2023 Planning Guide

TABLE OF CONTENTS

At Camp OTX, we are all about family. In 1985, with the purchase of Incomparable Camp Ozark, Sam and Susan Torn initiated our family’s involvement in, and passion for, making a real difference in children’s lives through the summer camp experience. For the past 38 years, the entire Torn family has been serving camp families with one goal, one mission in mind—to provide a premier camp environment and experience for kids, through a commitment to excellence in all that we do, while seeking to establish and deepen relationships with Jesus Christ.

We are committed to always enhancing, always investing, and always adding new and additional ways to do just that. The establishment of Camp OTX is the natural extension of our family’s desire to enrich the lives of kids and families. For 3 generations, members of the Torn family have grown up at Camp Ozark, serving as campers, summer staff members, directors, and owners. Everything we have learned over those past 38 years is being poured into the Camp OTX experience. We know that after everything is said and done, what matters is the individual experience of each and every child. That’s what matters to us, the Torn family.

We welcome you with all of our heart to the third summer of Camp OTX. We want to come alongside you every step of the way to help make this experience truly amazing. We, as a family, are involved in every decision, every facet of every day at Camp OTX. That was our commitment 38 summers ago when we embarked on this journey at Camp Ozark. That is our commitment today, tomorrow, and every day as we continue on this journey at Camp OTX. We hope you enjoy our summer 2023 catalog, and look forward to seeing you really soon at Camp OTX, where this Texas tradition continues.

A DAY AT CAMP OTX

Mornings at OTX are filled with a variety of fun-packed activities and life-shaping experiences. After kicking off the day with a delicious breakfast and an exciting “Morning Show”, campers experience an hour of OTX’s famed “Team Competition”. After a brief respite to relax and “chill out”, all campers participate in three distinct morning activities. Each camper’s morning activity schedule is specifically tailored to his/her unique interests. Through these activities, campers have a total blast while learning new skills or improving old ones.

MORNING PROGRAM AFTERNOON PROGRAM

It truly is a “STAMPEDE”. That’s right, after another delicious meal and some short down time in our air-conditioned cabins, it’s time for the one and only OTX Stampede. Activities are open and kids are free to do whaever they want, as many times as they want, for as long as they want. Not only that, but each day there are new and different surprises thrown in to keep it fun and interesting. The OTX store is available for grabbing a quick snack, visiting with friends, and taking a break from the excitement.

EVENING PROGRAM

Just as the sun is beginning to set over the majestic hills, the entire camp participates in nightly age-specific, energetic worship services. These services are filled with singing, dancing, skits, and the presentation of the gospel in a casual, non-threatening environment. After that it is time for our signature Special Events. Every night has a different theme and is filled with music, laughter, games, snacks, and just plain old-fashioned fun. The evening closes out with showers and an age-appropriate cabin devotional.

MAXIMUM MAXIMUM EFFORT EFFORT

TRUE TRUE

SPORTSMANSHIP SPORTSMANSHIP

MAXIMUM MAXIMUM ENTHUSIASM ENTHUSIASM

Campers spend a short part of each day as members of one of two teams— RED or BLUE. Each morning, using our all-play philosophy, campers play a competitive game to earn points for their team. Throughout the session, a running score is kept so that at the close of each Camp OTX session, one of the two teams, the Red or the Blue, is declared the final victor. At Camp OTX, we believe there are very valuable lessons to be learned through our team competition. We constantly focus on the “three flames” of team competition: Maximum Effort, True Sportsmanship, and Maximum Enthusiasm.

CHOOSE ANY ACTIVITY AT CAMP!

Campers have the freedom to choose any activity at camp in over two hours of supervised free time! No advanced sign-ups required and campers can choose as many different activities as time allows. Not only is every activity open, but there are also tournaments, hikes along Commissioner’s Creek, trail rides, cooking clinics, wild life viewing and much, much more! Every Stampede is different and every Stampede is full of surprises.

