Youth Football Summer Camp

Choctaw youth camps offer a strong foundation

Published May 15, 2023

By Chief Gary Batton


Audio in Choctaw Language

Faith, family, and culture are important to all members of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, including the youngest generation.

Growing into a young adult has its challenges today. There are distractions and unsavory ways some children choose to spend their time. Getting outside, enjoying nature, expanding minds with worthwhile projects, and learning about what it takes to become a good Christian and an engaged citizen is important for children. Enjoying all that the Lord has given us to experience in a safe and fun setting creates memories for a lifetime.

From academic-enrichment at STEAM camps and sports camps to Biblical-focused learnings at Bible camp, there are great summer camp opportunities within the Choctaw Nation for kids and teenagers to take advantage of this summer across the reservation.

A great place for our Choctaw youth to gain a faith foundation as they begin their journey on life’s path is with the instruction and fun offered at Bertram Bobb Bible Camp in Ringold, Oklahoma. The camp’s founder, the late Rev. Bertram E. Bobb, believed there is no better way to introduce young campers to the teachings of Jesus Christ than a structured program of Bible study, music, recreation, and fellowship. In the foothills of the Kiamichi Mountains, on the shores of the Pine Creek Lake, campers can take in all that nature has to offer while learning more about serving the Lord. Check out their camp at bbbcamp.org.

Other good camps within the Choctaw Nation include:
Camp Make a Change on Thursday, June 1 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Kids ages 8-12 living within the Choctaw Nation reservation can attend a fun day of learning about the importance of your body, mind, and culture, all while having fun.

Junior High STEAM Camp from Wednesday, June 7 to Friday, June 9.
Grades 5 through 8 students selected by an academic and recommendation process will attend this camp for free. Highlights of the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) Camp include workshops, fun field trips, college trips, cultural enrichment, and more.

High School STEAM Camp from Sunday, June 11 to Friday, June 16.
Grades 9-12 students selected by an academic and recommendation process will attend this camp for free. Highlights of the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) Camp include workshops, fun field trips, college trips, cultural enrichment, and more.

Athletics and Conservation Camps

  • Softball (South) – June 5-6; Tuskahoma, OK
  • Softball (North) – June 8-9; Tuskahoma, OK
  • Baseball (South) – June 12-13; Tuskahoma, OK
  • Baseball (North) – June 15-16; Tuskahoma, OK
  • Cheer (All Districts) – June 19-20; Tuskahoma, OK
  • Football (All Districts) – June 21-22; Tuskahoma, OK
  • Golf (South) – June 26-27; Idabel Country Club; Idabel, OK
  • Golf (North) – June 28-29; Arrowhead State Park Golf Course; Canadian, OK
  • Wildlife Conservation (South) – July 6-7; Tuskahoma, OK
  • Wildlife Conservation (North) – July 10-11; Tuskahoma, OK
  • Idabel Basketball Camp – July 13-14; Idabel High School
  • Wilburton Basketball Camp – July 17-18; Wilburton High School
  • McAlester Basketball Camp – July 20-21; McAlester High School
  • Panama Basketball Camp – July 24-25; Panama High School
  • Talihina Basketball Camp – July 27-28; Talihina High School
  • Durant Basketball Camp – July 31-August 1; Durant High School

For more information check out choctnawnation.com/events for camp requirements. I hope your kids and young teens take full advantage of what the camps within the Choctaw Nation have to offer. Grooming young minds with a strong faith foundation and useful information can help with their life’s journey – it helped me.

Yakoke and God Bless!