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Musical Middlers Retreat: Coming in 2024!

Join us this April for our first ever music retreat created just for older elementary kids! Experience song in a whole new context as your kiddos get to learn advanced musical concepts from accomplished professionals in children's music. A fun weekend full of exploration of Christian music, blended with traditional camp activities, this will be a program you won't want to miss!



RETREAT THEME:
This year's retreat theme is Light. Youth will explore the meaning of light and faith through traditional hymns and contemporary worship songs. The retreat will focus on group music sessions, learning camp energizers, games, arts & crafts, a Talent Show / movie night, and more! The weekend will culminate with a worship service open to parents and families, with special music from our middlers.



MEET OUR RETREAT LEADERS:

JODY SMITH
Jody 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 serves as the Early Childhood Music Teacher and Elementary Choir Director at Union Music Academy. She lives in Union, KY with her husband and three children.

In addition to Musical Middlers, you'll find Jody volunteering each summer at Pyoca with our Explore Camp program! We're grateful for Jody's love and commitment to service over many years at Pyoca.

PATRICK PAULOSKI
Patrick currently serves as the Director of Youth and Children's Music, as well as Second Winds, at Second Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis, IN. He received his master degree in choral conducting from Butler University and also holds a Bachelor of Music in voice from Luther College, Decorah, IA. Pauloski, an Indianapolis native, was previously the Conducting Fellow of the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir, a unique fellowship that exists between the chorus and master of choral conducting program at Butler University.

Patrick is an active member of the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir, as well as Circle City Chamber Choir–C4, which produces an annual summer choral concert as well as making other appearances throughout the Indianapolis area year-round. He has taught pre-K through eighth grade general music in the Catholic Archdiocese of Indianapolis and was on the teaching faculty of the Indianapolis Children’s Choir from 2017-2018.

In addition to Musical Middlers, you'll find Patrick serving as the Worship Leader each summer at Pyoca with our Grown-up Summer Camp program!



Registration:

WHAT'S INCLUDED IN MY REGISTRATION?
The Musical Middlers Retreat pricing structure is all-inclusive, with meals, lodging, and activities included.

ALL-INCLUSIVE REGISTRATION FEES:
Youth: $105; includes one night of lodging, four meals, snacks, and all program activities.

WHO CAN REGISTER?
This retreat is open to youth in grades 4 - 6. Pyoca program and summer camp staff will chaperone youth in cabins and lead activities alongside our retreat co-leaders throughout the weekend.

HOW DO I REGISTER?
Participants will register individually through our registration portal. Churches covering the cost of their youth's registration fees are asked to notify Pyoca in advance for appropriate invoicing (this includes a $25.00 deposit per participant). Please email program@pyoca.org for church payment information.

Registration will open on Monday, February 13th and will close on Friday, April 7th.



HAVE QUESTIONS?
We are happy to answer any questions you may have. Please contact our office at (812) 358-3413 or program@pyoca.org.