Special events Special events

SESSIONS 1, 2, 3, 4, X, A, C, E, & G THESE EVENTS ARE FOR

FAVORITE SPORTS JERSEY

BASEBALL CAP

GYM SHORTS

EYE BLACK STICKERS

PLAID SHIRT

OVERALLS

DENIM SHORTS

BANDANA

BRIGHT SWIMSUITS

FLOATIES

FUN & LOUD COLORS

POOL PARTY GEAR

RED OR GREEN CLOTHES

CHRISTMAS VEST

SANTA HAT

REINDEER ANTLERS

NEON OR WHITE CLOTHES

FUN SUNGLASSES

NEON HEADBANDS

BRIGHT CLOTHING

BEST CHARACTER OUTFIT

FAVORITE SUPERHERO GEAR

RED CARPET GEAR BOAS

Each night Camp OTX hosts different theme parties and campers can dress up for the event as little or as much as they like. Use the chart below to reference which events will be held for each session and get some ideas for types of clothing kids like to wear. Events are listed in the order of their occurance.

FAVORITE TEXAS GEAR

HOMETOWN COLORS

GINGHAM

TRUCKER HATS

FAVORITE USA GEAR

STARS & STRIPES

DENIM

PATRIOTIC GEAR

TIE-DYE CLOTHING

70’s ATTIRE

GROOVY WIGS

RADICAL SHADES

SWIMSUIT

HAWAIIAN SHIRTS

ISLAND LEIS

BEACHY VIBES ONLY SESSIONS

CAMOFLAUGE

LONG PANTS

EYE BLACK

DARK CLOTHING

MIX & MATCH YOUR OUTFITS

HAWAIIAN COWBOY

GROOVY DISCO ATHLETE

PATRIOTIC SANTA

1, 2, 3, 4, B, D, F, H, & I

THESE EVENTS ARE FOR

UNMATCHED TEXAS HILL COUNTRY

VALUES BASED, CHRISTIAN LED, UNBEATABLE FUN!

For the past 38 years the Torn Family has dedicated their lives to serving today’s youth by providing premier summer camp experiences, and Camp OTX continues this tradition of excellence. Camp OTX is the sister camp of the Torn family’s industry-leading Camp Ozark, located in Arkansas. Our camp programming is based on our six core values:

achieve greater grow a stronger sense of

SELF-CONFIDENCE

develop a more positive understand the value of learn the importance of cultivate character with F.I.T.

INDEPENDENCE SELF-ESTEEM TEAMWORK FRIENDSHIP INTEGRITY

FIRST IS THIRD. GOD FIRST. OTHERS SECOND. YOURSELF THIRD.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

SUMMER 2023

As we get closer to the summer, our goal is to provide you as much certainty as possible so you can prepare and know what to expect for summer 2023. We will communicate regular updates, available by email and on your My OTX dashboard. Specific information regarding your session will be available two weeks prior to the start of your session in your Travel Itinerary.

OPENING & CLOSING DAY

Opening day will begin in the early afternoon on Sunday, and Closing Day will begin in the morning on Saturday. Look for detailed information for your session in your Travel Itinerary. No matter the logistics, we will kick off camp in our unique OTX style and also provide campers with a memorable close to their session!

TRAVEL TO & FROM CAMP

Camp OTX is located one hour west of San Antonio between Bandera and Tarpley. There are 4 available travel options to and from Camp OTX. Private automobile (preferred), charter bus (from cities where demand is sufficient), commercial airline to San Antonio, or private aircraft to Kerrville, Texas. Full Travel itineray details are available on the My OTX dashboard two weeks prior to your camp session.

MEDICATION & FIRST AID

If your camper takes any medication (prescription or over the counter) on a daily or as needed basis, send the medication form and the corresponding medications together in their original containers to Camp OTX by May 1st, 2023. Over the counter medications that are taken daily must be sent by May 1st as well. No over the counter medications, vitamins, or supplements will be accepted on Opening Day. It is not necessary to send basic over-the-counter medications that your child does not take on a daily basis, such as those for fevers or colds, etc. Camp OTX provides these medications when determined necessary by the Health Center Staff. Only inhalers, EpiPens, injectable medications, ADD medications, brand new prescriptions (prescribed within 7 days prior to arrival of camp) can be brought to camp on Opening Day without incurring a late fee. There is a $20 medication service fee for all medication processing, handling, and packaging. For medications other than the listed exceptions above received on Opening Day, there will be a $55 late fee (in addition to the $20 medication service fee) and a potential 48 hour delay to process medication.

