For the first time since 2019, Camp Perfect Wings was recently back in session once again at CrossTimbers Conference Center near Davis, Oklahoma.
Camp Perfect Wings is a program sponsored by Oklahoma Baptists that is a camp ministry for those with special needs, attended by various Baptist church members across the state.
“Camp Perfect Wings is an amazing camp held once a year in the spring/early summer and is designed especially for kids & adults with special needs who are age 8 and up,” says the event’s web page. “Camp Perfect Wings includes times of Bible teaching, morning and evening worship, guided activities like music, crafts, water games, target sports, motorcycle rides, horseback riding, cookout and more.”
To each camper, a buddy
To enhance each camper’s experience, Camp Perfect Wings offers a buddy system in place, who serve as sponsors. A buddy is “a trained and responsible adult who has the desire to serve with those with special needs. Buddies often help campers who require assistance with mobility, behavior management, or skills, will require one-on-one staffing during the duration of the camp.”
One Buddy who was thrilled to be back at camp is Allie Arnold, a school teacher from the Oklahoma City area, who has attended the camp multiple times.
“This is my favorite time of year, and Camp Perfect Wings is such a blessing,” Arnold said. “I have served as a Buddy for multiple years, and it is the most rewarding experience. These campers have the joy of the Lord.”
Gina McKean was a Buddy for the first time this year. She shared on Facebook that she worked with Angie Anderson in the camp’s art rotation.
“Honestly, I think I attended the best camp EVER! Camp Perfect Wings was so much FUN!” McKean wrote on Facebook.
McKean is director of children’s ministries at Portland Avenue Baptist Church, Oklahoma City, who plans to continue serving as a Buddy in the future at Camp Perfect Wings.
‘I felt that same connection’
“It was the sweetest atmosphere,” McKean said about the camp. “So many of those campers haven’t seen each other for three years because there hasn’t been camp. When they locked eyes, they were so excited to see all the people who had been with the camp over the years that they recognized. By the time I was leaving, I felt that same connection.”
In the 2022 session, there were more than 60 campers and more than 30 Buddies. From new campers, like nine-year old Caleb, whose father Brad was bringing him to Camp Perfect Wings, to Buddies like Arnold, this was a joyous time for all.
Everyone who took part in this year’s Camp Perfect Wings encampment walked away inspired and with a more full view of the perfect Savior Jesus Christ.
Camp Perfect Wings is supported by Cooperative Program giving, to accompany camp registration fees.
EDITOR’S NOTE–This story was originally published by the staff of The Baptist Messenger.
