INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT STAFF
Welcome!
We are excited for you to be a part of the Camp Ozark family! Over 7,500 campers will come to Camp Ozark throughout the summer and we are grateful you have chosen to be a part of the fun! Whether you are on Cleaning Crew, C.O.R.E. Team, Kitchen Staff, or Work Crew, your efforts will help create a wonderful experience for our campers. Additionally, it is important to us that YOU have a great summer as you experience American culture and make American friends. We hope this catalog helps you as you prepare for the summer ahead at Camp Ozark!
MEET THE TEAM
MISSION & CULTURE
CAMP OZARK SETTING
PREPARING FOR CAMP OZARK
PRE-CAMP CHECKLIST
TRAVEL TO CAMP OZARK WHAT TO EXPECT PACKING LIST SPECIAL EVENTS AT CAMP OZARK TIME OFF ESSENTIAL INFORMATION MORE OZARK AWESOMENESS!
Meet the Team
Years at Camp: 8 Summers
Hometown: Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland
Currently Live: Chattanooga, TN and Carrickfergus, NI
Favorite Food in America: Pancakes!
Favorite Place in America: Lake Martin, AL
Favorite Sport: Real Football
Favorite TV Series: New Girl
Favorite Artist: Foy Vance
Years at Camp: 9 Summers
Hometown: Birmingham, AL
Currently Live: Chattanooga, TN and Carrickfergus, NI
Favorite Food in America: Cheeseburger and Fries
Favorite Place in America: Lake Martin + Montana
Favorite Sport: American Football
Favorite TV Series: Parenthood
Favorite Artist: Foy Vance + Needtobreathe
Years at Camp: 10 Summers
Hometown: Marion, Ohio
Currently Live: Mount Ida, AR
Favorite Food in America: A Good Cheeseburger
Favorite Place in America: Camp Ozark or Yosemite
Favorite Sport: Baseball
Favorite TV Series: This Is Us
Favorite Artist: Luke Combs
Years at Camp: 12 Summers
Hometown: Niceville, FL
Currently Live: Bigelow, AR
Favorite Food in America: Fresh Seafood
Favorite Place in America: Snyder's Lake, NY
Favorite Sport: Basketball
Favorite TV Series: I Don't Have/ Watch TV
Favorite Artist: MercyMe
Years at Camp: 3 Summers
Hometown: Plant City, FL
Currently Live: Mount Ida, AR
Favorite Food: Aguachile
Favorite Place in America: Appalachian Mountains
Favorite Sport: Hockey
Favorite TV Series: Tuttle Twins
Favorite Artist: Michael Buble
Years at Camp: 5 Summers
Hometown: Veracruz, MX
Currently Live: Mount Ida, AR
Favorite Food in America: Spicy Chick-fil-A Sandwich
Favorite Place in America: Florida
Favorite Sport: Soccer
Favorite TV Series: Tuttle Twins
Favorite Artist: Ed Sheeran
While at Camp Ozark, a dedicated team will support you in a variety of ways. Got questions? Have a concern or an issue? Need help with something? These are the folks who will help you out.
Feel free to email Lauren at laureng@campozark.com if you have an immediate question!
JOSH CASH
FRANNIE CASH
RAFA GONZALEZ
LAUREN GONZALEZ
TASHA FENNELL
Mission and Culture
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 we can apart.
GRIT CULTIVATION
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 perseverance are
SELFLESS SERVICE
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. 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
Setting CAMP OZARK
Camp Ozark is in a “rural” or country location. The nearest cities are Hot Springs (45 minutes away) and Little Rock (1.5 hours away). There is a nearby small town, Mt. Ida (10 minutes away). Camp Ozark is located in the Ouachita National Forest, next to the Ouachita River, and near beautiful Lake Ouachita. “Ouachita” is pronounced “wash-ita.” The state of Arkansas has many beautiful nature areas.