Each camper must receive a physical on the Camp OTX Physical Form. This form is available after you complete the Health Registration section on the My OTX dashboard. A primary care provider signature is required on both sides of this form. Immunizations are mandatory. No exemptions or exceptions

At Camp OTX, safety is our number one priority. Camp OTX has a Health Center staffed by an on-site primary care provider and nurses. A full-service clinic is located 8 miles away in Bandera. If your child becomes ill or injured while at Camp OTX, the parent(s) will be notified if the camper is seen by the camp physician, or if, at the sole discretion of the Camp OTX Medical Staff, notification is necessary. Should medical bills be incurred, parents are fully responsible for payment.

OTX ACTIVITIES

ACTIVITY SELECTION

Each child will receive a unique, individualized morning activity schedule once they arrive at camp. This morning activity schedule is based on the camper’s preferences designated in advance on your MyOTX dashboard. The Activity Preference Selector is now available to designate your camper’s preferred activities! Each of a camper’s three morning activities will be attended four times per week (MondayThursday). Age and gender restrictions may apply.

ELECTIVE ACTIVITIES

When selecting morning activities, campers also have the option to choose elective classes. Elective activities are classes that occur only once. A chosen elective class replaces the camper’s otherwise regularly scheduled activity just once during the week during whichever activity period(s) the given elective occurs. These elective classes will be considered as your camper’s first choice. All morning activity information can be found on your My OTX Dashboard.

SCHEDULE CHANGES

Campers may change their morning activity schedule to further individualize their experience. Campers will have the opportunity to change their activity schedules each week. Most activities are also open in the afternoon during Stampede!

OTX CABINS

Camp OTX cabins are arranged by age group and gender. A typical cabin arrangement is 10-13 campers with 2-3 counselors. Cabins are fully air-conditioned and campers sleep in comfortable bunk beds. All cabins have in-cabin shower, bathing, and toilet facilities with touch free soap dispensers, faucets, and commodes as a part of the cabin.

CABIN ASSIGNMENTS

One of the many features that sets Camp OTX apart is that cabinmate requests are allowed, but not required. Campers are assigned to cabins according to age, development, grade, and session. Requests for one or two cabinmates may be submitted via your My OTX dashboard up to two weeks prior to the camp session. Requested cabinmates must be no more than 12 months apart in age. No more than four campers from the same school or social group will be placed in the same cabin. Camp OTX will make an effort to accommodate mutual cabinmate requests; however, requests are not guaranteed. Final placement is at the sole discretion of the Camp Director. Camp OTX is unable to honor team requests.

BIRTHDAYS

We love birthdays at Camp OTX! Campers with birthdays while at camp are celebrated in many ways. They start their day with an announcement and celebration at the Morning Show, and their entire cabin gets a birthday bag with decorations, hats, and other fun items. The birthday boy or girl receives a Stampede Fast Pass and a treat at lunch to share with the cabin while the entire camp sings "Happy Birthday!" Additional birthday packages to send to your camper on their special day are available for purchase online at the Camp OTX Store.

STORE DEPOSIT

Camp OTX has a Camp Store that is open up to three times a day for campers. The stores carries a robust variety of items from drinks and snacks, to camp branded merchandise, to small gifts. A deposit should be made in the camper’s store account if extra purchases are desired: $150 per week is suggested (e.g., $300 for a two week session and $150 for a one week session). The store account operates in a similar fashion to a checking account, and the unused balance can be refunded. We believe this system will teach your camper independence and assist in their development of budgeting and decision making. However, in the event your camper’s store balance falls below $25, you will be notified on the dashboard of your My OTX account. Additional store funds can be added if you wish through your My OTX account or by calling the camp office at (830) 850-0033.

