Various Activities
Brush Creek Academy Offers Competitive Interscholastic Athletics
(Varsity and Junior Varsity)
When considering an academy for your son, know that very few locations offer varsity level sports. Your son won’t fall behind his peers in athletics while at Brush Creek Academy. Every student here has the opportunity to participate in varsity athletics. We’re a member of the Heartland Christian Athletic Association which allows us to compete against schools our size and at the appropriate level of competition. Currently, students can participate in varsity football, basketball, and track. Our students have won numerous individual awards and even state championships in basketball and football. The teams are coached by staff that have experience with these sports, either at the high school or collegiate level. Participation is not mandatory but is highly recommended. We are convinced that participating on a team in a competitive environment builds character and helps to work out many of the issues a young boy might be dealing with in his life. An example would be frustration and anger when unable to be in control or when things don’t go their way. We see student after student being able to apply this lesson to that issue in his life and connect how acting inappropriately not only impacts himself but also those that are closest to him.
“I came to Teen Challenge not really knowing who I was. Basketball helped me discover the leader that I am today. It led me to new opportunities like qualifying for the All-State team.” Isaac M.
“Before Teen Challenge, I had never played basketball competitively. Playing basketball was huge for me for many reasons. It gave me something to focus on and work toward. Another reason is that it made my Junior and Senior year experience feel normal, even though I was in an abnormal circumstance.” Chris D.
Our school, The Cross Christian Academy, excels in creative arts. In the last two years, our students participated in 22 different state-level competitions. Seventeen students received a Superior rating, the highest award, along with an invitation to compete at the National Competition. Six students received the Merit Award, which is the top award in the state for their performance. In addition, students can be in the cast of various plays at the Picture in Scripture Amphitheater near our facility. We look forward to working with your son to develop his creativity!
Archery
At Brush Creek Academy, we understand that not all boys enjoy the same activities. Some are more inclined to inside activities, whereas others like to experience the outdoors and all it has to offer. For boys who want such outdoor pursuits, we offer an archery program with the opportunity to learn about God’s creation in a unique way. With access to over 900 rural acres of land, we offer archery and hunting opportunities to interested boys.
Archery is an activity in which people from all walks of life and almost every size and ability can participate. It has been shown to be effective in helping young people experience success. Once boys enjoy the thrill of archery success, they realize they can accomplish many things with proper instruction, practice, and a positive attitude.
Hunting
Archery equipment has become one of the most popular methods to hunt in Oklahoma. The challenge of hunting animals with a bow and arrow makes the hunt memorable and rewarding. Hunting with a bow and arrow can be a daunting task for the beginning hunter. Explore bow-hunting is designed to help the student, who is already excited about archery, take the next step into bow-hunting. The student gains valuable information about popular bow-hunting equipment as well as hunting tips and techniques.
The Archery program at Brush Creek Academy also generates a general interest in the outdoors. It is not just about hunting; it also covers topics about conservation and safety as well as general information about getting close to wildlife.
Ranch Life
Brush Creek Academy is located on a ranch property that provides young men with an experience that will help to instill a positive, strong work ethic into their character. Two major things that we hope to accomplish here are learning to take personal responsibility as well as concern for others. Accomplishing assigned chores at the ranch, as well other projects, helps the student discover these on his own while being mentored through the process. A lesson discovered is much more powerful than a lesson taught.BC students can help care for livestock while here at the ranch. Year-round, we have horses and cattle to care for at the Ranch. Feeding, grooming, cleaning living areas, as well as providing ongoing medical needs of the animals are all a part of ranch life. With over 900 acres of property, there is a number of things needing to be done on a constant basis. Students are involved with everything from clearing brushes and cutting wood to repairing fences and fixing equipment. Your son may have opportunities to practice practical life skills such as carpentry, auto maintenance, and more. All of this helps to develop that sense of responsibility and pride in a job well done.
Recreation
Daily recreation is important to a well-rounded individual. The daily schedule at Brush Creek Academy allows time for everyone to spend being active. On-campus activities include basketball, volleyball, archery, running, hiking, and general exercise. With over 900 acres of wooded land in the hills, we have supervised deer hunting opportunities for boys who reach phase 5 in their program. Additionally, Brush Creek Academy offers opportunities to help care for animals such as horses, camels, zebras, kangaroos, and lemurs at Oasis Animal Adventures. Nearby, Grand Lake offers swimming and boating opportunities as weather permits. Recreational activities depend on the availability of the staff, daily schedule, and the behavior of the student.
Off-campus activities include camping, fishing, ropes courses, and numerous field trips to places such as museums, local dams/power plants, parks, and much more.