DISTANCE FROM CAMP OZARK
» LOS ANGELES: 2570 km
» LAS VEGAS: 2200 km
» NEW YORK CITY: 2120 km
» GRAND CANYON: 1930 km
» MIAMI: 1200 km
» CHICAGO: 1200 km
» NEW ORLEANS: 827 km
» DALLAS: 427 km
» MEMPHIS: 373 km
Camp Ozark
It may seem a bit overwhelming as you prepare to travel out of your country for 3 months. Camp Ozark understands this and we’ll do our best to help you. Between now and your arrival at camp, we will regularly communicate with you regarding paperwork, travel, packing, and everything else you need to know.
As an international staff member, you will also be responsible for staying in touch with your Placement Agency (Camp Leaders or Wild Packs). They will help you as you obtain your visa and other important travel-related documents, conduct pre-travel training, and more.
CAMP OZARK PRE-CAMP CHECKLIST
□ Complete Interview
□ Create a myOzark account
□ Submit Camp Ozark Application and Reference
□ Use myOzark to complete all Staff Documents
□ Use myOzark to complete all Medical Information
□ Upload Physical and Insurance Card
□ Complete Praesidium Training (Available in April)
□ Arrange travel to Little Rock, Arkansas
□ Email travel info. to laureng@campozark.com
□ Pack for Incomparable Camp Ozark!
Please make sure your myOzark Dashboard is 100% completed before arriving at camp.
PRE-CAMP CHECKLIST (PLACEMENT AGENCY)
□ Complete all Placement Agency paperwork and forms.
□ Attend any training or orientations offered by the Placement Agency.
□ Work with the Placement Agency to arrange an interview with the US Embassy.
□ Obtain your J-1 Visa and other forms necessary for entry into the United States.
□ Understand your responsibilities for checking in with your Placement Agency throughout the summer.
Traveling to Camp Ozark
WHAT DAY DO I ARRIVE?
You are expected to arrive on the arrival date of your Camp Ozark contract. If you are unsure of this date, please check with your agency or email emily@campozark.com.
WHAT TIME SHOULD I ARRIVE?
We ask that your flight/bus arrive in Little Rock between 10AM-5PM on the day you are scheduled to arrive. We understand this may be difficult for some international flightswe can usually be flexible but please communicate with us prior to booking a flight that lands outside of this time block.
WHAT DO I DO ONCE I ARRIVE?
A Camp Ozark staff member will be at the airport to greet you when you arrive and will drive you to Camp Ozark! We will communicate all pickup details the week prior to arrival.
HOW DO I GET
THERE?
We prefer for you to arrive by airplane. The airport is Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport in Little Rock, AR.
DO I NEED TO COMMUNICATE MY FLIGHT INFORMATION?
Yes! Please send all travel information to laureng@campozark.com.
WHAT DO I DO FOR MY DEPARTING TRAVEL?
» You will depart on the departure date of your Camp Ozark contract.
» If flying, your flight should be scheduled to depart after 12PM on your departure date.
» If traveling by bus, your bus should be scheduled to depart after 11AM on your departure date.
WHAT TO EXPECT UPON ARRIVAL AT Camp Ozark
Before you arrive, you will be added to a WhatsApp Group for your arrival date. Please keep us updated in the group if you experience any delays or issues with your flight.
BILL & HILLARY CLINTON AIRPORT
Once you have landed in Little Rock, head to the Baggage Claim area! It’s a smaller airport, so it is easy to find. A Camp Ozark Staff member will be there to greet you by the Starbucks. Grab your bags and once everyone has arrived, you will leave the airport.
OFF TO CAMP
Load up the Camp Ozark vehicle and head to Camp Ozark! The drive from the airport to camp is about 1 hour and 40 minutes. You will stop and grab food on the way - a great time to try new food, such as Chick Fil A, Canes, etc.!
ARRIVE AT CAMP
Once you arrive to camp, you will drop your bags off at your assigned cabin. We will have your bedding and toiletries in your cabin.
CHECK IN
Once you have dropped your luggage in your cabin, you will grab your Passport and DS-2019 form and head to the HR Hub to complete check in paperwork for your Placement Agency and Camp Ozark.