ALL CASH MUST BE TURNED IN TO THE OFFICE ON THE FIRST DAY OF CAMP. NO MONEY IS ALLOWED TO BE KEPT IN THE CABIN.

PACKING LIST

A complete list of what to bring is available on page 15. A regulation uniform is not required. All clothing and luggage must be marked with camper’s first and last name. Food, water balloons, silly string, and inappropriate clothing are prohibited. Please refer to the website for more details on what to bring: campotx.com > Parents Guide > FAQs > While at Camp DO NOT pack any prescribed or over-the-counter medication in your camper’s luggage. Refer to the Medication Dispensation Policy on your My OTX dashboard for further clarification.

CAMPER INSURANCE

All campers are required to purchase low-cost, no-fault, medical insurance. The fee for this coverage is minimal, but purchase is a requirement for enrollment at Camp OTX. Please refer to the Camp OTX Policy Agreement on your camper’s My OTX dashboard for further details.

RESTRICTIONS

All activity, medical, and medically verifiable dietary restrictions must be submitted through the My OTX dashboard. If a restriction is required, please provide specific instructions in the online restrictions or allergies sections. We endeavor to prioritize your camper’s well-being and will try to adhere to disclosed restrictions within reason. In addition, we will attempt to accommodate requests related to chronic medical conditions and camper health or medical issues. However, Camp OTX cannot guarantee that all requests will be met. Each case is considered on an individual basis. All campers enrolled at Camp OTX must comply with the Essential Eligibility Criteria of a Camp OTX Camper (found in the Health Forms). While many camper health or medical conditions are effectively managed during the camp session, final approval for enrollment is at the sole discretion of the Camp Director. Please refer to the Camp OTX Health Registration section on your camper’s My OTX dashboard for further details.

CAMP VISITS

To avoid disturbing the Camp OTX program, we do not allow family and friends to visit during the camping session. Family and friends are welcome for Closing Day.

CAMP MOMS

Camp Moms serve as a mom away from home to your child, and as an excellent resource for camper families. All first time camper families will receive an update phone call from a Camp Mom a few days into their camper’s session. You may contact the Camp Moms at any time at campmom@campotx.com or call (830) 850-0033 and ask for the Camp Mom office.

POSTCARDS

Digital postcards from your camper and his or her counselor will be sent to the primary account holder via the My OTX dashboard during the camp session.

CELL PHONES

In order to fully experience Camp OTX, campers are not allowed to bring cell phones or other mobile communication or transmittable devices (like iPads, iPods, Apple Watches, etc.) to camp. In addition, campers are not allowed to receive or make telephone calls, text, or email while in attendance at Camp OTX. Parents should feel free to contact a Camp Mom if they need to discuss something related to their child or contact the camp office or Camp Director in case of an emergency.

DINING HALL

At Camp OTX, we strive to provide campers with delicious food options, many made from scratch the same day, while recognizing the importance of balancing nutrition and healthy eating. At every meal, campers have the option to eat from the preset menu or the alternate Market Fresh line. This line offers a healthy breakfast bar and, for lunch and dinner, a robust salad bar with rotating options such as wraps, soups, pastas, make your own tacos or potatoes. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, fresh fruit, and garden salads are also available during most meals. Food options are also available in the Camp OTX Store.

YOUR MY OTX DASHBOARD IS THE HUB FOR

CAMPER CONNECTION

GO TO CAMPOTX.COM, SELECT MY OTX FROM THE NAVIGATION BAR, AND LOG IN

ITINERARY TRAVEL

(AVAILABLE TWO WEEKS BEFORE ARRIVAL)

Review travel details including the latest guidelines & updates for your session.

INFO STREAM

UPDATES

Watch daily video recaps, read daily updates, and view social media posts throughout the day.

CABIN

INFORMATION

(AVAILABLE OPENING DAY OF SESSION)

View cabin number, cabin photo, and cabin counselors.

PHOTOS CAMPER

Browse, save, purchase, or share photos of the camp experience. Upload a photo of your camper to get camp photos of your child via our facial recognition software.

