Summer can be a tough time for working parents without the means to pay for camps and activities. For children with disabilities or other special needs or circumstances that make extracurricular activities difficult, summer camp can seem almost impossible. But Oklahoma City has several non-profit camps with missions to reach these kids and give them unforgettable camp experiences. We’ve created a list of non-profit summer camps that are available for families with unique situations, often at little to no cost. Camp qualifications range from children with physical disabilities to children with a parent affected by cancer. We hope you’ll find the perfect camp for your children.

To see a comprehensive list of other summer camps throughout the Oklahoma City metro and beyond, be sure to check out our summer camp guide.

[Editor’s Note: This is a working list, so check back often for new listings.  If you know of a non-profit summer camp that you would like to have included, please email the listing information to tips@metrofamilymagazine.com or leave a comment below.]

Ongoing

• New Hope Summer Camps hosted at various locations throughout Oklahoma serve children ages 8-18 with a parent in prison. Children participate in swimming, boating, archery, games and arts and crafts while they interact with counselors who had similar experiences growing up. Camp emphasizes making healthy choices, self-determination and helping others. Request enrollment and more information online. 918-359-9024, newhopeoklahoma.org 
• Camp Tumbleweed at Dale Rogers Training Center (2501 N Utah Ave) is a day camp for youth with disabilities ages 11 – 21. It combines the traditional elements of a camp – field trips, crafts, and outdoor activities – with opportunities to develop independence and advocacy skills and start to learn about potential job opportunities after high school. 405-946-4486, drtc.org/programs/#camp-tumbleweed
• Camp Cavett offers a variety of camps for children ages 8-18 who are battling life-threatening and chronic illnesses. See website for details about camp offerings. 405-271-2271, cavettkids.org
• Make Promises Happen Camp at Central Oklahoma Camp & Conference Center provides camping experiences for persons with special needs and a variety of diverse groups. See website for dates and camp offerings. 405-282-2811, centralokcamp.org/make-promises-happen
• Angel Tree Camp at Oakridge Christian Camp provides a week of summer camp at no cost for children with an incarcerated parent. Trained camp counselors guide children through a week of adventure, friendship building and more. oakridgecamp.com/angeltree

May 6, 13 & 20

• Mini Horse Camp at Flames of Hope (9850 Maguire Rd, Noble) features a 3-day camp for kids of all abilities ages 6-17. Learn mini horsemanship basics including how to care for a horse, lead a horse, groom a horse, and more. All activities will be on the ground with miniature horses. Preregister. $75. 9-11 a.m. flamestohope@gmail.com, flamestohope.org

June 2-4

• Camp Erin Tulsa at Camp Loughridge (4900 W 71st St, Tulsa) is for kids ages 6-17 who have experienced the death of a loved one. Campers canoe, swim, play games, learn healthy ways to express their feelings and more. Free of charge. 918-587-1200, thegriefcenter.org

June 5-July 28

• Oklahoma Youth Literacy Program’s Summer Enrichment Program (5517 NW 23rd St) features trained instructors to help kids improve life skills, reading, math, science, and more. The program will include field trips. For kids in grades pre-K – 9th grade. Before/aftercare & scholarships available. Registration, $75; weekly, $80. 7:35 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. 405-601-3055, okylpokc.org

June 7-10

• OWL Camp at Lake Tenkiller is for kids ages 15-18 who are blind or vision impaired. Campers will enjoy adaptive water sports, including swimming, waterskiing and parasailing on Grand Lake. Space is limited and camper spots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Camp is free of charge. 232-4644, newviewoklahoma.org

June 16-30

• Kids Rock Camp at Britton Christian Church (922 NW 91 St) is a healthy lifestyle camp where kids learn how to healthy food on a budget. The camp incorporates exercise, arts and crafts and more. Open to boys and girls going into 3rd, 4th or 5th grade. Preregister. $25. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. 405-286-3700, bethelfoundation.org

June 17-22

• FREE University of Oklahoma Camp Kesem at Central Oklahoma Camp & Conference Cente (1 Twin Cedar Ln, Guthrie) is for children ages 6-16 whose parent or legal guardian has suffered from cancer. Provides campers with a fun, FREE week of summer camp allowing them the opportunity to escape the stress at home and just be kids. To apply, visit kesem.org/chapters/oklahoma

June 18-23

• FREE Wildlife Youth Camp at the OU Biological Station (OU Rd, Kingston) features the opportunity to explore careers in the world of wildlife and fisheries management. For ages 14-16. Register by April 15. wildlifedepartment.com

June 27-29

• Camp Courage at Calm Waters (501 N. Walker, Ste 140) features a free summer art camp that provides a safe and healing environment that allows children to express their feelings of loss and grief through art. For ages 6-14. Teens aged 15- to 18 years old are encouraged to volunteer as junior camp counselors. Preregister. 9 a.m. – noon. Registration is $35. 405-841-4800, calmwaters.org/programs/camp-courage/

June 2023

• FREE Safety Town at Sooner Mall (3301 W. Main St, Norman) teaches children ages 5 and 6 years old the importance of bicycle, fire and personal safety. Each Safety Town session consists of five 50-minute classes offered Monday – Friday at various times. normanok.gov/public-safety/police-department/community-outreach
• Shiloh Adventures Camp (698 NE 70th St) features a variety of sports, arts & music activities and more, all in a beautiful and natural environment. Open to disadvantaged kids, ages 8 – 17, who live in Oklahoma City and the surrounding area. Includes breakfast, lunch and snack for each camper. $50 a week per child. 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 405-858-7011, shilohcamp.org

June & July

• Rose State Kids College & Teen Scene (6500 SE 15th St, Midwest City) explores aerospace, geoscience, rockets, meteorology, chemistry, rocking climbing, movie making and so much more. Six camp options are available for kids in grades 1-12. Registration is a la carte by class, by the week or the whole summer. FREE-$196/week. 405-733-7488, rose.edu/kids

July 10-14

• French Immersion Summer Camp at All Soul’s Episcopal Church (6400 N Pennsylvania Ave). Elementary students will learn from native-speaking, highly trained French instructors through games, songs, films and other activities.  No background in French is necessary. For kids ages 5 – 12. $125-$150. 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. afdokc.org/summer-camp

July 17-20

• FREE Summer Ballet Camp at Dancing for Eternity at Reclaiming Arts (312 S Coltrane Rd, Edmond) teaches ballet technique and a choreographed dance. Participants will also partake in a worship dance class and a faith-based devotional. Preregister. Space is limited. For ages 8-12. The camp is free but donations will be gladly accepted. dancingforeternity.org/summer-camp

July 24-27

• Artsy Doodle Camp on the grounds of the Bethel Foundation (13003 N Western) for boys and girls ages 6-10 that want to learn to express their creative side. Campers will learn a creative dance, create a work of art and sample food from different cultures each day. Preregister in person. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 405-286-3700, bethelfoundation.org