Camp Ozark is a Christian organization that strives to teach the love of Christ through sports and other activities. They are currently offering paid summer positions for students who like to work with kids and talk about Christ.
This Valentine’s Day, most people will measure love in flowers, chocolate and gifts.
For pharmacy senior Tate Davis, though, love is measured by how much care she shows toward children every summer with Camp Ozark.
Camp Ozark is a Christian organization that gives 4,200 children the opportunity to strengthen their walk with Christ while enjoying 120 activities and sports. The staff hopes to influence college students to come closer to God by offering paid summer positions.
Davis has worked with the camp for three years, and she describes playing kickball or dancing on tables during meal time with her campers. She said she also realizes her actions have much more meaning.
“Camp is a great way for kids and college kids to hang out and get to know about each other,” Davis said.
“We have fun and talk about Christ and really get to see how Christ works through our actions.”
Camp Ozark has been recruiting at The University of Mississippi for five years. Recruiter Katie McCasland said she enjoys recruiting at Ole Miss because she gets students who return every summer and embody the camp’s philosophy.
“We love on kids like Christ would love them so when they leave camp, they know that,” McCasland said.
“They will want to come and enjoy any type of sport and enjoy the outdoors, and they all know it’s because Jesus paid the ultimate sacrifice for us.”
She said she believes college students make good mentors for displaying how Christians should live and hopes the children will mirror their actions.
McCasland said the organization is looking for students who are willing to be responsible and also have a love for kids.
“They have to love kids a lot and love Jesus a lot,” she said.
“They love their campus, they love people, they love living a life that is honoring God, and at the same time, they’re having a good time.”
Currently, there are 41 Ole Miss students in the organization and there is no cap for the number of students McCasland can employ.
Accounting freshman Vann Berry wants to join because the camp is a place where he can enjoy both of his loves: sports and ministering to kids.
“I believe that God is the realest thing out there,” Berry said.
“If He is, than why not be a follower of Him. Live like He does? It’s definitely a positive way of living, and it’s the best thing that you can do.”
Camp Ozark will have an information session today at 7 p.m. in Student Union 403 for interested students.
