Sign-up begins for summertime camps, retreats
Sign-up begins for summertime camps, retreats
March served up Spring Break for Oklahoma schools … and that signified the summer church-camp season soon will follow.
It’s time to sign up your student for those faith-based adventures, June through July, offered by United Methodist Camp and Retreat Ministries.
The schedule this summer is built on the current 12-district structure of the Conference.
You can register for summer camp online, or use the forms printed in the separate booklets "Summer 2015 Youth Camps" and "Summer 2015 Children’s Camps." Those two publications were sent by U.S. mail to churches, last summer’s campers, etc.
A retooled website — www.okcamps.org — directs you through online enrollment.
District camp information is found on the final pages of the "Youth Camps" booklet.
Both booklets include forms that must be completed, such as health information and CYME/JEM recommendations.
Digital communication tools offer even more access to UM camping news: www.Facebook.com/OkCamps, www.Twitter.com/Ok_Camps, www.Instagram.com/Ok_Camps, and oklahomacamping@okumc.org.
Ed Parker, Camps executive director, said a committee chaired by Devon Krause of Elk City is developing plans for 2016, when an eight-district system will be in effect.
Parker said six characteristics "drive everything we do." They are:
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safety ("That’s No. 1 with parents");
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mature, well-trained staff;
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opportunities for skill development (Do you know the J-Stroke, a canoe technique?);
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building friendships;
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fun; and
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spiritual growth.
In the Camps office at the United Methodist Ministry Center, Oklahoma City, Katie Wonderly is registrar and Mary Seay is new administrative assistant.