TRAINING
You will meet your new coworkers and supervisors in your specific area. They will show you the ins and outs of the job and teach you everything you need to know!
BUY IN
Jump right in! You finally made it to Camp Ozark. This is when the paperwork and logistics will all feel worth it. Introduce yourself to people! Ask questions! Practice your English! Make the most of your summer at Camp Ozark - it will go by fast!
Camp Ozark
PACKING LIST
RECOMMENDED ITEMS
Jacket/Sweatshirt
Raincoat/Poncho
Swimsuits (One-pieces only, girls!)
Pajamas
Bath Towels (2)
Beach Towel (1)
Underwear (10-14)
Pairs of Socks (8-12)
Shorts (8-12)
Sweatpants/Joggers
T-Shirts (10-12)
Tennis Shoes (1-2)
Water Shoes (Chacos, Tevas, Crocs, etc.)
Shower Shoes (Flip Flops)
Laundry Bag
Backpack/Duffel Bag (for your days off)
Outfit for Summer Staff Banquet
RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES
CAN PURCHASE IN THE U.S. WHEN YOU ARRIVE!
Alarm Clock (no cell phones allowed as alarm clocks)
Notebook/Paper & Pens
Flashlight/Headlamp
Hat/Sunglasses
Bible
Country Jersey or Flag (show off your country!)
Adapters for Electrical Outlet
We recommend bringing enough clothes to last 1½ to 2 weeks. You will have access to laundry, but who wants to do it every day! The most common clothing outfit at Camp Ozark is a casual shirt, comfortable shorts, and athletic shoes.
CAMP OZARK WILL PROVIDE
WHEN YOU ARRIVE AT CAMP, YOU WILL BE GIVEN THE FOLLOWING SO YOU DO NOT NEED TO PACK THEM!
Uniform Shirts (5 work shirts)
Sleeping Bag/Sheets
Pillow & Pillow Case
Shampoo & Soap (travel size)
Toothbrush & Toothpaste (travel size)
Box Fan
NOTES
The culture of dress at Camp Ozark is modest in nature. Clothing that is too tight or too revealing (low cut or see-through) should not be worn.
When choosing your clothing, keep in mind that you will be involved in energetic activities, in a hot environment, every day.
During the day, it is typically very warm at Camp Ozark, especially during July and August. The temperature can occasionally approach or exceed 40°C. Please be sure to bring comfortable clothes for such weather.
Special Events
Every day at camp is a new theme! The campers dress up for each one and end the day with a big themed party, called a Special Event. In your roles, you will contribute to these events! Feel free to dress up, if you want!
Birthday Bash Western Night Water World Christmas Pump It Up
State Fair
Planet Ozark Red, White, and Blue
Masquerade
Disco Daze
Totally Ozark
Birthday Hats, Bright Colors, Party Accessories
Plaid Shirts, Denim, Cowboy Hats
Hawaiian Shirts, Leis, Pool Floaties
Sweaters, Santa Hats, Red and Green
Jerseys, Baseball Caps, Sports Gear Disney Princesses, Superheroes
Gingham, Trucker Hats, State Pride
Neon, 80’s and 90’s Fashion Denim, American Flag Shirts
Characters, Masks, Fun Costumes Tie Dye, Wigs, 70’s Fashion, Glasses Hawaiian Cowboys, Patriotic Santas
Mission Impossible
Camouflage, Dark Clothes
@ Camp Ozark
LODGING
Bedding (pillow and sleeping bag/sheets) are provided for all international staff.
Summer Staff Housing includes a large Staff House as well as staff-only cabins. Generally, you will be housed with 10-15 other staff. The Staff House has a shower/ restroom area inside the building. In addition, there are “bath houses” for the Staff cabins and others in the Staff House.
SUMMER PAY
There are many factors that determine the amount you are paid, including your Placement Agency, arrival date, and departure date. Your specific salary will be included in your Camp Ozark contract.
NOTE: Your Placement Agency will also provide information regarding your pay.
