Chris Torn is the Director of Camp OTX and oversees all operations of this premier Texas Hill Country experience. Camp OTX began as a dream to expand the wonderful work the Torn Family has been blessed to do since 1985, through Camp Ozark, one of the nation’s largest residential summer camps.
Chris joined the Camp Ozark permanent staff in 2005 where he directed camper recruitment, the camper experience, spiritual emphasis, and Team Competition. In 2017, Chris completed his Master of Theological Studies from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. In 2018, Chris transitioned his focus to a new project that we now know as Camp OTX. Chris is a visionary who led the acquisition, design, and ground up construction of the beautiful 700-acre Camp OTX facility. His passion is people, specifically the equipping and training of the next generation of leaders. Chris brings tremendous energy, an experienced “camp” perspective, and good old-fashioned fun to every aspect of the Camp OTX Program.
Chris grew up at spending his summers at Camp Ozark in Mt Ida, AR. His understanding and appreciation of youth camp continued to grow throughout his high school and college years serving as a Dishwasher, Counselor, Lake Crew member, and Top Staff supervisor. Chris attended Texas A&M University where he served as Head Yell Leader. Chris met Ceci, the love of his life, at Camp Ozark in 1995 while she was serving as a summer staff member. Upon graduation, Chris went on to a successful career in commercial real estate, forming a real estate partnership which was acquired by a national firm in 2004.
Ceci serves as the OTX Director of Camper Care and considers herself a summer camp enthusiast. Ceci has spent her adult years building an exemplary career in finance and mental health. Whether she was working in energy sector finance, the Camper Care program at Camp Ozark, or serving as a therapist, founder, and executive at Ethos Behavioral Health Group, Ceci has put person-centered-care at the heart of her work. Ceci studied finance at Texas A&M, where she also competed as an All Big XII heptathlete. In 2018, Ceci earned her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health from Wake Forest University and is currently pursuing a doctorate degree from The University of Southern California focusing on strength-based behavioral health in children and adolescents.
Chris and Ceci married in 1998 and have five children. Caroline Caitie, Mary Claire , Christopher , and Charles Henry have all thrived going up at Camp Ozark just like their dad. All five of the Torn kids can’t wait to be a part of Camp OTX this summer. As parents of children from college to elementary school, Chris and Ceci understand both the demands and opportunities kids face today. The Torn family is very involved in their community, their church, and youth sports in Houston. Chris and Ceci both serve on the board of As Our Own, an international ministry that rescues, houses and educates some of the world’s most vulnerable children. Ceci also serves on the board and the executive committee of Camp Blessing, a Texas not-for-profit camp for children of all abilities.
Chris and Ceci are so excited to welcome every summer staff, camper, and camp family through the gates of Camp OTX this summer! See y’all soon!
