Summer camps are a great way for kids to get out of the house for a week or so. However, some first-time camp goers or even returning campers may experience a bit of homesickness. This sense of stress or anxiety happens when separated from familiar environments for extended periods of time and, sometimes, this feeling can be overwhelming.

This was the case for Ethan, a first-time camper at Camp Perfect Wings held at CrossTimbers Children’s Mission Adventure Camp near Davis, May 23-25. Ethan became quiet and distant because he was homesick, that was until he met Jeremiah, another first-time camper. Jeremiah helped Ethan feel welcomed and at ease in an unfamiliar place. By the end of the first day, they acted as if they had always been friends, brothers even, bringing out Ethan’s energetic and sociable side. This sense of comfort and family is what Camp Perfect Wings is about, creating a welcoming environment for children and adults with special needs.

Acting as the primary tool to reach those with special needs, Camp Perfect Wings is an amazing camp held once a year in the early summer. It includes morning and evening worship, guided activities like music, crafts, games, target sports, motorcycle rides, carriage rides, a cookout and more.

“The highlight for many campers would be the motorcycle rally with the F.A.I.T.H. riders,” said Becka Johnson, Camp Perfect Wings director. “They truly look forward to this; they start asking about it the moment they walk in.”

At the camp, there are two types of attendees designated as Campers and Buddies. Campers, like Ethan and Jeremiah, are children and adults ages 8 years and older who have intellectual or developmental disabilities. The campers enjoy games, activities and Bible time designed with their special needs in mind.

Buddies are responsible teens or adults ages 16 years and older who have a desire to serve those with special needs. A Buddy can be anyone who has worked or currently works with special needs individuals, are family members of special needs individuals or anyone else who wants to serve those with special needs.

Ethan’s buddy was Luke Snoddy, a recent Oklahoma Baptist University graduate. Having earned a bachelor’s degree in children and family ministry, helping at Camp Perfect Wings and CrossTimbers is right up his alley.

“What I love is seeing the love of God reaching across all boundaries,” Snoddy said. “It’s like a whole family when you see them all. It’s a calm environment where their needs are honored.”

This was Snoddy’s first year helping at Camp Perfect Wings. Still, he realized Ethan’s homesickness, and was relieved to see him make a new friend in Jeremiah.

“Ethan was a little homesick at first,” Snoddy said. “That was until he met a new friend, Jeremiah. Ethan is very energetic and sociable, and Jeremiah just brought that out in him.”

This year’s theme for the camp was “Made New,” based on 2 Cor. 5:17, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” The speaker for this year’s camp was Louisiana Baptists Children’s Ministry Strategist Pastor David Anderson, who has been assisting at Camp Perfect Wings for 16 years.

“It’s like a family reunion,” said Anderson. “Many of the Campers and Buddies are returners. Then you also make new friends every year.”

Since Anderson has spoken at the camp so many times, many returning campers know him and are excited to hear his sermons. He can communicate and connect with them on a deeper level.

“Pastor Anderson is great,” said Sarah Hagar, CrossTimbers Program Director and Oklahoma Baptists’ Childhood Ministry Partner. “He has a way of connecting with the campers that meets them where they are. He does not talk down to them at all.”

God’s hand was evident in bringing Jermiah and Ethan together. Megan Cline, Jeremiah’s mother, had not heard of Camp Perfect Wings until she saw an advertisement for it in a hospital pamphlet.

Unfortunately, she saw it a day after registration closed. Determined, she called the hospital and requested if there was anyway Jeremiah could attend the camp. They agreed to register Jermiah for the camp under the condition that she’d be Jeremiah’s buddy, which she happily agreed to. Little did she know that one call would give Jeremiah, and herself, an unforgettable experience.

“I was in tears because we have never been anywhere where Jeremiah’s friends care about him,” Megan said.

“But after he met Ethan, Ethan would come running to Jeremiah and give him a big hug. Jereimah had a friend who wanted to be with him.”

This story is only one of many other similar ones found at Camp Perfect Wings. It is a place where everyone is welcomed with open arms and where they can be inspired through the Word of God to keep their focus on Christ.

“My dream for Camp Perfect Wings is that it would continue to grow and reach more families with special needs,” said Hagar. “The state’s mission offering helps us keep Camp Perfect Wings affordable for families.”

Camp Perfect Wings is supported through the Cooperative Program to accompany camp registration fees and will be a featured ministry in the Edna McMillan Oklahoma State Mission Offering emphasis. For more information, visit oklahomabaptists.org/childhood/camp-perfect-wings.