Your salary will be paid at the end of Staff Orientation and then every two weeks. Funds are deposited to a camp-provided debit card. More information about your debit card will be provided once you arrive at Camp Ozark. Please note that due to a variety of other costs associated with hosting international participants, Camp Ozark international participants are on a different pay scale than our domestic staff.
SUMMER STAFF COMPUTERS
Keeping in touch with family and friends back home is important, as is keeping up with school and other matters. To help, Camp Ozark has several computers set aside solely for Summer Staff use. These are available at certain times, including times that account for the time difference between the US and other countries.
All staff housing is located on the camp property. Our Summer Staff Housing is not air-conditioned. However, box fans will be provided.
PHONES & DEVICES
Camp Ozark is an electronics-free camp for both staff and campers. Phones and other devices are turned in for storage during the check-in process. These are stored securely and made available during days off and in between sessions.
Maintaining our electronics-free environment is important to us. However, we also know that cell phones play an important role in your life. We are flexible in our policy so that international staff phones may be accessed as necessary for emergencies or other urgent needs.
DAYS OFF
Staff members receive a full day off at some point during the 2-week session. For your day off, we will provide a free shuttle to transport you to town. We have two off-site staff facilities for use on days off. These have laundry facilities and Wi-Fi. Most staff typically go to Hot Springs to get a good meal and do some shopping. There are also many beautiful destinations around camp if you are feeling adventurous!
Mt. Ida, just a quick drive from camp, has some great food options: The Dairyette, El Diamante, Wayseekers Coffee, and the Mt. Ida Café.
2-week session responsibilities generally end on Saturday around 2 PM and begin back Sunday morning. BETWEEN SESSIONS
HEALTH CENTER & MEDICINE
Camp Ozark has two Health Centers which are staffed by licensed nurses and a doctor. Health Center services are available for all staff.
All prescription and over-thecounter medicine you bring to camp will be stored in our Staff Medicine Room. These rooms have 24/7 access. If you have any questions about our Health Centers or Medicine policies, please ask!
FAITH OPPORTUNITIES FOR STAFF
As a Christian camp, we care about the spiritual development of our campers and staff. Regardless of where you are in your Christian faith, we hope you experience spiritual 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 caring for our campers and for each other. Additionally, we provide several optional opportunities for our staff to come together for prayer, learning, or worshiping.
STAFF POLICY HIGHLIGHTS
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 of note have been included below for your reference:
» We are an electronics-free camp and do not allow campers or staff to use devices during the camp program. Phones are permitted during time off.
» 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.
» Staff may not use alcohol or other illicit substances on or off camp property for the duration of their contract.
Essential Information
Camp Ozark provides a unique opportunity for campers and staff to unplug and experience life without the pressures and distractions often connected to electronics. You will still have access to landlines and computers during designated staff time, and will be able to use your phone or other electronics during your time off.
*Transmittable: A device that is able to connect to wifi, receive/send messages and search the internet. Have questions? Ask!
STAFF TRAINING
MORE OZARK Awesomeness
TEAM COMPETITION
CAMP FOOD
We know you have a lot of questions about camp and your specific role. Upon arrival to Camp Ozark, you will be trained in your role by the supervisor in your area. There is a lot to learn, but we will be with you every step of the way to help you!
CAMP ACTIVITIES
If you’ve checked our website, you’ll see we offer lots of amazing activities. As a member of our Support Staff, there will be times when you are able to partcipate in many of these activities. In addition to working hard in your Support Staff role, we want to make sure you also get to have a lot of fun!
FITNESS STUDIO & WEIGHT ROOM
We have facilities for both aerobic and weight training. We also offer staff-only fitness classes throughout the summer!
At camp, you will often hear of the Red team and Blue team. Team competition is a fun time for our campers to compete in sport activities. On Support Staff, you will be assigned a team to cheer for!
