DAVIS—Summer camps are officially underway and thousands are expected to attend this summer across Falls Creek Youth Camp, CrossTimbers Children’s Mission Adventure Camp and Indian Falls Creek. Many are familiar with these mainstays of Oklahoma Baptist culture, however another summer camp offered that has a major Gospel impact that some are unaware of is Camp Perfect Wings.
Meeting at CrossTimbers, Camp Perfect Wings took place May 21-23 and is a camp experience for children and adults with cognitive or intellectual disabilities, ages eight and up.
“Camp Perfect Wings gives these kids and adults a place to come and have fun,” said CrossTimbers Program Director Sarah Hagar. “They get to spend time with friends doing things they enjoy. They hear about Jesus and the salvation only He brings.”
At Camp Perfect Wings, each activity, game, worship session and Bible teaching is designed with the campers’ special needs in mind. These include game nights, carriage rides at Turner Falls, a talent show, ropes course and more. One of the events that campers look forward to the most each year is riding with the F.A.I.T.H. Riders, a motorcycle ministry.
“A hit is an understatement,” said Becka Johnson, longtime Camp Director at Camp Perfect Wings. “Our campers couldn’t wait to ride on those motorcycles.”
Camp Perfect Wings also has mission stops where campers can learn about ministries across the world. This year, the mission stops focused on Native American ministry. Campers were able to learn more about Native American culture through games and an interactive experience.
The theme for this year was identical to that of CrossTimbers, “I Am” based on John 14:6, “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”
“Those base, spiritual and foundational principals are the same no matter who you are,” said Hagar.
David Anderson, Louisiana Baptists Children’s Ministry Strategist, once again served as the camp pastor. He has preached at Camp Perfect Wings for 18 years, becoming a welcomed friend to campers.
When asked what he thought made Camp Perfect Wings so special, he responded with one word: “Community.”
“The campers know each other and see each other throughout the year at different events,” said Anderson. “When they come to Camp Perfect Wings it’s just like one big family reunion.”
To help the campers have a safe and enjoyable time, Camp Perfect Wings campers are paired with a Buddy. A Buddy is a responsible adult or teen (16 years old and up) who has the desire to serve those with special needs. They can be people who have worked or currently work with individuals with special needs, are family members of individuals with special needs or anyone else who wants to serve those with special needs.
Camp Perfect Wings is a unique ministry in Oklahoma because every part of it is designed for campers with special needs. At Camp Perfect Wings, everyone is made perfect in the image of God.
