DEWAYNE HOLLOWAY/mcnews.online
Sam Torn, owner of Camp Ozark, is hopeful regarding the eventual opening of the camp sometime this summer, but he is also focused on the safety of staff, campers and the residents of Montgomery County during the COVID-19 crisis.
Torn and his wife Susan have owned the facility since 1985. During that time the camp has grown from an average of 375 campers per summer to 7,000. The camp has become a home away from home for campers and counselors from across the United States and around the world.
The diversity of the attendees during the current health crisis has been cause of concern for many local residents, but Torn wants everyone to rest assured that Camp Ozark is focused on keeping everyone, both inside the camp and outside, healthy during this unprecedented time.
He stated during a phone interview Monday that Camp Ozark is complying with state directives regarding the COVID-19 crisis including a directive released April 17 that prohibits the opening of summer camps.
The directive states:
As warmer weather approaches, summer camp operators and their potential camper families are wondering how the COVID-19 public health emergency will affect summer plans. Arkansas is currently operating under a directive prohibiting mass gatherings (more than 10 people) and further business and lodging limitations. All day camps, overnight camps, and camps supported by faith-based organizations must abide by social distancing protocols implemented by these directives.
Typical camp activities do not allow for appropriate social distancing under the directives, so all summer camps, including pre-camp counselor preparations, cannot operate as usual this year. Some summer camps also typically draw counselors and campers from other states and countries. This must be restricted, as travel is associated with spreading the virus. Camp operators are encouraged to find appropriate alternative methods of offering camp activities.
The directive does not rule out a late opening for camps, but does state that a return to normal activities may not occur until late summer or beyond. The directive stresses that continued community spread of the virus will require continued restrictions on mass gatherings.
The directive will be re-evaluated May 31.
Torn stated that he hopes Camp Ozark will be able to open sometime this Summer, but was adamant that they would comply with all state directives.
“We will do whatever the state allows and we hope we’re able to open this summer.” Torn stated.
He added that the opening of Camp Ozark would mean a lot to the residents of Montgomery County. Camp Ozark currently employs 40 to 50 local residents each summer. They also frequent local businesses such as True Value and local restaurants.
Torn stated that the thing he looks most forward to is the opportunity to provide a summer camp experience for approximately 200 local children at the end of each camp season.
Torn understands the value of spending part of the summer at Camp Ozark. He made his first visit to Camp Ozark, then known as Ozark Boys Camp, at age five to see his brothers who were there as campers. He attended his first camp at age 10 in 1959.
For the next 11 years Ozark Boys Camp was an important part of his life. He progressed from a camper to a junior counselor and then a counselor. He completed the cycle by purchasing the camp in 1985.
His history with the camp helps him understand the importance of the camp to both campers and the community. Torn stated that he appreciates the concern local residents may have regarding the possibility of out of state campers and counselors coming to Camp Ozark. Travel has been a key focus in the fight against the spread of COVID-19.
He wants to assure the community that while work continues at the camp in preparation for summer sessions, no counselors have arrived at the camp. The aforementioned state directive prohibits the arrival of out of state counselors.
Torn stated that the only people working at the camp at this time are full time employees. Full time employees live onsite from April through September with many traveling on recruitment trips. He added that all employees who travel away from the area during the COVID-19 crisis are requried to quarantine for 14 days. This includes any full time employees who may live in an other state when not working at the camp.
In the event Camp Ozark is allowed to open this summer they will comply with all state requirements and directives. There are plans in place to isolate campers and counselors from the local community once they are allowed to attend Camp Ozark.
Campers would be required to travel to Camp Ozark via charter buses which would be ordered to not stop until they arrive at the camp. Counselors would also be prohibited from entering town if necessary.
Torn stated that he and the staff at Camp Ozark love being a part of Montgomery County. He loves the people and wants nothing more than to be a good neighbor in this health crisis and long after the crisis ends.
