Time to start thinking about summer camp for the kids

Summer is almost here. For parents and kids it's time to start thinking about camp. <br><br>News on Six reporter Patrina Adger takes us to one summer camp where hundreds of kids will go to experience

Saturday, April 20th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

Summer is almost here. For parents and kids it's time to start thinking about camp.

News on Six reporter Patrina Adger takes us to one summer camp where hundreds of kids will go to experience the great outdoors. Welcome to Camp Okiwanee. Up a Creek County road, is 50 acres of fun nestled in the hills of Sapulpa, place where kids can be kids. "It's a great area for them to roam around, it's a very safe environment. It has great cabins for them to stay in."

Kids from kindergarten to 17 years old can attend a day camp or week long resident camp and enjoy a variety of outdoor activities from hiking to canoeing to horseback riding.

Camp Okiwanee is just one of the many summer camp locations Camp Fire USA organizes for hundreds of Tulsa kids each year. Kitt Letcher says she's seen the positive influence the camps have made on young people. And the friendships that develop, building self-esteem for many and giving young faces like these the opportunity to try new things "They learn alot about outdoor cooking just a wide variety to really kind of give them a feel for nature."

But before placing your kids in any camp, Letcher says to check out the camp to make sure your child is with certified camp counselors. "You want to make sure they are over 18, that they are screened and they've had a background check done, look at the ratio for campers to counselors."

All these things Letcher says, makes a place like Camp Okinawee the hot spot to be this summer. Camp Fire USA has a variety of camps available for kids of all ages.

For more information call the camp at 592-2267. If you're sending your child to summer camp, here are some websites to help you start planning: