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We are thrilled to announce that after many months of hard work, Pyoca is once again an American Camp Association Accredited Camp.
So we're an ACA accredited camp, what does that mean exactly? As the only recognized accrediting body for the camp experience in the United States, ACA accredits approximately 2,400+ diverse camps nationally. However, that number represents only 25% of the camps that operate in this country. ACA’s goal is to continue to grow the number of accredited camps to ensure a safe and positive camp experience for more children. ACA-Accredited® Camps meet up to 266 health and safety standards. Accreditation is a family’s best evidence that their camp is committed to the health, safety, and overall well-being of their child.
What are the standards for accreditation?
The ACA accreditation standards focus on health, safety, and risk management. They are widely used as operational benchmarks for the camp industry by local, state, and federal government entities, insurance companies, and courts of law. Pyoca completed the peer-review process, which includes a visit by an ACA-trained team of standards volunteers, signifying that we meet the standards applicable to our program. ACA collaborates with experts from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Red Cross, and other youth-serving agencies to ensure that current practices at our camp reflect the highest and most up-to-date, research-based standards in camp operation.
What ACA Accreditation Standards mean to you and your camper:
ACA accreditation serves as an assurance to families that Pyoca cares enough to submit to a transparent, thorough review of our entire operation. Our goal is to provide guests and families with as much information about our camp, to reassure you about your camp choice. Our voluntary participation in the professional development and accreditation process of the American Camp Association demonstrates our commitment to providing you and your child with the best possible camp experience.
For more information about ACA accreditation, contact our Program Director Rev. Molly DeWitt (molly@pyoca.org), or visit the American Camp Association website at www.ACACamps.org.
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2022-2023 Upcoming Programs
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We have a lot of exciting things to look forward to and you can join in the fun! The 2023 program calendar is now out. Check out all that 2023 has to offer, including a few new programs.
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Fall Youth Retreat: Nov. 18th - 20th
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Join us this fall for our annual Fall Youth Retreat. This year's theme is focused around PC(USA)'s Matthew 25 initiative. We are grateful for the partnership of First Pres. Bloomington, First Pres. Columbus, and Fairlawn Pres. as we plan this amazing weekend retreat.
Registration closes Friday, Nov. 11th.
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Jackson Co. 50/50 Ultramarathon: Dec. 2nd - 4th
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Join us on Saturday, Dec. 3rd for the Jackson Co. 50/50 Ultramarathon. Each year we partner with D.IN.O. (Do INdiana Off-road) to host their last ultramarathon of the year. Runners have their choice of three races: 10 miles, 50k, or 50 miles. Stay for the day's race, or lodge at Pyoca for the whole weekend!
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The race begins and ends at Pyoca, following a 10-mile loop through the Jackson-Washington State Forestry next to camp. Learn more about the race and how to register here.
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Confirmation Retreat: March 3rd - 5th, 2023
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Save the date! We're kicking off our 2023 program season with our annual Confirmation Retreat, open to youth in grades 6 - 12 and their mentors. This retreat focuses on building strong bonds between youth and their mentors, as well as helping confirmands learn the tools they will need on a lifelong journey of faith. This year's retreat keynote speaker is Rev. Carrie Winebrenner, Associate Pastor at First Presbyterian Church Ft. Wayne, Indiana.
Registration will open in November 2023. Learn more today.
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We would love to connect with your congregation to share all that is going on at camp and see how we can partner further in ministry. Interested in scheduling an overnight or day church retreat for 2022? We'd love to assist!
After so much time apart over the past two years, church retreats are a great way to reconnect and deepen the fellowship of your congregation. Both weekend and weekday stays are available. Learn more about booking your retreat or event at Pyoca.
If your session or mission committee would like to schedule an in-person or virtual meeting, call us at (812) 358-3413 or email mike@pyoca.org.
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Fall is a beautiful time to come down and enjoy camp, while also helping us get a few service projects done! Help us rake leaves, winterize buildings, clean up trails, and more. Interested in bringing a group of youth or adults to camp from your congregation? Email ethan@pyoca.org to schedule your group's service day today.
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How You Can Support Camp: Pass It On
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Pass It On. Like the beloved campfire song, we know that in order to pass on the magic of camp to the next generation, we need the support of friends of camp and previous generations who have been transformed by this ministry.
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There are a number of ways to support our ministry, including: donations to our Scholarship and Annual Funds, volunteer opportunities, in-kind gifts through our Amazon Wish List, and more.
You can also join our brand new Alumni Association! All annual dues go to support camp and year round program scholarships. Learn more and join today.
Want to learn more about what is happening at Pyoca? We encourage you to follow, like, and subscribe to our Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok pages where you can keep up with the latest information on all things camp.
NEW: Follow our LinkedIn page to see all that's going on at camp and connect with other camper and staff alumni.
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Rev. Molly DeWitt
Program Director
If you have any questions regarding Pyoca programs or booking your next retreat, please email program@pyoca.org or call (812) 358-3413.
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