Find answers to some of our most common questions.
Ozark Wilderness Boys Camp is in Southeastern Missouri (Fredericktown). While it is most practical for families within a 5-hour radius of the camp to participate in the program, distances greater than that are possible if the family (and perhaps a support team from their community) are willing and able to meet the travel demands required to fully participate in the program.
The goal of Ozark Wilderness Boys Camp is to enroll boys ages 9-15. Due to the camp’s development stage, we may not currently be able to serve this entire range of ages.
An average camp-stay for a camper is approximately 18 months. A camper’s graduation date is based on evaluation of his progress rather than a completion of pre-established levels. This results in varying lengths of stay from 1 to 2 years, depending on the needs of the child.
You do not need to be religious to enroll your son at Ozark Wilderness Boys Camp. You will; however, be expected to acknowledge and accept the Camp’s Statement of Faith, recognizing that your child will experience Christian teaching during his enrollment.
While no program can guarantee success, this camping model has proven itself for years to assist boys who are in crisis mode. Common problem areas that it addresses are anger, disrespect, dishonesty, lack of organization, and unrealistic/unhealthy thinking patterns.
The camp functions as a boarding school. The primary approach to education is through project-based learning. This is a daily approach with integrated Plan-Do-Evaluate cycles. It is supplemented with textbook content and coaching as needed and enhanced by camp-wide sharing times.
Ozark Wilderness Boys Camp is a non-profit organization. Families are expected to contribute to the expense of operation. Prior to enrollment, a monthly payment agreement will be reached between the family and the camp with consideration given to each case. The remaining expenses are covered by donations from caring churches, businesses, and individuals.