Making summertime memories at DOW Camp in MTNF
Bubbles, bubbles and more bubbles! McKinley Thomas and Luanna Loftis have fun playing during one of DOW campers’ favorite activities, when camp administrators rent a giant bubble machine that creates mountains of sudsy fun.
Volunteers who help make sure that local kids have a wonderful DOW Camp experience every summer include, from left, (back row) Molly Collins, Kris Ledbetter holding grandson Mack Collins, Alexis Emrick, Misty Souder, Daden House, Robin Mustion, Bryce Hambelton, Don Pinckney, Breckyn Pinckney, Sally Hambelton, Hank Deatherage, Paige Smith, Shelby Smith; (front) Nancy Leonhard, Karla Smith, Renee Hambelton and Blaire Smith.
For almost 60 years, Ozark County children, along with kids from Douglas and Wright counties, have had the opportunity to spend several days and nights at DOW Camp, thanks to the generosity of local people and businesses. Many of the children who attend the camp, which is held at Hammond Mill Camp in the Devil’s Backbone area of the Mark Twain National Forest near Dora, wouldn’t be able to attend if it weren’t for the charitable contributions received each year.
This year’s camp, held July 8-11, was packed to capacity with 106 fun-loving local kids, plus a large dedicated group of volunteer administrators, counselors, cooks and craft teachers.
Campers, who range in age from 7 to 12, take part in an endless stream of activities including acting in skits, swimming, games, crafts, camp sing-alongs, dancing and tie-dying T-shirts.
“People ask how can they help, and I always say money,” said retired Children’s Division social worker Karla Smith, who has volunteered at the camp for 36 years and now serves as director. Smith explained that the camp costs well in excess of $15,000 a year to hold, and if it weren’t for the generosity of so many, it would be impossible to offer such a great camp experience for area children.
“We try to reach out to kids who wouldn’t otherwise have a chance to go to camp,” Smith said. “Some kids tell me it is the best week of their summer, and that just makes all the work worth it! Giving them a week to have no worries has always been our main priority. We want camp to be a week full of fun, good food and great memories.”
Every spring, Century Bank of the Ozarks CEO Chris Harlin continues a tradition set by his father, the late John Harlin, by sending out a letter writing campaign to help raise funds for the camp. “DOW Camp meant a lot to Dad, and it does to me also,” Harlin said. “The camp is so important to the youth of our area. We have some wonderful volunteers who help make this camp possible, and I appreciate everyone who donates and helps support it.”
Smith added that they are also always looking for volunteers to help. “We could use more adults who want to come and stay overnight.” she said. “We lean on people to give us their time.”
To find out how you can help, email Smith at karlasmith33@hotmail.com.
Donations to the camp may be made out to DOW Camp, and mailed to Century Bank of the Ozarks, PO Box 68, Gainesville, MO 65655.