A local church combined faith and fitness for local youth this summer.
Dayspring Community Church, a non-denominational church located at 8612 Cache Road, used a series of summer camps and youth sports activities as a way to raise awareness and to bring the word of Jesus to the youth of Lawton in its program of recreational ministry this summer.
Led by Recreation Director Daniel Wall and Pastor Robert Smith, the program has been running youth camps and sports leagues since June and aims to continue through the summer and beyond. Derek Lemos led a Brazilian jiu jitsu camp for kids last week, teaching children the basic moves of the martial art form, while also pondering ways to become better Christians.
“The purpose of this recreation ministry is to provide Lawton youth and their families with athletic activities that we can provide for them,” Wall said. “Of course, the goal of everything we do is to spread the love of Jesus Christ and connect with young people and their families and provide them with a church home.”
Wall, who had coached the girls’ basketball at Eisenhower High School for the past six seasons, hosted a youth basketball camp in June. Around 60 kids attended the basketball camp, while around 45 attended this week’s jiu jitsu camp. Looking ahead, Kirk Givens will be hosting an archery camp August 2-4. There will also be a 3-on-3 youth basketball league later this fall.