STAFF BANQUET
Summer hasn’t started yet, but we are already excited for the End of Summer Staff Banquet! On August 1st, after the campers leave, we will dress up and celebrate the summer with a wonderful dinner and a look back on the summer. Most of our staff will pack nicer clothes for this night. Girls typically wear casual dresses and guys wear collared shirts. Worried you won’t have enough room in your luggage? You can always buy an outfit on your day off!
Meatball sub sandwiches. Chicken fingers. Hamburgers. Pepperoni Stromboli. And more to look forward to! For breakfast, lunch, and dinner, you will have a variety of options to choose from in our dining hall. We know you will come to love some of our Camp Ozark staples!
NOTE: If you have a food allergy or special dietary requirements, please notify us as soon as possible. While Camp Ozark can accommodate most food requirements, some situations may prove challenging.
AMERICAN FRIENDS
While you are at camp impacting and serving our campers, we know it is important for you to also have time to yourself and spend time with friends. We have built some time and activities into our schedule just for our staff.
CHOW HALL MORNINGS STAFF TIME AT NIGHT
Start your day with some Bible study or just hanging out with friends…and some coffee!
Hang out with friends, grab a late night snack, use a computer, or play in one of our staff-only activities.
Ozark Activities
Look forward to trying some of these awesome activities around camp during your breaks throughout the
BLOBS/WATERSLIDES CRAFTS CENTER MOUNTAIN BIKING
ZIPLINE
MINI GOLF POTTERY
NATURE SHACK FISHING LAKE/BOATS
BISTRO
ROPES COURSE HORSES
POST-CAMP TRAVELS
Want to travel after camp, but not sure where to go? We have found that the best places to visit are those that have good public transportation! Large cities on the east coast like New York, Boston, Chicago, Washington DC, etc. are great options! Other popular spots that are most easily connected by flights are Las Vegas, Orlanda, Miami, Los Angeles and San Francisco. You’ll also meet friends over the summer from all over the US and may choose to visit them in their hometowns or at their universities! Here are some trips that our international staff took last year:
“I traveled to Michigan for a few days and it was really amazing to visit the lakes there.”
“I went to California. It was a nice and amazing trip!”
“We have a round trip on the East coast including New York, Philadelphia and DC.”
“I have visited Washington, DC and Frederick Maryland, my experience has been very pleasant and it has helped me to learn about the history of this country.”
“New York City was amazing. It was literally a dream come true and I had a really good time there.”
“I went to New York, Philadelphia, Washington, and Miami. It was awesome!”
“I went to Dallas, Orlando and Miami and it was really fun.”
“I went to New York and I loved being able to see and buy many things!”
International Drivers License: Please keep in mind that many states in America require an International Driver’s Permit in order to drive in the US. If you plan to drive during your travels, you must get this before your trip to America as the US does not issue IDPs to foreign visitors. Please also note that many car rental agencies will not rent to those under the age of 21. Most agencies will charge an additional daily fee to rent if you are under the age of 25. It is best to research what renting and driving a car in America would look like for someone from your country before you come to camp.
What Others Say
“I spent a wonderful summer at Camp Ozark in 2022 and 2024. I gained a lot of experience that summer. I was lucky to have the opportunity to work alongside so many great people for the whole summer. Those were the best days of my life. I managed to see what life looks like in the USA and had the opportunity to visit places I had always wanted to see such as the Grand Canyon, Horseshoe Bend.”
“Camp Ozark is an incredible place with a strong sense of community and a lot of opportunities for personal growth. The camp environment is positive and supportive, and it offers a chance to make lasting friendships while engaging in fun and meaningful activities. It’s a rewarding experience, but it’s also important to be prepared for a demanding schedule and to be adaptable. Overall, if you’re enthusiastic about working hard and ready for an immersive experience, Camp Ozark can be a truly memorable and enriching opportunity.”
“Working at camp is a life-changing experience where you find a second family and grow in ways you never imagined. There’s nothing more rewarding than being part of such a vibrant international community in the great outdoors!”
Erik Bertalan
Babi Balbuena
Samantha Garcia
Work Crew from Hungary Kitchen Staff from Mexico
Cleaning Crew from Mexico
CAMP OZARK MAP
