Frequently Asked Questions:
Making a Reservation at Old Kia Kima
Table of Contents: Make a Selection
Who: Old Kia Kima Preservation Association (OKKPA) is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit youth leadership and service organization founded in 1996 by a group of former Boy Scouts of America who desired to contribute their time and financial support to restore their former summer camp, and in so doing, establish links to existing Boy Scout programs, local civic organizations, and national youth service organizations
What: Old Kia Kima is a camping destination for youth groups (Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Registered youth groups) to facilitate youth leadership development consistent with our Core Value Program of Integrity, Achievement, Responsibility, and Courage. The camp consists of 16 Native Stone Lodges, group cooking and dining facility, bathhouse, lodge, chapel, covered bridge, and pioneering Pole Barn situated on approximately 40 acres of the original Kamp Kia Kima in the north east Arkansas community of Cherokee Village.
Where: From Memphis
I-40
thru West Memphis to I-55 north toward
Blytheville
Beyond Marion (5-10
minutes) exit Hwy 63 to Jonesboro / Marked Tree
Stay on Hwy 63 all the way to Hardy, AR
Thru downtown Hardy to intersection light, turn left and cross long
bridge
Long curves to the right, then to the left
At the top of the hill turn
right at King Catfish,
then down hill and quick
left,
Down
hill again curve to the right and up
Curve left then down hill,
turn hairpin right
at the HORSES sign to bottom of the hill,
Left across low-water
bridge, stay on this road, always taking the left forks (2-3)
Pass the Village Theatre on the left, just beyond the theatre, well…
WELL
DONE!
Why: We want future generations to experience the Spirit of Old Kia Kima, to learn the values of Integrity, Achievement, Responsibility, and Courage, and to utilize the Camp to pass this along to future generations, "just like we did"- This will be our legacy.
How do I contact someone at OKKPA about making reservations to bring my
Youth Group to Old Kia Kima?
Registration Process:
- Submit your E-mail requests to reservations@oldkiakima.org
- You will be sent by return e-mail the following:
- Old Kia Kima Facilities Usage Agreement/Permit
- Rules & Regulations For Use of Facilities and Equipment
- You must complete the Facilities Usage Agreement/Permit and return via e-mail to : reservations@oldkiakima.org
Your completed request will be promptly reviewed for availability during the times requested and returned to you. SCOUT TROOPS Upon receiving a confirmation, please note that you will also be required to acquire a Trip/Camping/Activity Permit, showing Old Kia Kima as the destination, which must be obtained from your local Council and presented to the Old Kia Kima Ranger upon arrival at camp. No Troop will be admitted without presenting this permit from your local BSA or GSA Council.
Where can I find the directions for driving to Old Kia Kima?
Old Kia Kima is located in Cherokee Village Arkansas, approximately 150 miles North of Little Rock, AR, 150 miles Southeast of Springfield, MO, 150 miles Northwest of Memphis, TN, and is adjacent to the small town of Hardy, AR where U.S. Highways 62 and 63 intersect.
Coming from any direction, upon arriving in Hardy, turn west on Highway 62, at the intersection of Highways 62 and 63. Next, turn right on State Highway 175 and follow this road until you see a right turn sign pointing to the Arkansas Sheriffs Ranch.
Follow this road across the bridge over the South Fork River. Continue to bear Left until you reach Kolo Road. Proceed on Kolo until you see the Old Kia Kima sign and entrance on the left side of the road.
What is the Camp Usage Policy and which Youth Groups can use the camp facilities
OKKPA Usage Policy
It is the policy of OKKPA that the restored Old Kia Kima will be devoted to imparting to a new generation of youths the same high standards and values of Scouting that the founders and members of OKKPA received and benefited from as Boy Scouts during the years that Old Kia Kima was the long term camp for the Chickasaw Council, Boy Scouts of America, Memphis, Tennessee.
In recognition of OKKPA’s past connection to the Boy Scouts of America and close proximity to the former Girl Scout Camp, it's initial outreach to youth organizations was directed at individual units of the Boy Scouts of America, and the Girl Scouts of the USA, and to the local councils to which these units belong.
After a period of satisfactory experience and growth with Boy Scout and Girl Scout Troops, OKKPA has begun the inclusion of other responsible youth organizations that share our objectives of building and re-enforcing character, wholesome values, and youth leadership training.
The youth organizations approved to use our facilities must abide by their own written rules, as well as OKKPA rules, while using Old Kia Kima including but not limited to the number of adults-to-youth ratios, training required by the responsible adults, and youth protection measures.
