F or DJ Morgan, the summer of 1986 marked a milestone. At the time, he was an 8-year-old boy feeling apprehensive about spending a week at Camp Classen, the YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City’s overnight summer camp nestled on 2,200 acres in the Arbuckle Mountains. “I was so worried about being away from home for the first time,” Morgan recalls. “But it became my favorite week of the summer — and a defining part of my life for the next 18 years.” Camp Classen: a Family Tradition DJ Morgan shares the impact of YMCA’s summer camp and his commitment to its future BY REBECCA FAST . PHOTOS PROVIDED.
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For 80 years Camp Classen has welcomed campers, offering adventures from hiking and rock climbing to kayaking, archery and horseback riding. Along with fun and games, campers develop lifelong skills, build confidence and make memories and friendships that last a lifetime. Beyond traditional summer camp, Camp Classen also hosts school groups, organizational retreats, a women’s wellness weekend, and a father/child enrichment program, extending its impact throughout the year. “Camp Classen gave me so many transformational moments,” says Morgan. “It’s set in this incredible natural environment where kids can disconnect from electronics and daily distractions to connect with nature and each other. You have kids from all different places and backgrounds building genuine bonds through shared experiences. The leadership opportunities I had there helped me develop a deep, internal confidence that’s stayed with me throughout my life.” Morgan returned as a camper each summer until he was old enough to complete the camp’s leadership program and become a camp counselor. After college, he worked on staff for three and a half years. Though he left to attend law school, his ties to Camp Classen remained — he soon returned and served many years as a council member, currently serving on the board and recently co-chaired the YMCA’s 2025 community campaign. His three children have all attended as campers, and his daughter has worked as a counselor. The family has also participated in family camp sessions, and through his involvement in Boy Scouts, Morgan regularly brings scout troops to experience the same transformative environment that shaped his childhood. “Camp Classen is more than just a summer camp — it’s where young people discover what they’re capable of and build the kind of character and confidence they’ll carry throughout their lives,” says Morgan. “Seeing my own children and our family have these life-changing moments has been a reminder of why this place is so special and why it’s worth investing in for future generations.”
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