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CAMP

OZARK

SUMMER STAFF.

We are so excited that you have officially joined the Camp Ozark Family and can’t wait to see how God will use you for great things in Summer 2025! Over 8,000 campers are ready to burst through the gates this summer and we are grateful for the difference you will make in their camp experience and lives at home. As a part of Summer Staff, it is also important to us that YOU have a great experience. Explore this catalog for some helpful info and to learn more about your summer.

Lake Crew and Instructor Specialist Orientation will begin on May 10th.

Mission and Culture

“To provide an incomparable 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.”

Our mission is central to the way we operate at Camp Ozark. We love kids and desire for them to develop real relationships with Christ through their camp experience. You, as part of the Summer Staff, carry out this mission by being BUILT DIFFERENT. The character traits below are the building blocks of the Camp Ozark culture and will help us to realize our mission this summer.

Unity of Spirit and Purpose

God calls us to work in unity with a purpose that honors Him. We can do more together than apart.

Grit

Grit is a passionate and unswerving dedication to a single mission. God calls us to give all we have to all we do. Endurance and perserverance are necessary for spiritual growth.

Cultivation

God calls us to not only use our gifts, talents, and abilities, but to cultivate them. We are ultimately accountable for developing our gifts to the fullest.

Selfless Service

Develop your gifts to the fullest, then seek ways to serve others with those gifts. This is an act of love and obedience. Service to others is the hallmark of the Christian life.

Coming to Camp

For Orientation

When arriving for Staff Orientation, you will check in on May 13th at 2:00 PM in the Camp Ozark Satellite Lot. Further instructions and a schedule for the day will be provided before you arrive. Lake Crew and Instructor Specialists Orientation will begin on May 10th.

For Your Sessions

If you leave camp after orientation and are returning for your sessions, you will check in on the Friday BEFORE the session begins at 12:30 PM in Staff Lot A. Once you are checked in, you will have an incoming staff meeting.

Pre-Camp Checklist

Complete Interview

Submit Application and References

Fill Out Staff Documents

Fill Out Medical Information

Upload Physical and Insurance Card

Complete Travel Documents

Complete Praesidium Training (Available in April)

Complete All Ozark Staff Training Videos

Pack for Incomparable Camp Ozark!

Please make sure your myOzark Dashboard is 100% completed before arriving at camp.

Receiving Mail

Since we are electronics free, we know you still want to stay in touch with your friends and family, and mail is a great way to do that! Share this address with them to make sure they know how to properly address your mail so that our postal team can get it to you at camp:

YOUR NAME

ATTN: SUMMER STAFF 155 CAMP OZARK DRIVE

MOUNT IDA, AR 71957

Please Note: Candy, food, and gum will be collected as contraband and then distributed on your time off. (Available in April)

to and from

Traveling Camp Ozark

We can’t wait to see you in the beautiful Ouachita National Forest. See below for some details on how to get here!

01 CAR

Drive yourself, ride with a friend, or carpool with a group.

Camp Ozark

155 Camp Ozark Drive

Mount Ida, AR 71957

*Use Google Maps, Apple Maps, or Waze to get directions to camp from wherever you are!

03 BUS

Interested in riding a charter bus?

Travel Stipend

Leaving camp and coming back? You may qualify for a $200 travel stipend.

Attending Orientation

Working 4th & 5th Session

Live 8+ Hours from Camp

02 PLANE

Fly in and out of Little Rock International Airport (LIT).

Camp Ozark will provide a shuttle to/from the airport for flights that follow the time table guidelines. These guidelines can be found on Page 7 or on your myOzark Dashboard. Your own transportation must be arranged if your flight does not fit within the travel windows.

If you are leaving camp after Orientation and returning for later sessions, you can ride a bus to and from camp with the campers.

Austin Dallas Fort Worth Houston Baton Rouge New Orleans Lafayette Shreveport

If you are traveling from one of these cities and you are interested in riding the bus, please email staffrecruiting@campozark.com.

Travel Stipend Cont.

Travel stipend can be used toward travel by car or air to help cover your return to or departure from Camp Ozark. You can request the travel stipend on your myOzark Dashboard.

Flight Timetable

INSTRUCTOR SPEC. ORIENTATION

If you are flying when you finish employment at Camp Ozark, your departure date will be different than what appears on your contract. Departing on Saturday will NOT affect your completion bonus. Consult this timetable before booking flights.

Completing your travel info (on your myOzark Dashboard) within this timetable automatically signs you up for the airport shuttle. LIT is 2 hours from camp.

When you arrive at LIT, you will meet uniformed Ozark staff in baggage claim. It’s a small area, so you should be able to find us! There is a Starbucks and Wi-Fi if you arrive early. A text will be sent to you before your flight telling you who from Camp Ozark will be greeting you.

