Camp FAQ

Coming to summer camp is a big deal! Whether it's your first or fifth time, there's a lot to think about before making the drive to Pyoca. We hope this list of Frequently Asked Questions helps you and your family prepare for an amazing experience this summer.

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY CHILD IS READY FOR CAMP?
The best way to know is to ask them. Camp is meant to be fun, but it's hard to see it that way if you're being forced to go. It's completely normal for a child to be nervous to attend camp for the first time, and there are a lot of ways that you can help prepare them for their stay. The American Camp Association has great resources for homesickness and first time campers. Know that we are here to answer any questions you may have and want to ensure that you and your camper(s) feel great about your decision to come to camp!

WHAT AGES OF CAMPERS DO YOU SERVE?
We serve campers starting in second grade all the way up to graduated high school seniors. Our mission is to serve our campers throughout their developing journey of faith: from their time with us as Explore campers (2nd - 4th grade) all the way to Transform (10th grade - graduated seniors). "Rising" grades refer to the grade in which your camper will go into each fall.

CAN MY CAMPER ATTEND A PROGRAM THAT IS OUTSIDE OF THEIR GRADE RANGE?
Pyoca's camp programs are designed for each specific age range to support campers as they grow and develop. While we cannot shift campers up in programming, we would be more than happy to discuss shifting down a program if parent(s)/guardian(s) believe this would be of benefit to their camper(s).

MAY I KEEP IN CONTACT WITH MY CAMPER WHILE THEY ARE AT CAMP?
We more than welcome you to stay in touch with your camper while they are at camp. The best way is through mail or e-mail. Campers are encouraged to send letters home and can purchase stamps at Canteen.

  • Mail: Campers LOVE to receive mail! Please allow a few days for standard mail to reach camp. Keep in mind that for shorter sessions, you may need to mail letters before your camper leaves home. We do ask that you please not send your camper any packages. You are welcome to leave letters to be distributed throughout the week with a staff person during check-in. Simply write what day of the week you want the letters delivered.
  • Phone Calls: Campers can receive phone calls at camp in case of emergency. If you need to speak to your camper you are more than welcome to call us at (812) 358-3413 and we’d be happy to put you through to your camper.
  • E-mail: While campers do not have the opportunity to send e-mail, parents/guardians may send camper email to: camper@pyoca.org.

All forms of mail are distributed to campers at dinner time. Please note, the content of your letters can make or break a camper's experience at camp. Be positive, encourage them, and try not to focus too much on what's going on at home so that they can stay invested in their camp experience. This does wonders for homesickness prevention.

We understand that you are concerned about your camper while they are away from home. Since Pyoca is a place for campers to get away and unplug from the busy world, we ask that you do not send a cell phone or other electronics with your child. If found, they will be kept locked in the office and returned when campers leave at the end of the week.

WHAT IS CANTEEN?
Every day campers have the opportunity to go to our Canteen, which is our camp store. There they can purchase camp merchandise, like water bottles or t-shirts, but campers most often buy snacks. All snacks and drinks are $1.00. Campers are limited to one each per day. We recommend parents send $10 with their camper to cover snack costs for the week.

DO YOU HAVE MEDICAL STAFF ON-SITE?
We have a Healthcare Supervisor on staff who oversees the daily administration of camper medication and is on call for emergencies. All staff are First Aid/CPR/AED certified through the American Red Cross. Summer staff unit coordinators (leadership staff) will receive Mental Health First Aid certification.

WHAT ARE THE FACILITIES LIKE?
All of our lodging is air-conditioned, including our rustic yurts where all Challenge campers stay. Check out our cabins here.

HAVE ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS FOR US?
Don't hesitate to contact us! We would be more than happy to discuss our summer camp programs with you. Contact our office at: (812) 358-3413 or email program@pyoca.org.