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OBU—Oklahoma Baptist University

Sports and Recreation, Camp Administration Emphasis

If you love the great outdoors and an organized recreational setting, you may consider a degree in Sports and Recreation with a Camp Administration emphasis. You will learn to create programs that are safe, effective and meaningful.

Our professors will instruct you in subjects such as legal issues, business principles, leadership, outdoor education, adventure activities, facility design and more. This degree explores how physical activity, exercise and sports can enhance leadership skills, teamwork and fellowship among participants.

Sheridan Swift

Class of 2025

“OBU’s ESSR program has given me the resources and opportunities to network in my field of study. The professors provide you with internship opportunities and personally advise you all along the way.”

Benefits of OBU Exercise Science, Camp Administration Program

Impact of Exceptional Faculty

As a Sports and Recreation, Camp Administration student, you will have personal interaction with professors who have leadership experience in a variety of camp environments and sports professions. They share their knowledge and expertise with you in a small classroom setting allowing you to enjoy interpersonal relationships. They serve as both professors and mentors, investing in you as you continue to grow and develop in the role of camp administration.

Articulation Agreements with Graduate Level Programs

The Exercise Science, Sports and Recreation program continually seeks partnerships with universities offering admission for advanced degrees. The agreements are designed to align with programs of interest to our students. Currently, OBU has a guaranteed admissions program with Oklahoma State University’s Center for Health Sciences (CHS). The program guarantees two top graduates from OBU’s ESSR program, who apply and meet specified criteria, will be guaranteed admission to the OSU-CHS Master of Athletic Training program pending an interview and selection.

Articulation Agreement Information

Incredible Education, Affordable Cost.

OBU provides a minimum $10,000 per year scholarship to every incoming first-time freshman and $8,000 to every incoming transfer student. And you could qualify for even more financial aid! Many of our students also receive money through federal Pell grants and OBU Bison Grants.

To get an estimate of what your cost to attend OBU might be, please check out our Net Price Calculator. We think you’ll be pleasantly surprised with how affordable an OBU education really is. Especially considering the incredible academic quality, personal mentor relationships with faculty and staff, and strong Christian commitment you will experience at OBU. You won’t find an experience like this anywhere else!

Program Information

Professional Networking Opportunities

Our sports and recreation programs enjoy collaborations and connections with professional sports organizations such as the National Football League (NFL), National Basketball Association (NBA), National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) as well as networking with Christian sports associations.

You will have opportunities for field trips, internships, and association with professionals from these areas of industry to expand your knowledge and scope of the multi-faceted sports industry.

Opportunities for Internships

You can gain valuable experience in the realm of sports, through OBU’s sports and recreation internship opportunities with various organizations such as Oklahoma City Thunder professional basketball organization, collegiate and high school athletics, municipal recreation centers, sports camps, churches and non-profit agencies and programs. Many of our graduates gain full-time employment with these organizations as a result of their internship.

Integration of Faith

All Exercise Science, Sports and Recreation program courses are taught from a Christian worldview with professors who serve as personal mentors, supporting both your intellectual and spiritual development. Through a small class setting of 15-25 students, our faculty instill a solid foundation of faith and biblical perspective through their instruction and personal lives. Our mission is to invest in you as a future sports and recreation professional who will exemplify Christian principles, and practices with utmost respect for those you serve.

Job Opportunities and Outcomes

Graduates of the OBU Sports and Recreation: Camp Administration program may find satisfying jobs with outdoor sports camp, conference and retreat centers, city parks and recreation, church ministry, wilderness adventure camps or other related areas of work.

Recent places of employment for Camp Administration graduates include:

  • Falls Creek Baptist Conference Center, Davis, Oklahoma
  • Ponderosa Retreat and Conference Center, Colorado Springs, CO
  • Snowbird Wilderness Outfitters, Andrews, North Carolina

Program Options

Bachelor of Arts (BA)

World-Class Faculty

OBU faculty are experts in their fields and will be with you every step of the way.

Dr. Chad Payn

Dr. Chad Payn

Chair, Division of Exercise Science, Sports and Recreation
Associate Professor of Exercise Science, Sports and Recreation
Faculty Athletics Representative

Dr. Meredith Bailey

Dr. Meredith Bailey

Assistant Professor of Exercise Science, Sports and Recreation

Dr. Jeffrey Hogan

Dr. Jeffrey Hogan

Assistant Professor of Exercise Science, Sports and Recreation

Division of Exercise Science, Sports and Recreation