Camp Fire Heart of Oklahoma

Camp Fire Heart of Oklahoma at Camp DaKaNi

Your Camp Fire journey can begin today. Wrap up the season with a memorable week at Camp DaKaNi — sign up now and give your camper an adventure-filled summer.

Programs — Find Your Way to Join In

Summer Day Camp (Ages 5–13)

Every week, campers rotate through planned activities like rock climbing, the zip line, and boating on the water.

Summer Overnight Camp (Ages 11–17)

During resident camp, young people develop life skills such as independence, leadership, decision-making, and teamwork.

Summer Youth Leadership Training (Ages 11–17)

Throughout the summer, Camp Fire Heart of Oklahoma hosts a variety of youth leadership programs at Camp DaKaNi.

Holiday Outdoor Camp (Ages 5–13)

Holiday Outdoor Camp (HOC) takes place during fall and spring school breaks, offering a themed week of science and other activities.

Autism Camp — Camp CANOE (Grades K–12)

Camp CANOE (Children with Autism Need Outdoor Experiences) is a summer day camp designed for children with autism.

Outdoor School (Kindergarten–8th Grade)

Outdoor School offers a hands-on, science-focused program that turns the natural surroundings into a living classroom.

Rugged Outdoor Challenge (Ages 11–17)

ROC participants challenge themselves to lead and grow through quarterly outdoor excursions and hands-on involvement.

Afterschool Programs

Camp Fire Heart of Oklahoma provides soft-skills learning programs for youth in elementary through high school.

Camp Fire Clubs (Pre-K–12th Grade)

Trained adult volunteers lead clubs that meet regularly with small, co-ed groups of students.

Our Story — Camp Fire Heart of Oklahoma, Inc.

Camp Fire is open to boys and girls alike. Camp Fire Heart of Oklahoma is a youth development organization, established as a 501(c)(3) in 1929, and it has called the same Oklahoma City location home since 1956. What makes us different is that we deliver an outdoor, country-style experience right in the middle of the city. Our scenic 33-acre campground is the only facility of its kind in the metro area.

We offer a variety of outdoor educational programs for boys and girls ages 5–18. These programs encourage personal exploration through a research-based approach to youth development, helping participants build the skills they need to thrive throughout life. We stay closely attuned to the changing developmental and educational needs of the youth in our community.

Every Camp Fire program uses the Thrive Theory of Change methodology, helping young people find their sparks and discover who they are. This approach is carried out by:

• Identifying sparks, passions, and skills
• Developing and adopting a growth mindset
• Reflecting on strengths and challenges
• Shifting gears when faced with obstacles

This process reshapes how youth see themselves so they can reach their full potential. Our trained staff support that discovery, giving young people the tools to become leaders in their community, school, and peer group. Participants learn life lessons such as becoming and being a leader, working as a team member, having confidence in their abilities, community service, and respect for differences and the environment.

To deliver on our promise, we believe:

• In the worth of all kids and young people
• That all youth can thrive
• That youth need three champions to thrive: their family, their school, and their community (which includes Camp Fire)
• In a diverse and inclusive community and society — one that embraces its differences
• That youth must have a voice in matters that directly affect them

Our vision is to be the most visible and respected camp facility in central Oklahoma for outdoor youth activities.

What Families Are Saying

“My daughter loves Camp DaKaNi and will continue to participate each year for Spring Break and a week of summer camp. She has already stated she wants to be a Counselor Aide in the future and she is only 9.” — 3 Year Camp Mom

“…My girls loved the camp. They loved their leaders, the environment, and the activities. Well done. Also, my daughter just got a postcard from the camp for her birthday and it meant a lot to her. :)” — First Time Camp Parent

“I enjoyed meeting new friends and still like talking to friends about the fun we had at camp.” — 7 Year Old Girl

Tour Our Camp

Watch our camp video to get a glimpse of what a day at Camp DaKaNi is like.

Our Staff — Get to Know Our Team

Margaret Gilbert

Position: Ardmore Regional Manager

Kimberly Chretin

Position: AmeriCorps Member

Zachary Douma

Position: AmeriCorps Member. Zachary has worked at Camp Fire Heart of Oklahoma since November of 2018 and holds a Preaching Ministry degree.

Official Blog Updates

Gallery — A Look Around Our Camp

Frequently Asked Questions

Stay Connected

With Camp Fire, it begins now.