Camp McFadden gears up for summer camps

Camp McFadden is gearing up for the sixth year of summer camp. The first term begins June 8, with the first of five week-long camp sessions. With the expansion to five full week sessions, there were also be two short, three day sessions and limited scholarship assistance based upon need is still available.

This year there will also be three teen kayak trips on Kaw Lake, which are two-week sessions. These sessions are open to those entering ninth through twelfth grades and there is a maximum of ten campers per session. Teens will gain new skills, while navigating Kaw Lake in new kayaks bought for the program.

Also open to high school age campers entering tenth to twelfth grades is the second year of Leadership Development Program from June 8 to 10. LDI’s learn what it takes to be a camp counselor and will be the future junior and full counselors at Camp McFadden. This program is limited to a maximum of 12.

The Camp McFadden summer Resident program was restarted in the summer of 2009 when the McFadden family provided the Board of Directors an opportunity to open its doors to more children. Since that time the cabins, lodge and surrounding facilities have been filled with hundreds of children. The opportunity for campers to play and learn about the outdoors while making new friends in a safe and friendly environment is what it’s all about. Some of the other summer camp activities include, swimming, canoeing, volleyball, archery, hiking and zip line.

Camp McFadden is a resident camp with campers spending two to five nights, depending upon the term. Outdoor activities from the ropes course challenge to evening campfires are all under the guidance of well-trained staff. Originally founded by oil-man, Bill McFadden as a children’s camp. Camp McFadden sits on over 250 acres, overlooking the west shore of Kaw Lake in north-central Oklahoma just east of Ponca City.

It’s about seven miles east of the Pioneer Woman on Lake Road to Sun ‘n Fun Water park. Turn left on Silverdale across from the Water park and go north one mile to Hartford. Turn right and enter through the Camp McFadden gate on the left.

Members of the board include: President Kevin Roe, President -elect Joe Wilson, Secretary Sharon Moreau and Treasurer Clifford Mills. Other board members are Wayne Foster, Spencer Grace, Natalie Hollingsworth, Leslie Inman, Julie Sheffield, Jim Mills, Bill Rutz, Kathy Tippin and John Sutton. For information about the summer camp program for children or to rent the facilities contact Mickie Schmith at 580-762-9955 or email [email protected]. The mission of the Camp McFadden, Inc. is to operate and maintain a camp that provides outdoor recreation, education, relaxation and the appreciation of nature for children and families