Camp Loughridge

Camp Loughridge (CL) is a non-profit, non-denominational Christian camp located in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Encompassing over 180 acres, the camp offers facilities for weddings, receptions, retreats, challenge courses, summer camps, banquets and other large-group events.

Mission and Vision

The mission statement of Camp Loughridge is "To provide a quality, year-round, intergenerational program and facility in a rustic, natural environment for the promotion of Christian growth and spiritual renweal." The vision states that the camp is "to maintain and expand the quality programming that currently serves the Tulsa community by adding facilities, program, and support staff to grow the camp while maintaining its highest performance standards."

History

Tulsa's first YWCA camp, then known as Camp Parthenia, began offering summer camps during the 1920s. In 1959, First Presbyterian Church of Tulsa acquired the camp, and changed its name to Camp Loughridge, in memory of the Reverend Robert McGill Loughridge, a pioneer missionary to the Creek Indian Nation. In 1995, Camp Loughridge was chartered as an Oklahoma not-for-profit corporation. This corporation now maintains and operates the 186-acre (0.75 km²) camp with a full-time, year-round staff.

Ministries and Programs

Summer Camp Programs

The cornerstone of Camp Loughridge's programs, the summer camp is currently divided into three age-based sections. The Summer Day Camp (ages 6–11) and Adventure Day Camp (ages 11–13) share several activities including: archery, canoeing, challenge courses, sports, arts and crafts, swimming, hiking, Chapel, and devotionals. In addition to these programs, ADC campers also participate in an overnight campout where they have bonfires and other late-night activities. In the TeenXtreme program, campers ages 14–16 are able to participate in a variety of activities, including scuba diving, go-kart racing, backpacking, and mountain biking. Over the course of the seven-week program, Camp Loughridge serves around 2100 children. In 2013, Camp Loughridge was voted Tulsa's A List Winner by Tulsa People Magazine.^[1]

7th Day @ Loughridge

Every Sunday throughout the summer, Loughridge opens up the campus to churches and youth groups to host a service at Loughridge. 7th Day allows groups to utilize the aquatic center for two hours and the amphitheater for an hour for a religious service of some type, praise and worship or regular church service. Loughridge is multi-denominational so all Christian Churches are welcome.

Corporate Events & Retreats

Loughridge is the site of many corporate meetings, retreats and events. From the smallest meeting to large company picnic or Christmas Party gala, Loughridge is able to work within all sorts of budgets. With several venues to choose from, Loughridge is perfect for leadership / team building retreats of 8 to 300. Overnight accommodations for 70 is currently available. (Bunkstyle)

Challenge Course

Camp Loughridge houses a large challenge course with both high and low elements. Included in the high elements are: a dual series, Wild Woozy, three-man zip line, two giant swings, an incline log, and a Pamper Pole. Low elements include various team building games, trust fall, an elephant grave yard, and TP logs. The programs are administered by professionally certified challenge course technicians. The course is used by a variety of local groups including businesses and schools. Many corporations and schools find that the challenge course is perfect to prepare new executives or teams to build trust, leadership or team building skills. Pricing is for minimum groups of 15. Discounts are given for Non Profits and schools. Programs are designed based on the assessment given by the group leader with their goals in mind. The program is available in 4 hour and 8 hour increments. Caliendo, Heather (2008). "Challenge Courses Aimed at Improving Communication". The Journal Record 113 (54): 3A.  |accessdate= requires |url= (help)</ref>

Weddings and Receptions @ Loughridge

Loughridge is a popular place for couples to get married in Oklahoma. Several venues are available for both indoor and outdoor weddings. The glass backed Kirkland Chapel is located on Lake Parthenia and is quite a favorite of young brides to be. The chapel features seating for 279 and has a balcony for even more spectacular views of the nuptials. Receptions at Loughridge can vary. The largest indoor reception building, the Temple Conference Center, will host 329 seated and may do as large as 650 standing reception. State of the art Audio Visual system and permanent projector and screen make the Conference Center a great place to host both receptions and weddings. Located right next to Middle Lake the Conference Center also features an outdoor sanctuary with seating for 300. The Lodge is the second largest indoor venue. It can host 120 seated with views of Lake Parthenia and wrap around deck. This can also be a site for both wedding and reception. There are numerous other sites on Loughridge including the Gazebo where couples with large and small budgets and invite lists can tie the knot. Due to its non-denominational status, Loughridge does not discriminate against couples seeking a Christian marriage.

Outdoor Education / Classroom

The Outdoor Education / Classroom program offers school classrooms the opportunity to take learning out of doors. Utilizing the power of the great outdoors to learn about science and nature Students participate in various activities including fishing, hiking, and model rocket construction and launching. By adhering to the core curriculum this program is a credit not a field trip for students. Outdoor Education /Classroom students experience a new way of looking at learning and enjoying the natural setting of Loughridge. Scholarships are available for qualifying schools. This is a year round program.

Organization

Staff

Full-Time

Loughridge employs a full-time staff all year round that includes an Executive Director, Associate Director, Program Director, Funds Development Manager, Community Development Manager, Guest Services Specialist, Controller and Property Manager.

Seasonal

Loughridge also employs roughly 100 seasonal staff every summer. This staff includes high-school and college-aged counselors, lifeguards and program facilitators.

Board of Directors

The Camp Board of Directors is made up of notable individuals from throughout the community. Current Board members include First Presbyterian Church minister, Dr. James D. Miller, and cardiovascular surgeon and former Fulbright scholar, B.P. Loughridge.

External links

• Camp Loughridge

Notes