DAVIS­—On a typical summer afternoon at Falls Creek Youth Camp, you will find many camp goers playing volleyball, swimming in Baptist Lake, attending breakouts or getting a treat at the 1917 Café. Along with these classic things to do at camp, there is a growing number of campers and sponsors alike who are engaging in the newer era activity of pin trading.

Pin trading has been captivating camp goers of all ages since it was first introduced at Falls Creek in 2009. What started as a collection of missions pins that you could earn when going through the stops at the Missions Village or Missions Center has now evolved into a “dark horse” of beloved camp activities.

In 2026, not only can you earn pins at the various missions stops around camp, but you also can now purchase them at the gift shop or earn them in different challenges throughout the week.

“Pin trading has become a fixture with campers and groups at Falls Creek Youth Camp,” said Todd Sanders, youth ministry partner and Falls Creek program director for Oklahoma Baptists. “It engages students of all kinds, opens up conversations, provides opportunities to share the Gospel, and it’s just fun! It’s a great opportunity to get involved no matter your age or what you’re into.”

The introduction of pin trading in 2009 has now emerged into a favorite for many, even going beyond the grounds of Falls Creek. Falls Creek pin collectors, also known as “Pindexters”, have even created discussion pages on Facebook to share about the pins they’ve collected, pins they’re looking to find or pins they’re willing to trade.

Holloway’s display of ministry pins he created and introduced during his time in youth ministry.

But it does not stop there—pin trading has become a ministry staple for youth groups around the state. While many churches design and bring their own pins to camp for their students to trade with other camp goers, several youth groups also have opportunities for their students to earn pins throughout the year. Outside of camp, pin trading is used as a tool to encourage students to get involved.

“We use pins as a fun way to encourage all of our students to take steps forward in developing their faith,” said Brandon Holloway, student & family ministry pastor at Oklahoma City, Cherokee Hills. Holloway started leaning into pin ministry when he was serving as student pastor at Cherokee, First.

“Whether it was building a habit of a quiet time, having a welcoming attitude, memorizing Scripture, building identity as a small group, or trying something new, the pins gave them something exciting to work toward while helping them build real spiritual habits. As a bonus, they also became great conversation starters that helped students connect with people they normally wouldn’t have talked to at camp or on Wednesday nights.”

Pin trading has quickly become a staple throughout Oklahoma Baptists youth groups around the state. Next time you visit Falls Creek, purchase or collect a couple of pins and join in on the fun!