Camp Ozark will make no exceptions to the above shuttle guidelines. Camp Ozark is not responsible for your travel to and from the Little Rock Airport if it does not fall within our shuttle options. If you have questions about air travel to Camp Ozark, please contact staffrecruiting@campozark.com.

All flight information must be communicated to Morgan Maier. Please email it to staffrecruiting@campozark.com

Packing List

Don’t forget your gear! See below for a list of things to bring along to camp.

We recommend bringing enough clothes to last 1.5 to 2 weeks. You will have access to laundry, but who wants to do it every day?

Recommended

Items

Blanket or Sleeping Bag

Pillow with Pillow Case

Twin Sheet Sets Including Pillow Case (2)

Jacket/Sweater/Sweatshirt

Raincoat or Poncho

Swimsuits (one-pieces only, girls!)

Pajamas

Bath Towels (2)

Beach Towel (1)

Underwear

Pairs of Socks

Shorts

Blue Jeans or Athletic Pants

T-Shirts

Tennis Shoes

Water Shoes (Chacos, Tevas, etc.)

Shower Shoes (flip flops)

Laundry Bag

Bible

Water Bottle

Shower Caddy (with shampoo, soap, toothpaste, etc.)

Don’t Forget!

These items are not required, but will help make your experience great!

Cleats (for Team Competition!)

Outdoor Insect Repellent

Duffel Bag

Fan and Extension Cord

Flashlight

Hat, Sunglasses, and Sunscreen

Special Event Costumes (see next page!)

Paper, Pen, Stamps, and Envelopes (for letters to family and friends)

Outfit for the Summer Staff Banquet (if working Sessions 5 or H)

School Jersey (show your school pride!)

Helpful Hints

Be sure to check out our Staff Contract Highlights on Page 11 or on your myOzark Dashboard.

Pack in large duffel bag(s) or a trunk (plastic or hard side), no more than 15” tall (to slide easily under your bunk).

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

3. Don’t bring your nicest clothes to camp for daily wear.

See Page 9 for Special Event costume ideas!

If working at the end of the summer, bring an outfit for the Summer Staff Banquet (summer casual – short dresses, shorts & polos).

6. Not sure where to find some items? Ask returners on your campus or contact your recruiter for additional tips.

Special Events

Birthday Bash

New day, new theme at Camp Ozark. Here’s some inspiration on what to wear! Show your personality and make it your own!

Western Night Water World Christmas Pump It Up Magic

State Fair

Planet Ozark

Red, White, and Blue

Masquerade

Disco Daze

Totally Ozark

Party Like It’s Your Birthday Bright Colors, Birthday Hats, Birthday Sash

Saddle Up

Plaid Shirts, Denim, Cowboy Hats

Living on Island Time Hawaiian Shirts, Leis, Pool Floaties

It’s Snow Joke Sweaters, Santa Hats, Red and Green

Welcome to the Space Jam Jerseys, Baseball Caps, Shorts

Escape to Neverland Disney Princesses, Superheroes

Hometown Throwdown Gingham, Trucker Hats, State Pride

Outta this World Neon, 80’s and 90’s Fashion

Let Freedom Ring Denim, American Flag Shirts

Costume Party Characters, Masks, Fun Costumes

Throwin It Back Tie Dye, Wigs, 70’s Fashion, Glasses

Puttin’ It All Together Hawaiian Cowboys, Patriotic Santas

Mission Impossible

Shh, Don’t Get Caught Camouflage, Dark Clothes, Long Pants

Contract Highlights

We are thankful for your commitment to Camp Ozark this summer, and we ask that you stick through your commitment. Please note that your contract concludes at 5 PM on the SUNDAY after the end of the session. You will play an important role in helping us with Opening Day for the next session! In order to receive your completion bonus, you must stay all the way through Sunday, fulfilling your contract.

Staff Dates

All Staff Orientation

Tues, May 13th (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM)

1st Session

Fri, May 23rd (12:30 PM) - Sun, June 8th (5:00 PM)

2nd Session

Fri, June 6th (12:30 PM) - Sun, June 22nd (5:00 PM)

3rd Session

Fri, June 20th (12:30 PM) - Sun, July 6th (5:00 PM)

4th Session

Fri, July 4th (12:30 PM) - Sun, July 20th (5:00 PM)

5th Session

Fri, July 18th (12:30 PM) - Sun, August 3rd (8:00 AM)

Staff Time

While you’re here at camp impacting the lives of kids and having a blast, we know that it is important for you to have time for yourself and spend time with friends. We have built some time and activities into our schedule just for our staff.