Who can make reservations for camping at Old Kima Kima?
Registered Adult Leaders of
registered Boy Scout and Girl Scout Troops. All Scouts who will be
attending this Troop sponsored and supervised visit to Old Kia Kima must
be registered with the local Scout Council, and the Troop Leader must
show proof of each attendee’s registration. Additionally, a
Trip/Camping/Activity Permit obtained from the local Council Office
showing Old Kia Kima as the destination must be presented upon check-in
with the Camp Ranger.
What is OKKPA?
The Old Kia Kima Preservation Association, Inc. (OKKPA) is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit youth leadership and service organization (EIN # 710783653), registered as a Corporation in the State of Arkansas.
OKKPA was founded in 1994 by a group of former Boy Scouts of America who desired to contribute their time and financial support to restore their former summer camp. In doing so they endeavored to establish links to existing Boy Scout programs, local civic organizations, and national youth service organizations. We are committed to the purpose of providing leadership guidance and assistance in establishing or supporting leadership training and service programs that enrich the lives of young people. Our present facilities utilization focus is on the Boy and Girl Scouts of America.
OKKPA seeks to develop corporate, civic, and private organizational financial support for historic restoration of the camp grounds, lodge, and support facilities and for initiating or supporting youth programs whose objectives are closely aligned with the organizational mission. The Old Kia Kima Preservation Association, Inc. currently owns the former summer camp property, known as Old Kia Kima, consisting of 43 wooded acres in Sharp County, Arkansas, near the towns of Hardy and Cherokee Village, a popular retirement and summer resort area offering many outdoor activities and facilities.
Our Youth Leadership Core Values:
Integrity, Achievement, Responsibility, and Courage.
These are the core principles that will guide the future development of our Youth Leadership Training Initiatives. They will help us to convey the “Spirit” of Old Kia Kima by letting others know that this small set of general guiding principles is OKKPA’s essential and enduring tenets for Youth Leadership – a key part of the rich Legacy we want to share and utilize the Camp to pass along to the Youth of Tomorrow.
Our Core Purpose:
(This defines the enduring character of our organization and drives our aspirations).
WHAT: Restore the Camp and Preserve the “Spirit” of Old Kia Kima for the Youth Of Tomorrow.
WHY: We want future generations to experience the Spirit of Old Kia Kima, to learn the values of Integrity, Achievement, Responsibility, and Courage, and to utilize the Camp to pass this along to future generations” just like we did - This will be our legacy.
HOW: By continuing to support and maintain the high principles of Scouting as we knew them to be at Old Kia Kima; and by advancing those principles in service to others through organized programs of community involvement, Youth Leadership Training and camp activities that will span the new millennium and continue our legacy in perpetuity.
These Core Values and statement of Core Purpose work together to give direction, substance, and clarity to our Vision, Mission, and Goals, which are repeated below. Together, they will provide a guide to OKKPA decisions as we pursue a restored and fully functioning Old Kia Kima!
Our Vision: Old Kia Kima is that special place where the land and the river inspire us to become something more, preserving the legacy of our past and shaping the lives of future generations.
Our Mission: Preserve the place, honor the vision of all who have shared in the spirit of the South Fork waters, and provide an environment where elders may pass on knowledge and experience, enriching and shaping the lives of young people today.
Our Goals: Create an awareness of Old Kia Kima, its past, present and future. Acquire the Old Kia Kima campgrounds and restore original structures where feasible. Implement leadership, fellowship and community service programs. Preserve and maintain Old Kia Kima.
What facilities does Old Kia Kima have?
The Bath House, built Spring of 1999 has separate toilets and hot showers on either side of a covered assembly area with seating for Merit Badge instruction, etc..
There are 16 Native Stone Lodges, built in 1916, and restored in 2000. These summer Lodges are screened and have 4 bunks/mattresses to a lodge, for a total sleeping capacity of 64. (No electricity)
The new Group Cooking and Dining Facility, built in 2001, has 8 Tables for a total seating capacity of 64 in a 34’ x 40’ open sided Dining Area. The cooking area is lighted, hooded & vented, and set up for Dutch Oven Cooking, Charcoal Grilling, or Propane Burner Cooking. The enclosed Kitchen clean-up area is 12’ x 24’ with hot water, sinks, cabinets, and shelves. There are two separate enclosed and lockable 6’ x 12’ shelved storage areas on either side of the Kitchen clean-up area that can be used for Troop Dry food and cooking utensil storage. In 2007 an auxiliary single bathroom was added adjacent to the north side storage room.
