Oklahoma Christian restarts the summer camps

As the semester comes to a close, the Oklahoma Chrisitan University campus launches into its summer plans. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Oklahoma Christian put their typical summer camps on hold. This summer, Oklahoma Christian plans to reintroduce the camps while staying safe in light of COVID-19 and true to the traditions of the camps.

Freshman Advisor Rachel Parrett sees the camps as a chance for people to connect.

“Visitors are able to experience our family-like community, see the beautiful campus the team has created and have a gathering place for different groups,” said Parrett.

The camps are seen as a great way to socialize and learn skills, preparing younger generations. 

“The summer camp I went to really helped me build social skills when I was younger and I made some really good friends,” Johnson said.

Oklahoma Christian’s summer camps provide learning opportunities outside of the classroom or work atmosphere. 

“Not only youth group camps but camps led by the Oklahoma Christian alumni are able to stay on our campus,” Parrett said. 

Campus outreach has helped people like Johnson discover the Oklahoma Christian community.

“I was able to have a good sense of what the campus was like since I was not able to visit it while searching for colleges,” Johnson said.

The structure of the camps will allow for efficiency and account for the new safety guidelines following the recent vaccine. 

“COVID-19 will play a huge factor in camp, just like it has for our campus this school year,” Parrett said. 

Each camp caters to a specific group and highlights certain activities like sports or mission work.

“I loved all the sports we played like flag football and volleyball,” Johnson said. “It will be exciting to see how they accomplish those things this summer.” 

The camps focus on the learning progress of the campers while introducing them to new skills.

“I take what I have learned from the camps and use those skills everyday,” Johnson said. “I know it was helpful to so many others I know, too.”

As people begin to ease back into the normal lifestyle, activities like summer camps will become more prevalent. This summer’s plan for the camps will look different but will still have their original content.