College of the Ozarks hosts Character Camp for spring 2022 incoming class

College of the Ozarks hosted Character Camp, an orientation program for incoming students, from Jan. 3-9.

Character Camp places the incoming class of students into small groups called “families.” Each family is led by a male and female upperclassman student identified as “Mom” and “Pop.” Families consist of approximately 10 students. This spring, the incoming class of 141 students was divided into 12 families.

Each Mom and Pop serve as mentors and resources for the new students through the rest of their time at College of the Ozarks. Students’ first relationships at the College are formed during Character Camp and families continue to meet throughout the semester. Parents introduce students to the different buildings on campus, to their academic advisors, and lead them through each activity during the week.

“Character Camp encompasses the heart of College of the Ozarks,” said Nick Sharp, dean of students. “As students dive into this experience, they realize this is more than orientation. We love the opportunity to create space necessary for these young people to learn about Hard Work U. and dig deeper into their relationship with the Lord.”

“Character Camp was a time of encouragement and relationship building for our family,” said Kami Powell, senior family studies and social science major and mom of family 6. “They looked out for each other like a real family is supposed to. I was elated to see this next generation of C of O students demonstrate Christ’s love.”

Character Camp is a one-of-a-kind orientation experience as it is not merely about the student receiving information. Students are challenged in a variety of ways through character education, social interaction, team-building exercises, and self-reflection. Various faculty and staff host dinners for each family so every student starts the semester feeling assured about what kind of environment they can expect. 

For additional information, contact Public Relations Director Valorie Coleman at (417) 690-2212.