OAKRIDGE HISTORY
2000
Brian and Beth Ball, along with their parents, Gordon and Dale Ball, form Oakridge Ministries, Inc. They sell their homes in Virginia and move to Anadarko, Oklahoma, to purchase a camp and retreat center facility from the Southwest Oklahoma Church of the Nazarenes (Property #1). They secure a four-year interest-free loan from the Nazarene owners to purchase the camp. The Ball family then incorporate and appoint themselves as the first Oakridge trustees, setting up Oakridge Ministries as a non-denominational, independent, Bible-believing Christian ministry. Brian Ball, an ordained Southern Baptist minister, is appointed the President.
MAY 2000
John and Vicki Bates sell their home in Virginia, move to Anadarko, and are appointed trustees. The new staff starts cleaning, renovating, painting, scrubbing, cutting, repairing, and dreaming — all while enjoying every minute of it to the glory of God.
The ministry begins offering church services to the community through Oakridge Community Church, meeting at the camp.
2004
Oakridge pays off the interest-free loan to the Nazarenes and purchases a church building in town (Property #2). That church building will serve the community for years as a church, private school, and childcare center.
2006
Oakridge installs a swimming pool on the camp property.
2008
Oakridge purchases the Pentecostal Holiness Camp (Property #3 - WEST Camp) next to the main camp and the 30-acre ranch across the highway (Property #4).
2009
Renovation and improvement at the camp and childcare center continue. Growth occurs in staff, facilities and assets, insured value, camp guest attendance, and income. Oakridge starts its ranch with the donation of two loving goats!
2012
Oakridge starts a Food Pantry, distributing with the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma. About 75 families are served every week.
2013
Oakridge constructs Goliath, its high-ropes challenge course. A recreation room attached to the main chapel is also built.
Gordon and Dale Ball, original Trustees, return to Ohio, their hometown area for retirement.
2015
Oakridge celebrates its 15th Anniversary! John and Vicki Bates, original trustees and tremendous servants, leave Oakridge to serve at Grace Home in Blanchard, Oklahoma.
2016
Oakridge purchases Pineview Camp in West, Mississippi, and renovates the facility for guests. This beautiful facility has a gym, wooded hiking trails, swimming pool and beds for up to 193 guests. You can check out the facility at PineviewCamp.com
2018
Oakridge purchases The Ridge, a beautiful 4-bedroom estate close to the camp. This stunning property overlooking the neighboring valley serves as a special event venue for weddings, small retreats and leadership conferences. You can see the facility at TheRidgeOk.com
2019
Two commercial waterslides were installed at the west camp. New water attractions greatly increase our capacity for summer camp - it’s hot in Oklahoma, and the number of guests we serve each week is outgrowing the swimming pool!
Camp Growth
The number of Oakridge summer campers has grown from 300 in 2001 to over 3,000 in 2019. Most campers stay for five days of camp, but some come just for weekends. Since Oakridge is a year-round facility, it serves over 5,000 overnight guests each year. Staff has grown from the original three families and one summer staffer in 2000 to over 25 summer staff and 15 full- and part-time staff in 2020.
2020 and Beyond
We invite you to help us realize what God desires to do through Oakridge Ministries.
Future plans and dreams include:
Gymnasium/wellness center
Larger gift shop
Lazy river
Cabin rentals
Conference Center