Why Camp Classen YMCA Is The Right Choice

1. Camp offers the opportunity for campers to get "unplugged" from electronic devises and plugged into positive relationships with God, adults and other children.

2. The natural setting of Camp Classen is among the best in the country for a summer camp. Camp offers a wide variety of activities with the opportunity to increase skill and confidence in many areas of life.

3. The current professional staff at camp has over 60 years of combined summer camp experience. See the "Camp Leadership" page for more information about the training of the professional staff.

4. The list to the right explains some of the measures we take to select and train our seasonal staff. Upon completing our summer staff training many of our staff have commented that "only the strong survive." The fact is, we eliminate several applicants through our screening process and some staff do not make it through staff training. Camp is fun but we take very seriously the responsibility of caring for other people's children. That is why we go through extensive training prior to summer camp.

5. One of the many topics we cover is how to deal with homesickness. Our main goal is to be a friend at all times. We help staff understand how intimidating a stay at camp can be for some campers. We train them to positively encourage campers to participate in group activities and help campers deal with their feelings in constructive ways. We communicate with parents before the camp session to offer techniques that have helped other parents with homesick campers. In a case of persistent homesickness, we we also communicate with parents during a session to work as a team for the best experience for the child.

6. We strive to create an environment where all campers are safe mentally, physically and socially. While they may be popular in movies, we do not allow such things as pranks, cabin raids and telling of ghost stories. Camper behavior is expected to be such that it supports another person's right to full enjoyment and fulfillment in Camp. Abusive language, bullying and physical violence ARE NOT tolerated. Campers are expected to respect the property of others and of the Camp. Camp rules are expected to be followed by all campers. Unruly campers are sent home with no refund granted, regardless of the length of stay at camp.

7. Camp is not for everyone but we make every effort to accommodate special dietary and medical needs of campers.

8. As a camp director I publish my cell phone number. I encourage parents to contact me to make certain that every question about camp is being answered. RICK BURRIS 405-659-3652.

9. Prior to the session parents receive a parents packet with detailed information to help prepare for a successful camp experience.

10. We always seek feedback form parents and campers to create a better camp for all.

YMCA Camp Classen Home

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Safety First

While Camp Classen is focused on providing a fun experience for all campers, we never forget the importance of health and safety.

• All of our staff must complete an interview, a reference check and a background check before they are allowed to be employed at Camp Classen.

• We have a group of 3 Buddy Policy which states that no child will be left alone with an adult or another child.

• We have a nurse on duty and a physician on call 24 hours a day.

• Our on-site infirmary is equipped and prepared for all minor incidents. Mercy Memorial Hospital in Ardmore is only 25 minutes away from camp.

• To assure your child’s safety, we require health screenings, shot records and a health form completed by a physician for each camper.

• All drivers operating camp vehicles must be 21 years of age and complete an extensive defensive driver training. All our staff are certified in American Red Cross First Aid and CPR

• Our lifeguards are certified in YMCA Lifeguard Training and 1:10 lifeguard to swimmer ratios are used when waterfront activities are open.

• Rules for program safety equipment (lifejackets, helmets, safety harnesses) are ACA approved and strictly enforced.

All our camp activities are well supervised.