Nestled in the serene landscapes of Pawne, Oklahoma, Camp Crossway offers a tranquil retreat amidst the region’s breathtaking natural landmarks, including the expansive Pawne Lake and the lush Pawne National Forest. Founded on the principles of adventure, personal growth, and community, Camp Crossway has been a cherished destination for youth since its establishment in 1998. Driven by a mission to inspire young minds to explore, learn, and connect with their surroundings, the camp provides a supportive environment where campers can thrive.

Camp Crossway is dedicated to hosting boys and girls from ages 8 to 16, offering a range of programs that cater to various interests and developmental stages. Whether through outdoor adventures, arts and crafts, or team-building activities, Camp Crossway is committed to fostering a sense of independence, confidence, and camaraderie among its campers. This unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and a nurturing philosophy makes Camp Crossway an ideal choice for parents seeking a meaningful summer experience for their children.

Programs Offered by Camp Crossway

Camp Crossway offers a diverse array of programs designed to cater to the varied interests of its campers, with sessions varying in length from one week to a full summer, ensuring options to fit every family’s schedule.

Programs Description

Adventure Camp: This program is perfect for those who love the outdoors and crave adventure. Activities include hiking, canoeing, and wilderness survival skills. Sessions can last one or two weeks.

Arts Immersion: For the creatively inclined, this camp provides an opportunity to explore various art forms including painting, sculpture, and performance arts. Two-week sessions are available.

Sports Academy: Focused on physical fitness and teamwork, campers can participate in soccer, basketball, and swimming. One-week, two-week, and full-summer options offer flexibility for deep dives or broad exposure.

Science Explorers: This program encourages a love of learning and curiosity about the natural world through experiments, astronomy sessions, and ecology. Available in one or two-week sessions.

Specialty Programs

In addition to these broad categories, Camp Crossway offers specialty programs such as:

Robotics Workshop: A one-week intensive session where campers can design and build their own robots.
Leadership Training: A two-week program designed for older campers to develop leadership skills that are useful both at camp and beyond.
Equestrian Camp: For horse lovers, this program teaches riding skills along with horse care over two weeks.

Typical Daily Schedule

7:00 AM: Wake-up and morning exercise
8:00 AM: Breakfast
9:00 AM to 12:00 PM: Morning program session (varies by program)
12:00 PM: Lunch
1:00 PM to 4:00 PM: Afternoon program session
4:00 PM: Free time/Optional activities
6:00 PM: Dinner
7:00 PM: Evening activities (campfires, group games)
9:00 PM: Return to cabins
10:00 PM: Lights out

This structured yet flexible schedule allows campers to immerse themselves in their chosen programs while also enjoying plenty of time for relaxation and socializing.

Accommodations in Camp Crossway

Camp Crossway ensures that its accommodations enhance the overall camp experience by blending comfort with the rustic charm of outdoor living. Here’s an overview of the lodging, dining, and facilities available to campers:

Sleeping Arrangements

Cabins: The primary accommodation at Camp Crossway consists of well-built cabins designed to blend into the surrounding landscape. Each cabin houses up to 12 campers along with 2 counselors, fostering a small community atmosphere. The cabins are equipped with bunk beds, storage space for personal items, and large windows to let in natural light.
Tents: For certain specialty programs, such as the Adventure Camp, there are opportunities to sleep in tents. This allows campers to fully immerse themselves in the outdoor experience, sleeping under the stars in secure, weather-proof tents pitched in designated areas.
Dorms: Available primarily during leadership training sessions, these are similar to the cabins but are larger and often house older campers, providing a more mature environment for teenagers.

Dining Options

Meal Plans: Camp Crossway operates a central dining hall where all meals are served buffet-style, allowing campers to choose from a variety of healthy and appetizing options. The camp prides itself on using fresh, locally sourced ingredients whenever possible.
Dietary Accommodations: Understanding the importance of inclusive dining options, the camp is well-equipped to accommodate most dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and any allergies. Parents are encouraged to discuss their child’s dietary requirements with camp staff before arrival to ensure all needs are met.

