Family
Owned

Since 1985, the Torn family has invested their lives into creating an incomparable camp experience and environment for kids.

OUR
Founders

For nearly 40 years, Sam and Susan Torn have dedicated their lives to the transformative experience of Christian summer camping.

In 1985, Sam and Susan acquired Camp Ozark, located in Mt. Ida, Arkansas and in 2020 they brought the unique Ozark brand of camping to the Texas Hill Country with the opening of Camp OTX.

Though Sam’s full-time involvement in summer camping began in 1985, Sam’s association with Camp Ozark, the sister camp of Camp OTX, began much earlier. Sam first experienced Camp Ozark in 1951, at the age of 2, with his family. He later spent 5 years as a camper and 6 years on the summer staff of Camp Ozark prior to marrying Susan. Although they have turned day to day operational responsibilities over to their children, Sam and Susan are still fully involved in the operation of both Camp Ozark and Camp OTX, traveling back and forth between the two camps and investing in the experience at both places.

Sam and Susan have been married since 1970 and have 3 children, Scott, Chris and Angela. Chris serves at the operating director of Camp OTX, while Scott and Angela, co-direct Camp Ozark. Sam and Susan have 14 grandchildren who are the greatest joy of their life.

Operating
Director

Chris Torn is the Operating Director of Camp OTX and oversees all operations of our Premier Texas Hill Country Experience. 

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 800-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 and Ceci married in 1998 and have five children.  Caroline Caitie, Mary Claire, Christopher, and Charles Henry have all thrived growing up at Camp Ozark just like their dad.  All five of the Torn kids love to be a part of Camp OTX every summer.  As parents of children from middle school to college, 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.

Leadership
Team

Our team is fully invested in making sure your kids have a total blast while instilling values such as self-esteem, self-confidence, independence, teamwork and friendship.

Recruiting
Team

Our Recruiters are the best around and dedicated to finding a Premier Summer Staff year after year. 

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INFORMATION?

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