DAVIS, OK – The YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City has officially broken ground on the YMCA Camp Classen Health Center, a purpose-built, nearly 3,000-square-foot facility that will significantly expand the camp’s ability to meet both mental and physical health needs for thousands of campers each year. The project is slated for completion before next summer’s camp season.
Founded in 1941, YMCA Camp Classen is a traditional overnight camp nestled on 2,200 acres in the Arbuckle Mountains of southern Oklahoma. The camp has long been a place where children build lifelong memories, learn new skills, and connect with nature. With campers coming from across the state and beyond, the new health center will be positioned near the camp’s dining hall for easy access in emergencies or routine medical visits.
The state-of-the-art facility will include:
- Housing for an additional nurse to meet growing healthcare demands.
- Modern medication storage and medical supply areas to ensure safety and efficiency.
- Spaces designed for both mental health support and traditional medical care.
- Flexible accommodations to host adult-friendly retreats and events outside the summer season.
The $680,000 project is being funded through generous contributions from the Chickasaw Nation and YMCA of the USA (YUSA).
Jason Brown, executive director of YMCA Camp Classen, emphasized the importance of the new building:
“A major part of the camp experience is ensuring the health and safety of all campers and staff. We manage medications for nearly half of our camp population, administering about 250 doses daily. This new health center will help us better serve those needs while also offering adult-friendly accommodations during the non-summer months.”
A Mission in Action
For over 135 years, the YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City has worked to improve the health and well-being of the communities it serves. The new Camp Classen Health Center is an extension of that mission, ensuring that every camper has access to the care they need—whether it’s managing a chronic condition, responding to an injury, or addressing mental health concerns in a supportive environment.
The facility will also bolster the camp’s year-round programming, offering a safe and well-equipped space for retreats, school trips, and off-season community events.
The YMCA’s Legacy
Nationally, the YMCA serves more than 10,000 communities, focusing on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Locally, the YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City reaches more than 232,000 residents annually—regardless of age, income, or background. This new project continues a long tradition of investing in the infrastructure and resources needed to strengthen community health.
Supporters say the Camp Classen Health Center is not just a building—it’s an investment in the future health, safety, and well-being of Oklahoma’s youth.
Originally reported by Oklahoma City Free Press.