During that time the camp has grown from an average of campers per summer to 7, 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 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 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.
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. 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 local children at the end of each camp season.
Torn understands the value of spending part of the summer at Camp Ozark. Lastly, our plan is adaptable. We continue to evaluate best-practices and make adjustments according to the latest available medical information," Dr. Secily Torn, the camp's medical director, said on the website.
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