Camp Cavett
Camp Cavett Summer Camp is our largest camp. It takes place every year during the week after the 4th of July from Wednesday until Sunday. This year, Camp Cavett will take place July 13-17th. It is held at Crosspoint Camp near Lake Texoma. Over 160 kids from all walks of life enjoy five days of fun in the sun. Though they may have many different illnesses---cancer, heart disease, kidney disease, GI disorders, sickle cell, and lung disease are among the most common--- together they learn coping skills and benefit from sharing life experiences from one another. And best of all, it's free! First time campers are allowed to bring a guest if it will make them more comfortable. We only ask that the guest be close to the same age as the camper and also the same sex.
Campers meet at OU Medical Center early Wednesday morning to catch the buses for camp. Camp nurses meet with the parents to ensure that they have all of their medications, instructions and learn all of the specific details about their child's needs. After all the bags are loaded and the medical details are line out, the buses hit the road for Kingston!
Crosspoint Camp consists of 12 cabins. Each cabin has 2 sides connected by a central bathroom and has at least 8 beds on each side. Generally, each cabin has at least one medical professional as a counselor. And no worries... The cabins have air conditioning! Campers are placed in cabins according to age, not disease type. If you would like to see more pictures and information about Crosspoint Camp, you can visit their website at http://www.okumcministries.org/Camps/crosspoint.html.
Camp Cavett is staffed with several medical personnel including physicians, nurses, EMTs, physicians assistants, nurse practitioners, etc. All medications are kept in the central "Nurses Cabin" and are only dispersed by qualified medical professionals. Parents fill out several medical forms to ensure that our medical staff knows each and every detail about their child's conditions. Parents are also asked to fill out a "Camper Info" sheet that is given to their cabin counselors. On this sheet, parents can express their concerns about the campers feelings, describe how to help if a camper gets homesick, and let counselors know any detail that might help make the camper's experience a positive one.
One of the most important parts of Camp Cavett is called the daily "Challenge." Campers gather in the chapel to attend the "Challenges" where Danny Cavett teaches the kids about character, coping and connection. He encourages the campers to help others like them. He challenges them to do the right thing and inspires them to overcome the difficult medical challenges that life has presented them.
Camp Cavett is filled with a wide variety of activities for the campers to enjoy. We never force the kids to do anything that they don't want to do. However, we do encourage the campers to step outside of their comfort zones and push their limits. Many of these kids have been told their entire lives that they "cannot do something" or "they will never be able to do things." At Camp Cavett, our campers defy the odds and learn that if they believe in themselves, anything is possible. The following activities are available to the campers:
American Idol
One of the highlights of Camp Cavett--- American idol is held on Thursday night at Catfish Bay Marina. Campers practice all week to get ready for the big night. Getting up in front of a crowd of your peers is a very difficult... especially if you have never considered yourself "normal." At Camp Cavett, no one is judged on their diseases or disabilities. It is inspiring to see the enthusiasm and support demonstrated by all of the campers.
Art Room
The Art Room is the coolest and one of the most popular places at Camp Cavett. Campers gather in the Art Room to get in touch with their creative side, while also bonding with other campers. The Art Ladies prepare a wide variety of projects ranging from a Cake & Cupcake Decorating Contest to paiting to making pillow cases. The sky is the limit!
The Art Room is the coolest and one of the most popular places at Camp Cavett. Campers gather in the Art Room to get in touch with their creative side, while also bonding with other campers. The Art Ladies prepare a wide variety of projects ranging from a Cake & Cupcake Decorating Contest to paiting to making pillow cases. The sky is the limit!
Archery
Our friends from Oklahoma Outdoor Outreach, an organization that provides disabled, chronically and terminally ill individuals an opportunity to enjoy the heritage of outdoor sporting activities, travel to Camp Cavett with an array of activities. They have archery and pellet guns, with several moving targets and interactive courses.
Carnival
Get ready for the most exciting event at Camp Cavett--- The Carnival! We bring in the WORLD'S LARGEST INFLATABLE WATER SLIDE!!! It is 4 stories tall and is absolutely amazing. Kids of all ages enjoy this incredible ride. Now, that's not the only inflatable that is at our Carnival. There is an obstacle course, dunk tank, a super long inflatable slip-n-slide, the "Mindwinder," and so much more!
Dance
Saturday night during Camp Cavett, campers get dressed up for the big Camp Cavett Dance. Every year there is a different theme--- At Camp Cavett 2009, the theme was "Decades." The night is filled with great music from a Professional DJ, lots of dancing, great food--- a night you are sure to remember for a lifetime!
