

Don't worry if your child is not a writer, we will have them send you one postcard!

For those of you attending for the first time, here are some helpful hints:

1. Start packing now, or at least make a list of the specific items your child would like to bring. You may find it hard to find a Santa Hat in the middle of July! Check out our website to review "What to bring"  (it is an electronic copy of what you have received in your packet). http://www.campozark.com/pdf/2010/general_information_sheet_2010.pdf

2. Speaking of Special Event costumes, you child does not need an elaborate outfit for each night. Just a few items to go with the theme, for example boots and a bandana or hat are perfect for Western Night or a Lei or beach hat for Water World works perfect. The most important thing is for their costume to be comfortable, so they can enjoy all the activities that are associated with the event. See my previous blog entry on Special Events for more information! 

Stay tuned for more helpful hints...

If you have a question or concern, you can contact us by calling the Camp Ozark Arkansas office at 870-867-4131 and asking for the Camp Moms or via email @ campmom@campozark.com. You may also want to follow us via Facebook or Twitter for Camp Ozark updates during your child’s session!

Grace and Peace to you,

Ceci Torn

Camp Mom Coordinator

 Ceci Torn - Ceci serves as the Camp Ozark Director of Camper Care, the Camp Mom Coordinator, and the Editor of Ozark Family, a publication of the Camp Ozark Foundation. She met her husband, Chris, a Camp Ozark Director,on the Camp Ozark soccer field while they were serving as college summer staff members.Theystay busy chasing their four wild indians, Caroline (7), Caitie Sue (5), Mary Claire (4) and Christopher (2).

Hilary Schultz - Hilary serves a Camp Ozark Director, working on the Camper and Staff Relations Teams, the Camper Recruiting Team and the Camp Mom Team. She also serves as the Top Staff Boss, the Lifeline Leader for the youngest kids worship service and is in charge of Cabin Requests and Cabin Placement, which makes her very popular. She met her husband, Carson, the Camp Ozark Program Director, her first summer as a staff member in 2000. After graduating from the University of Texas, Hilary joined the Camp Ozark staff full time. Hilary and Carson love spending time with kids and just took their first trip to Africa with Buckner Mininstries and Camp Ozark’s very own Super Dave. They don’t have any kids of their own (yet), but they truly consider the campers at Camp Ozark family.

Katie Kasmiersky – Katie joined the Camp Ozark family in January 2007 after graduating from Texas A&M University with a degree in Recreation, Park & Tourism Science.Katie serves as the Camp Ozark Assistant Director of Administration, working closely with Camp Ozark owners, Sam and Susan Torn, on daily operations and with the Camp Ozark Foundation. Katie also uses her creative talents for purchasing and merchandising for the Camp Ozark Store. Katie lives in Houston, Texas in the off-season and likes to spend her free time traveling with friends and family and playing with her 3 nieces and 2 nephews.Katie’s favorite things about working at Camp Ozark are the friendships she has developed with the staff members and the kids she serves.

Andi Owen just recently returned from the Dominican Republic where she was doing mission work. She spent her spring semester there after graduating from the University of Texas. She will be teaching 7^th grade Math in Katy, Texas starting in August. Andi has spent many summers at Camp Ozark. It all started when she was a camper, then she went on to be an LIT, counselor, and served on Top Staff last summer. Camp Ozark has changed her life in several different ways. She loves coming back to meet new, amazing kids, as well as staff. She is excited to be able to work with the wonderful families that make Camp Ozark run.

Becca Ainsworth is a former Camp Ozark camper, counselor and top staff member and has spent many summers at camp. She grew up in Houston, attended the University of Texasand just finished her first year of medical school at the University of Texas at Houston. She is so excited to be able to serve at camp this summer for a couple of weeks and she absolutely loves 5th session and hasn't missed it in ten years.

At Camp Ozark night time is a blast! Here is some more info to help your camper pack and help you have a better understanding of all the fun that goes on each evening after Lifeline!

These are just a few things for you to keep in mind when you’re packing for our awesome theme nights:

· Western Night- cowboy hat, cowboy boots, jeans, jean shorts, bandana, button up plaid shirt

· Waterworld- swimsuit, Hawaiian shirt, grass skirt, Hawaiian leis, floaties

· Santa’s Surprise- anything green and red, Santa hat or reindeer antlers

· Pump It Up- your favorite sports team or college jersey, sports team or college hat, really anything with sports teams or colleges on it

· All Girls Lifeline (girls only)- anything PINK (bows, hats, shorts, shirt)

· All Boys Lifeline (boys only)- anything black or navy (hats, shorts, shirt)

· Planet Ozark- Big and baggy clothes, flat bill hats (that they turn sideways on their heads), white tees, tall tees

· Masquerade- your best Halloween costume (sometimes the cabins will make their own costumes in the craft shed that day during Mish Mash so they can match)

· Red, White, and Blue- anything red, white, or blue, patriotic outfits (hats, bows, shorts, shirts, shoes)

· Now and Then- (for Now- lots of glitter that go along with the Hannah Montana and High School Musical theme) and (for Then- retro style clothes, 50’s, etc.)

· Disco Daze- lots of tye dye, peace sign stuff, big colored glasses, long wigs, bell bottom pants

· Totally Ozark- the campers can pick something from every theme night outfit and wear it because it’s a combination of ALL the theme nights! Throw it all on!

These are just a few suggestions of things we typically see campers and counselors dressing in for theme nights. Some people go all out and some just choose to go the more basic route.

I hope these ideas help you pack for the INCOMPRABLE experience!

If you have a question or concern, you can contact us by calling the Camp Ozark Arkansas office at 870-867-4131 and asking for the Camp Moms or via email @ campmom@campozark.com. You may also want to follow us via Facebook or Twitter for Camp Ozark updates during your child’s session!

Grace and Peace to you,

Ceci Torn

Camp Mom Coordinator

Ceci Torn - Ceci serves as the Camp Ozark Director of Camper Care, the Camp Mom Coordinator, and the Editor of Ozark Family, a publication of the Camp Ozark Foundation. She met her husband, Chris, a Camp Ozark Director,on the Camp Ozark soccer field while they were serving as college summer staff members.Theystay busy chasing their four wild indians, Caroline (7), Caitie Sue (5), Mary Claire (4) and Christopher (2).

Mary Clayton Dunn - Mary Clayton is excited to be returning to Camp Ozark this summer as part of the Camp Mom program. Prior to this summer, Mary Clayton, along with her husband Jason, spent the last 8 summers at Camp Ozark, serving as a counselor, Top Staff, and Permanent Staff member. Jason and Mary Clayton met and married as a result of their Camp Ozark experience and truly think of Camp Ozark as their home away from home. The Dunns currently live in Lexington, KY where Mary Clayton is in graduate school at Asbury Theological Seminary working on a Master’s of Arts in Counseling. After finishing her degree, she plans to practice Marriage and Family Therapy, working with both children and adults. Seeing lives changed, relationships made, and kids having the time of their lives are the things that make the Dunns so passionate about Camp Ozark.

 Hilary Schultz - Hilary serves a Camp Ozark Director, working on the Camper and Staff Relations Teams, the Camper Recruiting Team and the Camp Mom Team. She also serves as the Top Staff Boss, the Lifeline Leader for the youngest kids worship service and is in charge of Cabin Requests and Cabin Placement, which makes her very popular. She met her husband, Carson, the Camp Ozark Program Director, her first summer as a staff member in 2000. After graduating from the University of Texas, Hilary joined the Camp Ozark staff full time. Hilary and Carson love spending time with kids and just took their first trip to Africa with Buckner Mininstries and Camp Ozark’s very own Super Dave. They don’t have any kids of their own (yet), but they truly consider the campers at Camp Ozark family.

Kristen Macedo - Camp Ozark has been a part of Kristin's life for the past 28 years. Kristin has been a former camper, kitchen club member, counselor, and now as camp mom for third session! Kristin and her husband Keith live in Haslet, TX with their two boys, Justin (9) and Benjamin (7), where she serves as the Preschool Director of their home church. Kristin is excited to connect with campers and their families from around the country!

Katie Kasmiersky – Katie joined the Camp Ozark family in January 2007 after graduating from Texas A&M University with a degree in Recreation, Park & Tourism Science. Katie serves as the Camp Ozark Assistant Director of Administration, working closely with Camp Ozark owners, Sam and Susan Torn, on daily operations and with the Camp Ozark Foundation. Katie also uses her creative talents for purchasing and merchandising for the Camp Ozark Store. Katie lives in Houston, Texas in the off-season and likes to spend her free time traveling with friends and family and playing with her 3 nieces and 2 nephews. Katie’s favorite things about working at Camp Ozark are the friendships she has developed with the staff members and the kids she serves.

If you have a question or concern, you can contact us by calling the Camp Ozark Arkansas office at 870-867-4131 and asking for the Camp Moms or via email @ campmom@campozark.com. You may also want to follow us via Facebook or Twitter for Camp Ozark updates during your child’s session!

Grace and Peace to you,

Ceci Torn

Camp Mom Coordinator

Ceci Torn - Ceci serves as the Camp Ozark Director of Camper Care, the Camp Mom Coordinator, and the Editor of Ozark Family, a publication of the Camp Ozark Foundation. She met her husband, Chris, a Camp Ozark Director, on the Camp Ozark soccer field while they were serving as college summer staff members.  They stay busy chasing their four wild indians, Caroline (7), Caitie Sue (5), Mary Claire (4) and Christopher (2).