Bathroom and Shower Facilities

Shared Facilities: Each cabin cluster has its own centrally located bathroom and shower facility, ensuring easy access for all campers. These facilities are gender-segregated and are equipped with multiple stalls and showers to accommodate several campers at once, reducing wait times.
Cleanliness and Safety: Maintaining a high standard of hygiene, the facilities are cleaned and sanitized multiple times daily. Additionally, the camp prioritizes safety, with all facilities equipped with modern amenities and adhering to rigorous safety standards.

The accommodations at Camp Crossway are designed to ensure that every camper feels comfortable and secure, allowing them to focus on enjoying their camp experience and growing both personally and socially.

Activities in Camp Crossway

Camp Crossway provides a wide range of activities that cater to different interests and skill levels, promoting a well-rounded experience. These activities not only engage the campers but also foster skill development and create lasting memories through special events and traditions.

List of Activities Offered

Outdoor Adventures: Hiking, canoeing, rock climbing, archery, and fishing.
Water Sports: Summer camps, swimming, kayaking, and paddle boarding in the nearby lake.
Creative Arts: Crafts, painting, pottery, and drama workshops.
Team Sports: Soccer, basketball, volleyball, and softball.
Nature Exploration: Bird watching, nature walks, and stargazing.
Individual Skills: Cooking classes, photography, and survival skills training.

Special Events or Traditions

Opening Campfire: A traditional welcome event where campers gather around the campfire on the first evening to learn about the camp’s history, sing songs, and set the tone for their stay.
Color Wars: A camp-wide competition held once each session where campers are divided into teams to compete in various sports and creative challenges, fostering teamwork and camp spirit.
Talent Show: At the end of each session, campers can showcase the talents and skills they’ve developed or polished at camp, ranging from musical performances to magic tricks.
Family Day: An event toward the end of each session where families are invited to the camp to participate in activities, see what their children have been up to, and join in a communal campfire.

Skill Development Opportunities

Camp Crossway is dedicated to not only providing fun and entertainment but also to the development of important life skills:

Leadership Skills: Through team-based activities and specialized leadership tracks for older campers.
Environmental Awareness: By engaging with nature through guided walks and conservation projects, campers learn about sustainability and ecological responsibility.
Creative Expression: Enhanced through arts and crafts, which allow campers to explore their artistic side in various mediums.
Physical Fitness: Promoted through a variety of sports and outdoor activities that encourage a healthy lifestyle.
Social Skills: Developed naturally as campers interact, cooperate, and live together in a communal setting.

Through these diverse activities and special events, Camp Crossway aims to provide a memorable and enriching summer experience that balances fun, education, and personal growth.

The staff of Camp Crossway

Camp Crossway prides itself on maintaining a high-quality, well-trained staff to ensure a safe, enriching, and enjoyable experience for all campers. Here’s an overview of the staffing details, from ratios to training and qualifications:

Staff-to-Camper Ratio

Camp Crossway maintains a low staff-to-camper ratio to ensure personalized attention and enhanced supervision. The ratio is typically 1 staff member for every 6 campers, which allows staff to effectively monitor and engage with all campers, ensuring their safety and enjoyment.

Hiring Process and Staff Qualifications

Recruitment: Camp Crossway recruits staff from a variety of sources including universities, teacher recommendations, and networks of former campers who return as staff. This diversified recruitment strategy helps in finding passionate, enthusiastic, and dedicated individuals.
Qualifications: Candidates are required to have a background in child care, education, or a related field, or significant experience in camp activities such as sports, arts, or outdoor adventures. Additionally, a strong emphasis is placed on interpersonal skills and a genuine passion for working with children.
Background Checks: All potential hires undergo rigorous background checks including criminal records, reference checks, and past employment verification to ensure the safety and integrity of the camp environment.

