DJ Morgan shares the impact of YMCA’s summer camp and his commitment to its future
For 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.”
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.”
Honoring Tradition, Embracing the Future
While Camp Classen has faithfully served campers since 1941, many of its facilities haven’t kept pace with evolving needs. In 2023, the camp commissioned a comprehensive 20-year master plan to guide strategic renovations and upgrades, and Phase One is nearing completion.
Thanks to generous support from the Chickasaw Nation and the YMCA of the USA (YUSA), a new 3,000-square-foot health center is expected to open this summer. The facility will provide expanded housing for nursing staff and feature modern medication storage and medical supply spaces designed to serve the thousands of campers who visit each year.
Additional strategic updates — funded through investments by YUSA, the Clements Family Foundation and other donors — include renovating and expanding the dining hall and program areas, enhancing the waterfront facilities, and developing new trail systems. Already complete is a custom challenge course built into the forest terrain.
“Our current campaign is about honoring Camp Classen’s legacy while preparing it for the future,” says Morgan. “These investments ensure the camp can continue its success in providing every child with an amazing, safe and supportive experience. Because this isn’t just about summer camp — it’s about shaping the leaders and citizens of tomorrow.”
