Ozark Permanent Staff
Ozark Permanent Staff
Without question one of the finest groups of camp professionals in the country, the Camp Ozark permanent staff works tirelessly to provide the absolute best summer camp experience. Although they come from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences, the Ozark Permanent Staff is united by a genuine love and passion for children, and are fully committed to helping Camp Ozark fulfill its stated mission.
Sam & Susan Torn
Chairman / CEO
Sam Torn, Chairman/CEO, and his wife, Susan acquired the assets of Camp Ozark on January 2nd, 1985. Since that time Sam’s infusion of creative programming, attention to detail and full commitment to impacting the lives of children has been chiefly responsible for the growth and development of Camp Ozark into the premier summer camp in the United States. Sam grew up in Houston, Texas, was a camper at Ozark Boys Camp (now Camp Ozark) for five summers, graduated from Memorial High School and Texas A&M. Prior to graduating from Texas A&M, Sam played baseball for the Aggies, was a member of the Corps of Cadets and served as Head Yell Leader. He and Susan, whom he met on a blind date, have been married for over 40 years, have three children, Scott, Chris and Angela, two amazing daughter-in-laws and 9 awesome grandchildren.
moreScott & Secily Torn
Associate Director
Scott Torn, Associate Director, first came to Camp Ozark in 1973 at the age of 2. Camp Ozark has been a part of Scott's life since his childhood, having been a camper, dish-washer, counselor and Lake Crew Coordinator. While at A&M, he was in the Corps of Cadets and served as Head Yell Leader. After completing law school, he spent 8 years working in commercial real estate before joining Camp Ozark's Permanent Staff in 2006. As a result of his experience at Camp Ozark, Scott met and married Secily Torn. Originally from Amarillo, Texas, Secily graduated from A&M and is currently a Board Certified Pediatrician in Houston. Scott and Secily have been married since 1996 and have four children: Sam, Jack, Tucker and Anna Scott...ALL CADDOS!
moreChris & Ceci Torn
Associate Director
Chris Torn, Associate Director, first made his appearance when he was 3 months old at “Family Week” at Camp Ozark. Chris has been fortunate to experience Camp Ozark from all sides including camper, CIT, Dishwasher, Counselor, Top Staff, Permanent Staff and now as a camper parent. Most importantly, Chris met the love his life, Ceci, while she was serving as a counselor (and Osage Chieftess) during the summer of 1995. Both Chris and Ceci graduated from Texas A&M. While at A&M, Chris was a member of the Corps of Cadets, and served as Head Yell Leader. Ceci was an All-Conference Heptathlete on the A&M Track Team and served as President of the Chi Omega Sorority. Chris and Ceci have been married since 1998 and have 5 Children: Caroline, Caitlin, Mary Claire, Christopher and Charles Henry...All OSAGE!
moreAngela Torn
Associate Director
Angela Torn, Associate Director, first came to Camp Ozark in 1985 when she was five years old after her parents Sam and Susan bought the Camp. That first summer, Sam and Susan placed Angela in the cabin for a couple of days to help ease the homesickness of a young camper who missed her little sister that was also five years old. From that day on, Sam and Susan were never able to get Angela out of the cabin again. Angela has served Camp Ozark as a camper and an LIT, as Kitchen Staff, Head Girls’ Counselor, and Top Staff.
moreDebbie Priddy
Associate Director
Debbie Priddy, Associate Director, first came to Camp Ozark in 1985. She served as both a cabin counselor and as a member of the Top Staff and joined the Permanent Staff in 1988 after graduating from Baylor University. Debbie met her husband, Wade - now a Lieutenant Colonel in the Marine Corps - while he was working as a counselor at Camp Ozark. They have been married for 20 years and have two children, Andy (16) and Bailey (10).
moreCarson & Hilary Schultz
Associate Directors
Carson Schultz, Associate Director, first came to Camp Ozark in 1997 from Saskatchewan, Canada to work on the Camp Ozark Lake Crew. After graduating from The University of Saskatchewan in 2001 he moved to the United States to work for Camp Ozark on a full-time basis. During the summer of 2002 he started dating Hilary West. Hilary, Associate Director, first came to Camp Ozark in 2000. Hilary served as a counselor, on Top Staff and as the Houston Ozone Director before starting full time with Camp Ozark in 2006. Hilary is a graduate of the University of Texas. Carson and Hilary were married in 2005 and welcomed Cooper Schultz into the world in February of 2010.
moreDave Atkins
Associate Director
Dave Atkins, Associate Director, first came to Camp Ozark in 1988 after graduating from Oklahoma State University. He served as a cabin counselor for two years and as a member of the Top Staff during the summers of 1990 to 1995. In 1995, Dave joined Camp Ozark on a full-time basis. Camp Ozark campers know Dave as "Super Dave."
moreGene Monk
Associate Director
Gene Monk, Associate Director, began his career at Camp Ozark as a dishwasher while still in High School. Gene, who grew up in the surrounding area, has served as Counselor, River Guide, and Program Director. Gene’s wife Amy, a Kansas native, is a former counselor and staff member at Camp Ozark, has served as a County Extension Agent, and is very involved in local community affairs. Gene & Amy are both former Peace Corp volunteers and Gene has worked as a Community Development agent in Arkansas. Gene and Amy have three children/Ozark campers: Ginny, Callie, and Will.
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