High Ropes
The High Ropes Challenge Course is an initiative to help build teamwork, trust and confidence for our campers and their cabin groups. It is a 40-foot tall challenge course that includes a balance beam, leap of faith and a zip line at the end. It may sound difficult, but don't be afraid to try it--- Many of our campers have completed the entire course blindfolded.. and another camper actually completed the course with one leg and blindfolded. That just goes to show you that nothing is impossible.
Horseback Riding
Volunteers from Harvest Farms bring their horses to Camp Cavett for the kids to enjoy. Harvest Farms is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping special needs children, teens and adults through equine therapy. It is the only premier NARHA riding center in Oklahoma. At Camp Cavett, volunteers help the campers mount the horses and walk along side them to help the campers relax and enjoy their riding experience.
Paintball
Our paintball course is open all week during Camp Cavett. All paintball equipment--- including protective gear and paintball guns--- are provided. Targets are set up, and there is also an interactive course.
Rappelling & Rock Climbing
The Six story tower has two sides for climbing and two sides for rappelling. Facilitators coach and encourage campers to climb to the top and rappel down. There is a stairway to the top that provides a great bird’s-eye view of the Lake Texoma area and a great mediation area.
Power Pole
The Power Pole is a challenging yet rewarding activity at Camp Cavett. Essentially, campers are sprinkled with "Fairy Dust" and then climb to the top of a telephone pole, take a leap of faith and try to reach the bell hanging in front of them. Don't worry--- Campers are secured safely with a harness. Some campers even push their limits by climbing the Power Pole blindfolded. It is a very frightful yet liberating experience.
The Salon
The Salon is always busy at Camp Cavett. Professional stylists travel to camp to volunteer their time. They provide hair cuts and color free of charge. Campers can also get a manicure, pedicure, massage, get their makeup done or just come and relax with fellow campers. We also have the amazingly talented Scooter the Clown who provides amazing airbrush facepainting in the Salon. The busiest time in the Salon is definitely Saturday. Campers like to get dolled up for the big dance that evening.
Striper Fishing
Thursday morning during Camp Cavett, campers wake up bright and early to head to nearby Catfish Bay Marina where nearly 75 Striper Fishing Guides are eagerly waiting to take the campers and counselors out fishing for free. It is an awesome opportunitiy for the kids because Striper Guides are generally very expensive. After the campers return with the fish, volunteers work vigorously all day to prepare the fish for our annual "Fish Fry" that evening.
Bass Fishing Derby
Saturday morning, campers weake up early for another fun morning of fishing. We take the campers back to Catfish Bay where over 100 Volunteer Bass Fishermen are waiting to take the campers and counselors fishing. Campers return with the fish and go immediately to the Weight Station. After lunch is served, there is an Awards Ceremony to hand out trophies for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in 5 different categories.
Water Sports
The waterfront is also a very popular area at camp since the weather is usually very hot. Campers can do paddle boats, ride in canoes, go for a ride in the boats, go tubing, waterskiing, or just soak in the water. There are also 2 inflatable water toys: the Iceberg and the Banana. There is always a lifeguard on duty to ensure that the campers are safe in the water.
The waterfront is also a very popular area at camp since the weather is usually very hot. Campers can do paddle boats, ride in canoes, go for a ride in the boats, go tubing, waterskiing, or just soak in the water. There are also 2 inflatable water toys: the Iceberg and the Banana. There is always a lifeguard on duty to ensure that the campers are safe in the water.
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Camper Registration
- Camp Wildfire (closed)
- Kamp Kidney (closed)
- Heart Camp (closed)
- Camp Cavett (closed)
Volunteer Registration
- Camp Wildfire (closed)
- Kamp Kidney (closed)
- Camp Cavett (closed)
Camp Cavett Fishing Days Registration
- Bass Fishing Guides (closed)
- Striper Fishing Guides (closed)
Want to know everything the Cavett Kids Foundation does throughout the year? Click on the following link to see our Calendar of events!
OU Medical Center
Cavett Kids Foundation
P.O. Box 26307, Room 2311 ET
Oklahoma City, OK 73126
Phone: (405) 271-2271
Fax: (405) 271-5348
info@cavettkids.org
Need directions to our office? Click here!
Want to help Cavett Kids bring hope and happiness to seriously ill children's lives? Click here to learn how you can make a difference.