Hilary Schultz - Hilary serves a Camp Ozark Director, working on the Camper and Staff Relations Teams, the Camper Recruiting Team and the Camp Mom Team. She also serves as the Top Staff Boss, the Lifeline Leader for the youngest kids worship service and is in charge of Cabin Requests and Cabin Placement, which makes her very popular. She met her husband, Carson, the Camp Ozark Program Director, her first summer as a staff member in 2000. After graduating from the University of Texas, Hilary joined the Camp Ozark staff full time. Hilary and Carson love spending time with kids and just took their first trip to Africa with Buckner Mininstries and Camp Ozark’s very own Super Dave. They don’t have any kids of their own (yet), but they truly consider the campers at Camp Ozark family.

Katie Kasmiersky – Katie joined the Camp Ozark family in January 2007 after graduating from Texas A&M University with a degree in Recreation, Park & Tourism Science. Katie serves as the Camp Ozark Assistant Director of Administration, working closely with Camp Ozark owners, Sam and Susan Torn, on daily operations and with the Camp Ozark Foundation. Katie also uses her creative talents for purchasing and merchandising for the Camp Ozark Store. Katie lives in Houston, Texas in the off-season and likes to spend her free time traveling with friends and family and playing with her 3 nieces and 2 nephews. Katie’s favorite things about working at Camp Ozark are the friendships she has developed with the staff members and the kids she serves.

Julie Norman is so excited about being a part of the Camp Ozark experience. She and her husband, Cliff live in Hattiesburg, MS and are the parents of three children, all whom have enjoyed the benefits of Camp Ozark.  Her daughter, Mary Clayton Norman Dunn, was on staff for 8 years and met her husband Jason Dunn, while both were serving as counselors. Mary Clayton and Jason were Permanent Staff members until graduate school sent them to Kentucky last fall.  Julie's son, Lee, was at Ozark for 5 years, first as a counselor then serving on Top Staff. Her youngest daughter, Ali, is looking forward to this, her 6th summer, as a camper. Julie has a degree in Elementary Education . She was a preschool director for 18 years before becoming a parent educator with Families First of The University of Southern Mississippi. Julie's love for Camp Ozark runs deep as she has seen how the friendships made, and the Christian values embodied through Camp Ozark, have had such a positive impact on her children.

Sending letters, emails and packages is a great way to show your camper a little TLC while they are away!

Parents can communicate with their Camp Ozark campers by sending snail mail, email, or Care Packages, and most often it is a combination of all three!  

Snail Mail

Our address is 155 Camp Ozark Drive, Mt. Ida, AR, 71957.  Please allow 2 to 3 days for the US Postal Service to deliver it to us!  Helpful Hint:  Many parents will drop a letter in the mail a few days before their child even leaves for Camp Ozark to ensure their camper has mail on the first full day of Camp! 

Email

For your convenience, Camp Ozark provides an Email Service where you and your family and friends can email your camper.  

1.  Go to our website, located at www.campozark.com. 

2.  Click "Parents."   

3.  You will then be asked to enter the Login ID and Password, provided in your packet.

4.  Once you provide the correct Login ID and Password, you will be directed to a form which will ask for your camper's name, and your camper's cabin number (if known).  Simply provide the requested information, type in your message, and click "Send E-mail" - it's that easy!

Our Administrative Staff will print out the email and put it in your camper’s Post Office Box and your child will receive the print out of the email at rest period the same way they receive Snail Mail!  Email’s received before 8:00 am will be printed and delivered that day, anything arriving after 8:00 am will be printed and delivered the next day at Rest Period.  There is a $1 charge to the camper's Store Account for this service.  

Helpful Hint:  As a Mom of two campers myself, I always sign up for the unlimited email package from the Camp Ozark Store and then pass the above emailing instructions along to the grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends who may want to drop the kids a line.  This Unlimited Email Package is $20 for the entire Session.  You can sign up for the Unlimited Email package on our Store website @ http://www.campozark.com/store/gear/index.php?category_id=185!

Packages 

Kids love getting packages at Camp.  I personally think sending 1 or 2 during your child’s stay is great, but of course some parents send way more and some parents don’t send any!  You know your child and what they would be most excited about receiving.  We ask that you do not send candy or gum.  We restrict food from the cabins to prevent ants, etc.  Games, puzzles, and dress up items are always great!  Often parents will send something little for each member of the cabin, like glow in the dark sticks, bracelets, bandanas, etc.

Another great option is to send a Care Package from the Camp Ozark Store!  We have many great packages that can be delivered during your camper’s Session with a personal note from you!  Check out our Care Package Options on our Store website @ http://www.campozark.com/store/packages/index.php! 

Kids love mail, so whether you choose snail mail, email, or packages, you can enrich your child’s time away with a little message from home!