Training and Certifications

Pre-Camp Training: Before the commencement of the camp season, all staff members participate in an extensive training program that covers camp policies, emergency procedures, conflict resolution, activity leadership, and child psychology.
Certifications: All staff are required to be certified in CPR and First Aid. Additionally, staff involved in specific activities such as swimming or rock climbing hold relevant certifications (e.g., lifeguarding or climbing instructor certifications) to ensure they have the skills and knowledge to safely lead these activities.
Ongoing Training: Throughout the camp season, staff undergo continuous training and professional development sessions to refine their skills and adapt to any new challenges.

By ensuring that staff members are well-trained and appropriately certified, Camp Crossway creates a nurturing environment where campers can safely enjoy a wide range of activities and where parents can feel confident in the care their children are receiving. This commitment to quality staffing is fundamental to the camp’s philosophy and success.

Safety and Health in Camp Crossway

Camp Crossway prioritizes the safety and health of its campers and staff, implementing rigorous protocols and maintaining well-equipped facilities to handle any situation that might arise. Here’s how the camp ensures a secure environment:

Safety Protocols and Procedures

Regular Drills: Camp Crossway conducts regular safety drills, including fire, weather, and emergency evacuation drills, to ensure that both campers and staff are familiar with how to act in various emergencies.
Activity-Specific Safety Rules: Each activity offered at the camp has its own set of safety rules and procedures, which are rigorously enforced by trained staff. For example, all aquatic activities are supervised by certified lifeguards, and gear checks are mandatory for activities like rock climbing.
Secure Campus: The camp maintains a secure environment with controlled access, ensuring that only authorized personnel and campers are present on the grounds. The camp is also equipped with modern communication devices and surveillance systems to monitor activities and manage any potential risks.

On-Site Health Facilities and Staff

Health Center: Camp Crossway has a well-equipped on-site health center staffed by licensed healthcare professionals, including nurses and a visiting doctor. The health center is prepared to handle routine medical issues such as minor injuries or illnesses, and is stocked with essential medications and first-aid supplies.
24/7 Availability: Health staff are available around the clock to ensure that medical care is immediately accessible whenever needed. The center also keeps detailed medical records for all campers to personalize care according to their health needs and parental consent.

Policies on Handling Emergencies

Emergency Response Plan: The camp has a comprehensive emergency response plan that includes procedures for various potential scenarios, including natural disasters, health emergencies, and other critical situations. This plan is regularly reviewed and updated to adapt to new challenges.
Communication with Parents: In the event of an emergency, Camp Crossway has a clear protocol for communicating with parents. This includes immediate notification of any incidents, ongoing updates, and transparent sharing of information regarding the nature of the emergency and the steps being taken.
Transportation for Emergencies: For emergencies requiring hospital care, the camp has vehicles ready for rapid transport to the nearest hospital, which is located 20 minutes from the campsite. Additionally, arrangements are in place with local emergency services to provide quick response and support when needed.

By maintaining strict safety protocols, having a capable on-site health team, and implementing a thorough emergency response strategy, Camp Crossway ensures that the camp environment remains safe and that health concerns are promptly and effectively addressed. This comprehensive approach to safety and health is a cornerstone of the camp’s operation, providing peace of mind to both parents and campers.

Cost and Registration in Camp Crossway

Camp Crossway is committed to providing an accessible and enriching summer experience for all children, offering structured cost, registration, and financial support options to accommodate families’ needs. Here’s a detailed overview:

Cost of Attendance and What It Includes

Cost: The cost of attending Camp Crossway varies depending on the length of the session and the specific program chosen. For example, one-week sessions typically range from $400 to $600, while two-week sessions can range from $750 to $1,200. The full summer option, spanning eight weeks, may cost between $2,800 and $4,800.
Included in the Cost: The fees cover all lodging, meals, activities, equipment, and 24-hour supervision. Additional costs may apply for certain specialty programs or optional extras like camp merchandise and photo packages.

Registration Process and Deadlines

Online Registration: Families can register their children through the camp’s online portal, which provides a streamlined application process.
Deadlines: Early registration typically opens in January and offers a discounted rate. Regular registration runs through April, and late registrations are accepted up to two weeks before the start of a session, subject to availability.
Documentation: As part of the registration, parents must complete health and consent forms, and provide information about any dietary restrictions or special needs.

