Explore Camp is the perfect program for first-time campers who are looking to spend their first few nights away from home! In Explore, campers will engage in all of the traditional camp activities such as swimming, hiking, campfire, Bible study, crafts, and more. Explore camp provides children the opportunity to explore their independence and learn how to connect with other kids their age in a caring, Christian community. It's a big step for children to spend time away from loved ones for the first time, so we highly encourage parents and guardians to start camp with Explore. This half-week program is a great way for kids to dip their toes in the water and try out camp for three nights. Many of our older elementary school campers who attend Explore absolutely thrive in Discover Camp programs (4th - 6th grade) because they have had time to experience camp and learn that it is a safe space! Explore Camp sessions are kept intentionally small to provide the utmost care and attention to our first-time campers. Each session can hold up to sixteen (16) campers.
| Grades: | Rising 2 - 4 |
| 2025 Dates | Session | Tier 1 - Subsidized | Tier 2 - Partially Subsidized | Tier 3 - Actual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 15 - 18 | Explore 101 | |||
| TBD | Explore 201 | |||
| TBD | Explore 301 | |||
| TBD | Explore 401 |
Volunteer Director:
We have a long tradition at Pyoca of welcoming volunteer leadership in our summer camp programming. We are delighted to introduce Jody (Platt) Smith as our volunteer director for Week One Explore Camp. Jody works alongside and mentors our summer staff Explore Camp Coordinator during the first week of Explore. Get to know Jody below:
Jody (Platt) Smith first started coming to Pyoca as a tag-along during Orchard Park’s Camp Friendly in the '80s! She was a volunteer counselor for multiple weeks each summer as a high school and college student, and was on staff at Pyoca one summer during college. Jody has a master’s degree in elementary education and teaches preschool. She owns a music studio in Union, KY, where she lives with her husband and three children.