BALANCE STORE

Review camper store balance.

Receive an update if balance falls below $25.

EMAIL YOUR CAMPER

Purchase your choice of email packages: 5, 10, 20, or unlimited messages.

Select specific email recipients from the campers associated with your account.

Email messages to your camper are printed and hand-delivered daily.

Add guest accounts for other friends and family to send messages, browse photos, and view daily updates.

Emails with content deemed inappropriate will not be delivered.

Shop OTX

Don’t know your team yet? Select “first-year” when ordering and our team will make sure your camper(s) receive the right gear!

The Camp OTX Enchilada Packages come with everything you need for camp from bedding, to toiletries, to clothing, to other camp essentials.

The Whole Enchilada is designed for those attending a 2-week session and the Half Enchilada is designed for those attending a 1-week session.

Find more details at campotx.com/store.

NOW ACCEPTING

CAMP STORE ORDERS

The Camp OTX store offers items to get you decked out for a Special Event, pumped up to cheer for your team, and fully prepared for a premier session! Complete descriptions, sizes, and color options of all products are available on our website. Order today and start counting down the days to summer!

3. Opening Day Pickup: You can order individual items or OTX Care Packages online prior to your camper’s session to pick up on Opening Day. We will have these items available for you to pick up in the store as an “OTX Opening Day Pick-Up.” If your camper is arriving via bus, we will deliver their pre-ordered items directly to their cabin. First-year campers will receive team-related items after team assignments on Opening Day.

OTX Care Packages and In-Session Delivery: You can order OTX Care Packages and other individual items ahead of time or during your camper(s) session to be delivered as a gift to your camper while they are in session at Camp OTX. These items can be delivered any day of the session. OTX In Session Deliveries are typically delivered to your camper within 24 hours of the order. Add a special message using the Order Comments Box. Check the status of your order by clicking the “My Orders” option on your My OTX account.

1. Purchase items in the store on site while you are at camp.

2. Purchase items online at campotx.com/store to be shipped to your home before the start of your camper’s session.

OTX PACKING LIST

ITEMS TO PACK

Twin Sheet Set(s) including Pillow Case*

Pillow with Pillow Case

Pajamas

Paper, Pen, Stamps, & Envelopes for Letters

Hat, Sunglasses, & Goggles

Special Event

Costumes! (pg. 6-7)

BRING THE QUANTITY BEST SUITED FOR YOUR CHILD.

1 Keep your swimsuit easily accessible for the Opening Day swim test.

2 Place your bedding in your laundry bag for the trip to camp.

3 DON’T send nice clothes to camp. Instead choose everyday shorts, t-shirts, and tennis shoes.

4 Campers can pack in a duffle or a plastic or hard side trunk no more than 15” tall.

5 LABEL EVERYTHING YOU SEND TO CAMP!

Swimsuits (No 2-pieces or Tankinis)

Underwear

Pairs of Socks

T-Shirts

Pairs of athletic shoes

Water Shoes (Chacos, Tevas, etc.)

Pair Shower Shoes (Flip Flops)

Jacket/Sweater/Sweatshirt

Raincoat or Poncho

Laundry Bag

Bible

Water Bottle

Large Duffle Bag for last night of camp

2023 SESSION DATES

ONE WEEK

SESSION X

SESSION A

SESSION B

SESSION C

SESSION D

SESSION E

SESSION F

SESSION G

SESSION H SESSION I

MAY 28 - June 3

JUNE 4 - JUNE 10

JUNE 11 - JUNE 17

JUNE 18 - JUNE 24

JUNE 25 - JULY 1

JULY 2 - JULY 8

July 9 - July 15

July 16 - July 22

July 23 - July 29

July 30 - August 5

TWO WEEKS

SESSION 1

SESSIOn 2

SESSION 3

SESSION 4

JUNE 4 - JUNE 17

JUNE 18 - JULY 1

JULY 2 - July 15

JULY 16 - JULY 29

CONTACT US

Still have questions?

The Camp OTX staff wants to make sure your family has a premier experience in Bandera this summer.