Payment Plans, Refunds, and Cancellation Policies

Payment Plans: Understanding that families may need flexibility, Camp Crossway offers payment plans that allow parents to pay in installments leading up to the camp session. Details and schedules of these plans can be arranged with the camp’s finance office.
Refunds and Cancellation: If cancellation occurs up to one month before the session starts, a full refund is typically provided minus a nominal administrative fee. Cancellations made less than a month before the start of the session may receive a 50% refund, while cancellations once the session has begun are generally non-refundable.
Insurance: Families are encouraged to consider purchasing third-party camp insurance to cover unexpected cancellations or early withdrawals due to medical reasons.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Scholarships: Camp Crossway offers a number of scholarships each year to help cover the cost of attendance for families in need. These are typically merit-based or need-based.
Financial Aid: Additional financial aid is available on a case-by-case basis. Families are encouraged to apply early as these funds are limited and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Community Partnerships: The camp also partners with local organizations and businesses to fund spots for children who may not otherwise have the opportunity to attend a summer camp.

By providing a variety of payment options, financial support, and a clear registration process, Camp Crossway strives to make its enriching camp experience available to as many children as possible.

Parent and Camper Preparation in Camp Crossway

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for both campers and their families, Camp Crossway provides detailed guidance on preparation, including what to pack, camp rules and policies, and helpful tips for first-time campers and their parents.

Packing List

Camp Crossway recommends that campers bring the following items:

Clothing: Enough comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing for the session (include items for warm and cooler weather), swimwear, hats, and sturdy footwear for hiking and sports.
Bedding: Sleeping bag or sheets and blankets, pillow.
Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a towel.
Personal Items: Water bottle, flashlight, and any necessary personal medications (to be handed over to camp health staff).
Optional Items: Books, writing materials, and a camera (non-smartphone).

Rules and Policies

Technology Use: To maximize engagement and ensure all campers have a break from screen time, personal electronics such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops are not allowed. Emergency contact with parents is facilitated through the camp office.
Visitation: Parents are encouraged to respect the camp schedule, with visitations generally restricted to designated family days to minimize disruptions and maintain security.
Behavioral Expectations: Camp Crossway has a strict policy against bullying, and all campers are expected to adhere to the principles of respect, inclusion, and cooperation.

Tips for First-Time Campers and Parents

Preparation for Separation: Especially for younger campers, spending time away from home can be challenging. Parents can prepare their children by discussing what the camp experience will be like focusing on exciting activities and new friendships.
Stay Positive: It’s common for first-time campers to have pre-camp jitters. Parents should maintain a positive outlook and express confidence in their children’s ability to have a great time and handle being away from home.
Communication: Write letters or send care packages to your camper. These are always appreciated and can help ease any homesickness.
Trust the Process: Camp staff are experienced in helping children adjust and thrive in the camp setting. Trust them to take care of your child and to reach out if there are any issues.

By thoroughly preparing for their time at Camp Crossway, both campers and parents can ensure that the camp experience is as rewarding and enjoyable as possible. The preparation stage is key in setting the stage for a successful camp adventure.

Camp Crossway stands out as a premier destination for children looking to enjoy a summer filled with growth, adventure, and lifelong memories. With its comprehensive array of programs ranging from arts to sports and science, Camp Crossway caters to diverse interests and promotes a holistic approach to youth development. The camp’s commitment to safety, a supportive environment, and high-quality staff ensures that each camper receives individual attention while exploring their interests in a secure setting.

The beauty of Pawne, Oklahoma, serves as the perfect backdrop for this enriching experience, where campers not only build skills and confidence but also form meaningful connections with peers and nature. Through structured activities, dedicated staff, and a philosophy that champions personal growth and community, Camp Crossway provides more than just a fun summer—it offers a foundational experience that shapes young lives. Parents can trust that their children will not only be safe and well-cared for but will also return home with new skills, increased independence, and memories that will last a lifetime.