Staff Morning Devotionals

Start your day in the Bible or with friends... and coffee Staff Time at Night Hang with friends, play sports, workout, or grab a late night snack

Staff Events

We plan ‘em, you play ‘em Fitness Studio and Weight Room

A high quality facility and classes just for staff

Faith Opportunities Staff Policy Highlights

We care deeply about your spiritual development and want you to experience growth at Camp Ozark. The primary way we hope you’ll grow in your faith this summer is by living it out – by serving and loving these great kids. Working at camp can be challenging at times, but so is life, and there is no better time to learn to rely on the Lord for strength and wisdom. Along with an encouraging staff of faithful, like-minded people, we provide several opportunities for our staff to come together for prayer and worship during each session:

Time Out

Weekly worship services during Staff Time

Staff Bible Studies

Led by tenured staff members

Staff Morning Devotionals

Scripture, community, and coffee

Medicine

All prescription and over the counter medicine that you bring to camp must be stored in our Staff Med Room with 24/7 secured access.

If you have questions, please ask!

In order to provide a safe environment for our campers and an incomparable experience for our camp families, we require our staff to adhere to a variety of carefully considered policies. All camp policies will be reviewed during Staff Orientation, but a few policies have been included below:

Electronics Free

We are an electronics free camp and do not allow campers or staff to use devices during the camp program

Professional Appearance

We ask our staff to maintain a professional appearance and to adhere to our dress code and grooming policies:

No inappropriate or revealing clothing

Male staff must be clean shaven and have a professional-looking haircut.

No Alcohol or Other Illicit Substances

Staff may not use alcohol or other illicit substances on or off camp property for the duration of their contract

No Weapons

No weapons are allowed on camp property, including parking lots

Phones and Devices

Camp Ozark is a device free camp for staff and campers! You will turn in your phone and other electronic devices as part of the check-in process. They will be stored securely and are available during lunches off, days off, and in between sessions. Landline phones and computers are provided during Staff Time so you can stay connected with friends and family back home.

Day Off Information

Off-Site Houses Time Off Laundry

Most staff members will receive a full day off at some point during each two-week session. In addition to the day off, our staff also have time off in between the sessions. Session responsibilities typically end on Saturday around 2 PM and resume on Sunday morning.

Dairyette

PLACES TO EAT

We have two off-site facilities available for staff to use on their days off:

The Ozark Cafe & The DOC

Air conditioning, beds, TVs, fully equipped kitchens, and laundry facilities—everything you need for a fun and convenient stay! Oh, and they’re free!

Our very own small town Sonic!

El Diamante

Chips and queso on time off? Can’t go wrong!

Shack Attack Pizza

All you can eat lunch buffet? Don’t mind if I do!

Shangri La Resort

Dinner with a view of stunning Lake Ouachita!

Wayseekers Coffee Shop

A cozy place for some delicious coffee!

Victory Pie

Not just pie! Give their avocado toast a try!

THINGS TO DO

Most staff will do their laundry during their time off. We do have washers and dryers on-site, but some staff choose to use laundromats in Mt. Ida or Hot Springs. You will need to bring your own laundry detergent! And if you use the laundromats, don’t forget quarters!

Front Porch Stage

Local country and bluegrass performers, a true Mount Ida local experience!

Hickory Nut Lookout

This area offers a panoramic view of Lake Ouachita and the surrounding mountains!

Kayak/Float the Caddo River

Serene waters, mild rapids, and beautiful surroundings! Hike the LOViT Trail

Stunning trail along the southern shore of Lake Ouachita! Mount Ida Laundromat

Self-service space for washing and drying clothes!

PLACES TO EAT

Chick-fil-A

Can’t miss out on that classic chicken sandwich and those warm waffle fries!

Cracker Barrel

A cozy spot for comfort food classics and a nostalgic, laid-back vibe

Grateful Head Pizza

Delicious, handcrafted pizzas in the heart of Hot Springs

Kollective Coffee & Tea

A cozy place for some delicious coffee!

Osaka Japanese Steakhouse

An entertaining dining experience with hibachi chefs and fresh sushi!

Texas Roadhouse

Hand-cut steaks, hearty sides, and warm rolls with cinnamon butter? Sign me up!

THINGS TO DO

Central Bowling Lanes

Kick back, grab some snacks, and enjoy some friendly competition!

Garvan Woodland Gardens

Wander through beautiful gardens, enjoy nature, and soak up the views in a peaceful setting!

Hot Springs National Park

Chill in natural hot springs, hike scenic trails, and enjoy the outdoors in the beautiful Ouachita Mountains

Magic Springs Theme & Water Park

Thrilling rides, water slides, and fun all in one place!

Mini Golf

Head over to Pirate’s Cove, Volcano Falls, or T-Rex Golf for a fun twist on a classic game!

VIP Cinema

Comfy seats, immersive sound, and the newest movies!

5th Super 5th Session

5th SESSION

Join in on this one-of-a-kind session before the sun sets on the summer! A session full of amazing kids, non-stop fun, special events, and perks for staff.

Earn an additional $100 per week!

$550 + $200 = $750 Base Pay

Qualify for or add to your completion bonus!

3 Session Bonus = $250

4 Session Bonus = $500

5 Session Bonus = $1000