Our History

In 1952, the original property was purchased to create a camp for Presbyterian youth and families by the Synod of Indiana. In addition to this property, the synod was also operating Camp Kosciusko at Winona Lake. Due to deteriorating facilities, that camp was sold in the early 1960s, and Camp Pyoca was turned over to Whitewater Valley Presbytery and Ohio Valley Presbytery, two regional governing bodies of the Presbyterian Church, in 1977. The camp is currently owned by Whitewater Valley Presbytery and operated through a joint agreement between the two presbyteries, denominationally affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA).

Pyoca got its name from a group of junior high girls counseled by Irene Johns during the very first summer of camp, and is an acronym formed from the the phrase "Presbyterian youth camp". The same girls also wrote the Pyoca camp song, set to "The Ash Grove".

Pyoca is now a year-round facility with a full-time Senior Director, Program Director, and part-time kitchen staff. The main priority is still our summer camp program which has grown to 15 summer staff, and volunteers that make each week an incredible and unique experience. Our programs have grown year round to provide ecumenical opportunities for people of all backgrounds.