Across Oklahoma, the name Falls Creek is recognized and associated with the youth camps that host thousands of young people each week throughout the summer. Unfamiliar to many people is Indian Falls Creek – the week hosting peoples representing over 50 tribal Nations from across North America.
Indian Falls Creek (IFC) is unique among the summer camps. First, IFC is a family camp that offers programming for campers of all ages. It is a beautiful sight to see multigenerational families – from infants, small children, teens, parents and grandparents – attending camp together. Many grandparents bring grandchildren as primary guardians and when parents must work.
Hosting the whole family also allows church families to cultivate stronger bonds across generations for continued ministry at home. This ministry is vital, as it is estimated that less than 10% of Native peoples are confessing Christians.
The shared goal of proclaiming Christ among the Nations most encourages the IFC family of churches. Cultural diversity among the tribal nations brings interesting interaction, programming, and “iron sharpening iron” moments. Throughout the week, tribal singing and dress are more visible ways this diversity is evident.
IFC is a rare time when many leaders are together in one place, which offers leaders the opportunity to support and encourage each other in-person as well as plan ways to do so outside of camp. Campers come from across North America for this week of camp, which allows friendships, ministry support partners, and other non-IFC Native ministry opportunities to be cultivated during week.
As an organization, IFC is entirely volunteer led – from its Board of Directors to support workers that annually attend as campers yet serve across daily programming to make camp a success. Attending with their own families, Board leaders personally understand the weight on families to attend camp.
To support churches and families, IFC hosts an annual Golf Tournament to support programming and scholarships, and it is introducing a Capital Campaign to fund scholarships that assist with registration fees.
There are multiple ways to support the ministry of IFC.
Please pray for the churches and families as they prepare spiritually and physically to attend and the over 90% that are unreached.
Attend a day of camp or an evening service. If you are looking for a place to serve this summer and want to consider a mission trip to IFC, please talk with us.
Come play, bring a team or be a sponsor in the 2026 IFC Benefit Golf Tournament at Firelake Golf Course south of Shawnee on Friday, June 5. More information is available on the IFC website.
Please consider contributing to the IFC Capital Campaign. Through this designated fund, IFC can better steward the funds to support campers’ ability to attend. Online giving is accessible on the IFC website, and more information about the campaign available by contacting Emerson Falls (emersonfalls@gmail.com). Learn more at www.IndianFallsCreek.org.
