Core Values 

1. Faith in God as expressed in our Statement of Faith. Our belief in God as our Savior and his active role in our lives is a vital part of all we do at camp. It  is our prayer that camp be a place where each person grows in their relationship with their Creator.

2. Prayer & Worship. We believe that for every problem we face, no matter how big or small, Jesus has an answer. At CDO our campers and staff get to experience God’s power and work in their lives through prayer and worship.

3. Everyone is valuable and worthy of respect. Big or skinny, dark or fair skinned, ADHD or withdrawn, we believe each camper and staff has amazing potential and should be treated with the respect and kindness due to one created in the image of God. 

4. Fun is mandatory! Fun is the currency of kids. So whether we are cleaning a cabin, learning a Bible verse, or playing kick ball, we make it fun!

5. Meaningful Relationships. This value is evident from our one counselor for every two campers ratio, to camp grandparents who love on the kids, to just the fact we are a small camp and we can learn your name. These relationships are what make coming back to camp feel like you’re coming home.

6. Great Food and lots of it! Many of our campers know what it like to have to go hungry. For this reason the food is often mentioned as a favorite part of camp. At camp they get three cooked meals a day, and there is always enough for seconds and thirds.  

7. Safety. We strive to make camp a safe haven for everyone who comes to camp. Safe physically and emotionally. From background screening, to extensive staff training including First Aid and CPR, it is our goal to make camp a safe place for everyone. 

8. Financial responsibility. The CDO Board of Directors has made an intentional commitment not to take out any building loans and to operate debt free. Careful stewardship of resources is integral to all decisions as it enables us to reach the maximum amount of people in the most effective way, while providing excellent service.

9. Interdenominational. One of the strengths of Camp David of the Ozarks has been the wide participation of many different churches and denominations in reaching campers with the love of Christ.

10. Giving. We believe that one of the greatest values CDO provides is the opportunity for everyone, especially young people, to discover the joy and excitement of helping others. There is something significant that happens when you stop thinking about yourself and focus on giving to another.

11. Developing leaders. There will always be a need for courageous, godly leaders. We are intentional about building the next generation of leaders; not just through teaching, but through experience. In the safety of a caring community, young people take leadership roles, share their faith, and take responsibility for making camp the best it can be.