We received a brochure and DVD in the mail last week about Camp Ozark-- summer kids' camp. My daughters are really interested, but I hesitate to send them out of state without some good references. Anyone have any experience (good or bad) with Camp Ozark in Arkansas? Thanks!!

[This message has been edited by gigem1215 (edited 2/21/2012 3:13p).]

I can't really help you, but this guy probably could...
http://www.12thmanfoundation.com/about/board-of-trustees/sam-torn.aspx
The President of Camp Ozark is an Aggie and on the TMF Board of Trustees.

Seriously, I really don't know; but was looking on the TMF site earlier today and noticed his profile.

For what it's worth (which I realize isn't much) both of my brothers went to Camp Ozark with our church youth back in the late 80's/early 90's? They loved it. I was pretty jealous that I was wasn't old enough to join them.

I have a handful of buddies who were counselors there. They all told me its a great place. Fun fact - the president Sam Torn is the actor Rip Torns brother. ( both aggies)

They recruit from the Corps of Cadets and probably other Aggies for their staff in the summer.

Went there with my church youth group for several years in the early 80's. That's been a long time ago but back then it was an amazing place.

I went as a child in the early 90's. It was a well-run, fun experience on beautiful land. I still sing some of the praise songs that I learned there! The mountains were gorgeous, and (a rarity back then), the staff was well equipped to handle my weird allergies. I also made friends from all over the country, which came in handy on later road trips.

It's a great camp. And I was lucky enough to go to MANY other camps. Waldemar, Laity Lodge, Camp Allen, and my sister worked at Heart of the Hills.

If I had an unlimited budget and were looking at Christian camps for my kid, I'd probably do Laity Lodge for a younger kid before considering flying him out to Ozark. I still remember the first time that my family dropped me off at Laity Lodge, I was amazed that we drove through the river. And if the kid was more interested in riding, I'd send him to Camp Allen.

great experience. our 3 kids (all Aggies) went to a total of 22 sessions. all 3 worked for CO as young adults.

Christian based, lots of fun, well organized, tons of options for kids with varying interests, can't say enough good things about CO.

Lots of choices out there .... CO is the best choice in our view

I was a counselor at Camp Ozark for a couple of summers in college. It's a really fun camp. Very energetic counselors, great activities, and top notch staff. The do pull a ton of counselors from A&M. It felt like Aggies were almost half of the summer staff!

I am sure this is a great camp. However, if you are looking for a place in Texas, Deer Creek Camp in Medina is a great camp. It is also owned by an Aggie, and the majority of the counselors are from A&M. My daughter has gone for the last 3 years and loves it.

http://deercreekcamp.com/

I go to church with a former camp ozark staffer who raves about it. My grandparents live about 25 minutes away from there, gorgeous area!

My niece and nephew went there and they loved it. They still bill their summers there as the best ever. Looking into sending my child this year.