Why We Like Ozone, October 2014

It doesn't take but a bit of observation to realize that our students absolutely adore coming to club every week. Recently, we decided to survey a group of consistent 6th-12th graders about what keeps them coming back. Read on to see how they responded.

Why did you start coming to Ozone, and why do you continue to make it a part of your weekly schedule?
"I wanted to keep my heart excited in a very fun way" 6th grader
"CWE [Camp War Eagle] recommended it, and I love CWE"
"Nothing is better than Camp all year round"
"I really thought it would be a good idea to learn more about God with people I know from camp than from strangers"
"For community, involvement, Christine and Matt (my directors), and to learn about the Lord, most importantly" 12th grader
"My directors are awesome! I like to learn from them about God"
"I came to be with all the crazy kids from camp"
"I'm the only person in my family who believes in God. It's great that I get to be at a place where I know I won't be judged. It's AWESOME!"
"I love to see everyone from camp, and I really like small group"
"We aren't judged here... it doesn't matter what we're like. I have a lot of fun and get to know people"
"It's encouraging to be here. It gets better every time!"
"I keep coming because lessons I learn here I want to keep for a lifetime. I know I learn here"
"I like that this is a place I can go to get away from troubles at home. I get to forget problems and just have fun."
"Because the people here show Christ through how they act. I love the people"
"You learn something new every week, whether it's about life or God. No one judges you at all"

As a result of attending club consistently, have you seen any changes in your life?
"I have become more confident and comfortable with others" 11th grade girl
"I feel I've become a better person!"
"Better knowledge of God and the word"
"Yes, I see changes all the time. I also find myself reading the Bible and praying more often"
"I've really been influenced to learn about God and how to accept him in my life"
"I've made more friends"
"I've made more friends than expected, I come because it's fun!"
"All the connections with people!"
"My life has become less depressing. I used to suffer with depression before ozone and now there's a lot more happiness in my life" 12th grader
"Coming to Ozone has changed my attitude."
"I see the world differently"

No matter the city, we receive similar feedback each time we ask our students the truth behind their drive to attend Ozone. They love the people, the atmosphere of acceptance for one another, what they learn and the continuing connection to Camp War Eagle, a place they hold close.

Beaver Lake Clean Up 2014

Once every year, on the last Saturday of September, scores of people converge from the four major cities of Northwest Arkansas as one against a common foe. Caddo or Osage, young or old, weak or strong, it matters not, for on this day the loathing of an adversary outweighs our respective differences. Year after year we come, resolute and steadfast, with numbers strong towards one mission: to wipe the floor with the ever-present enemy, Trash.

Our battlefield: The shores of Beaver Lake. The same lake that provides campers with nonstop fun each summer at Camp War Eagle. The same lake that supplies our community with drinking water. The same lake that is host to a diverse wildlife population. 

Our strategy this year was simple, we divided our forces and attacked from two fronts (North and South). At each front, our brigade of students and their families cleaned out three messy locations (Monte Ne, Old Prairie Creek Road, and the Highway 12 Bridge in the North, the Highway 412 Bridge, Blue Springs Park, and Pin Hook in the South). They fought hard and never wavered in the face of battle. In fact, many of them carried smiles on their faces as if to say, “Picking up trash is fun!” Armed with multiple trash bags and protective gloves, the group of over two hundred and fifty volunteers made quick work of the mess, stuffing trash into bags and scouring the area for any other loose items. Drawing from the energy of our students and their families, some bystanders even joined the fray. One particular man stated, “I live right around the corner and my kids and I try to keep the shoreline clean, but it always gets messy, thank you so much for picking up the trash!” At the end of the day, 2 sixteen-foot trailers FULL of stuffed trash bags were collected and disposed of! The sites were left spotless and residents can once again enjoy the natural beauty of Beaver Lake.

A total of over 630 community hours were awarded to help students fulfill their requirements to go back to Camp War Eagle next summer! Participating were 213 individuals, 153 of them being students and 60 parents or other family members. This event would not have been as fun and exciting were it not for the incredible experience that these students had at camp.  The excitement and commitment of this group was evident as the day came to a close. The CWE 365 staff watched students and families celebrating their camaraderie and accomplishment after a morning of work that reaffirmed friendships and supported the beauty of our region.

Mish Mash Live 2014

Mish Mash Live was an exciting and new event hosted by Camp War Eagle for families whose children attended camp in the summer of 2014. The event was held on September 15th at Camp War Eagle in Rogers and over 80 families attended. As families arrived, they were greeted with excitement as university students who had worked as counselors this past summer welcomed children (and their parents!) back to camp! The night began with an outdoor dinner followed by Mish Mash, which is a beloved event at Camp War Eagle where all the activities are open at camp and children get to choose what they want to experience. At Mish Mash Live families enjoyed water activities, a foam pit, water slides, dodgeball, archery, pig chasing, a petting zoo, outdoor adventures, dancing, soccer, an inflatable and mini golf. Parents were able to experience the fun of Camp War Eagle alongside their children and join in the new and exciting activities as if they were campers themselves! 

The majority of Camp War Eagle’s year-round staff worked the event and were available to meet families, make relationships, and answer any questions. As the activities were closing down, families were brought together to hear more information about Camp War Eagle activities, win prizes, and watch fireworks! At the end of the event, many families expressed their gratitude. One mother said of Mish Mash Live, “Our family has been so excited to come to Camp War Eagle together! One of our sons has attended camp for three years! Our daughter has a disability and attends another camp in Oklahoma. This event allowed our family to experience camp and have fun together! Thank you for this opportunity!” Camp War Eagle plans to host another Mish Mash Live event in April of 2015.