May 2020 – Camp JOY

Tell us about your business.

Camp JOY is a non-denominational Bible camp in Guthrie, Oklahoma. We have been a part of the Logan County community since 1966. In July, there are 3 camps for children ages 7-9, 10-12, and 13-18. In months besides July, we host other events and also offer our campground and facilities to be rented. Parents feel comfortable sending their children to Camp JOY because we are a part of their community and located only a short 10 minute drive from downtown Guthrie. They love the atmosphere at camp – its a safe and welcoming place for their children. The kids who are campers love Camp JOY and want to come back year after year. As one of our graduated campers put it: “I can’t imagine my life without it, and I’m so thankful for Camp Joy, and what it has done in my life growing up. Counselors were always so willing to help build faith within the campers, and the activities are fun, and they are skill/faith building, and the campers were some of my best friends growing up.”

What is one thing that makes your business great?

Legacy. Although it is hard to choose just one thing that makes Camp JOY great, our legacy is one of the greatest aspects. Many families remember past camp directors Dan and Kay Curtis. They were a powerhouse couple, well-respected in our community with genuine hearts of servitude to Christ. Decades of campers, staff members and volunteers at Camp JOY have been blessed by experiencing the Curtis’s dedication to loving others and loving the Lord most of all. When cancer took them away from us to be together in Heaven, we knew their legacy of faith, ministry, consistency, community, and genuine LOVE had to continue at camp. We are so thankful they left a legacy, a model and pathway to follow Jesus, behind them with us.

Why is Guthrie a great community to be a part of?

Guthrie is a great community to be a part of because of the people in it. As much as is possible, we do business in Guthrie. We love supporting our small-town community. We love the fact that we can develop relationships with business-owners. When summer rolls around, we go from store front to store front in downtown Guthrie, asking if we can hang our flyers about upcoming camps. We are greeted with smiles and almost everyone has allowed our flyer to be front and center on their windows. Many people in this community know and love Camp JOY. We love how everyone is so supportive of everyone else!

Why is your company a part of the Chamber?

We are a part of the Chamber because we see it as an opportunity to become better connected to local businesses and individuals. Camp JOY is not just a place, it’s a calling. Our calling is to be a “lighthouse” – to share God’s joy, hope, and love. We want to be better involved within our community, we want to learn your names and your stories. There are always those we meet who are pleasantly surprised to learn there is a local Bible camp right here in their town. The Chamber does a great job of promoting businesses, so we hope that those who don’t know that we exist yet will become acquainted and friends.

What is the last thing that made you smile?

The last thing that made me smile happened just earlier today. I received a message from a Camp JOY camper. It is only the beginning of March today but this teen is already thinking about summer camp. This camper wrote to me: “I can’t miss out on Camp JOY this year. I love Camp JOY…Camp JOY has changed a lot of people’s lives and mine too.” If that doesn’t bring a smile to my face, I don’t know what would! As a past camper for 7 years myself, and now a counselor and the administrator, I understand the impact that our ministry at Camp JOY has on the young lives who attend. Of course, this is all because of Jesus. I know and feel He is present with us. At Camp JOY, I’m all smiles.

"I joined the Chamber to help bridge the gap between the business community, the City of Guthrie, organizations, our schools and neighbors because we are all invested. When we work together with the help of the Chamber, we thrive as a community. "

Menecca Gibbs, Owner of Cleveland & Co. Mercantile

"I love being an investor in the Guthrie Chamber of Commerce. It's great to be a part of the business community in Logan County. They provide us with a lot of marketing and sponsorship opportunities and our investment is well worth it every year!"

Blake Wimsey, Foundation Insurance & Risk Management

"The Guthrie Chamber of Commerce is a great partner in the community. As an active Church, it is important to us to be connected to businesses and other organizations that value relationship within the community. The Chamber goes above and beyond to make sure everyone stays connected with weekly events and fun activities. We love being a part of the Chamber!"

Ronnie Fields, First Christian Church

"The Guthrie News Leader regularly partners with the chamber as our goals are the same: connect businesses to the community. We not only enjoy attending the events the chamber presents, but also co-sponsoring events together. We’ve met new customers, contacts and lifelong friends through the chamber and we consider them part of our team."

Karan Ediger, Publisher for the Guthrie News Leader

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