Pyoca Camp Conference and Retreat Center
August 2011
Pyoca Camp Conference and Retreat Center Newsletter
Summer 2011
In This Issue
Summer Wrap Up
Retreats!
Capital Campaign Update
Quick Links


Parent and Camper Surveys

 

2011 Camper Survey

 

2011 Parent Survey

Join Our Mailing List

THANK YOU!

We have been honored to have received designated gift which allowed us to upgrade our buffet line, renovate the fire circle, replace both docks at the waterfront and replaced six new tables in the Lodge! We greatly appreciate these gifts as they have made a significant impact on the programs!

 

There is more to do! We have a full wish list on our web site. Below are some of our needs. If you are interested in helping make a difference, please let us know!

 

-Bibles for campers

-Recaning Lodge porch chairs

-New mattresses for Oak/Cedar Cabins

-Paddleboats (2)

-Scholarship funds

-Operating funds

-Capital Campaign Funds

Greetings!
What a year so far!  We have had another incredible year of ministry, faith development, and amazing opportunities for people to grow in their relationships with Christ, with others and themselves.  Below is a snapshot of what has been happening at Pyoca!
Summer wrap up!
 

kids with sun in backgroundAs we finish our 59th year of summer camping and Christian Education, we are thankful for an amazing program! 653 campers, 148 volunteers and 15 dedicated summer staff made the program come alive! We were blessed with five full camps and incredible opportunities for faith formation through small group, campfires, personal reflection time, and hanging around the high ropes course and climbing tower! We are already busy planning for 2012!

 

Watch the 2011 Summer video!

 

Parents and campers were invited to evaluate us through an online survey.  So far, we have been rated very high!  Comments include:

 

"He had a fabulous time at camp. He came home with lasting memories and even met up with friends made last year at camp. He loved the mudding adventure and spoke highly of ALL counselors...even the girls counselors."

 

"She has renewed commitment to her life"

"Huge increase in self-confidence and independence - does more for/by himself. Seems to be thinking of others more - except his brother :)" kids w Bible

"I found out that even the small things that we take for granted are because of somebody's love. We should go out of our way to thank God for the small and large things and also go out of our way to thank people."

"God does amazing things even when we can't always see it. He is in everything we do and everywhere we go."

It is not too late for you to fill out the camper and parent survey.  The links are located to the left!

 

The 2012 Tentative Schedule has been posted on our web site.  Watch the web site in early October for the final schedule.  

Retreat Information Lodge Front  

 
We are gearing up for another great fall retreat season as well! Many of our weekends are booked completely with family, church, and youth events. We still have a few openings for non-profit events. Please contact Ingrid@pyoca.org for more information on how to reserve your space!

We are also taking 2012 retreat reservations! BE SURE TO BOOK SOON!

Pastors and Church staff also have FREE weekday opportunities for renewal, reading and Sabath keeping.

 

Capital Campaign Update

We've finalized plans to upgrade our septic system and plan to begin construction as soon as the permitting process is completed.  The new absorption field will allow us the opportunity to expand our capacity (number of beds on site) while protecting the environment.

 

The dam renovation most likely will begin next fall, as we will not have adequate time to finish this year before weather interferes with construction. Our plans include abandoning the old spillway, adding a new spillway to meet current codes, sealing the abandoned de-watering pipe, adding a new emergency spillway, increasing the height of the dam and improving the back slope for better maintenance.

 

We are also upgrading the craft cabin this fall to make it a year-round facility that will provide additional meeting space for groups!

 

Our future plans include replacing the remaining two rustic cabins with one more yurt-type cabin and another modern cabin; renovating the Retreat Center to offer hotel style accommodations; and completing the road with a top coat of asphalt.

 

We need your help! If you are interested in supporting the capital campaign through your church or as a family, or would like more information, please contact Rich@pyoca.org.

 

Pyoca Partners- Work Days

Work group furniture building 

We have had GREAT success with this new program!  Seven groups have already held their "Pyoca Partner Work Day" this spring/summer!  Some of the projects that were completed included: painting Oak Cabin Bedrooms and installing new curtains, building new couches for Poplar Cabin, painting the basement of the Lodge and stairwell, trail clearing, landscaping, cleaning cabins, wood splitting, and organizing supplies!  A huge thank you to the 66 volunteers who gave their skills and time to help us!  That represents over $6,600 in labor savings!
There are still plenty of projects that we can use assistance with!  Projects include: Craft Cabin Renovation and add a 9' deck, replace picnic tables in the pavilion, replace the last dock section and recycle the existing dock, landscaping and MORE  !If you have a group or congregation that would like to partner with us - by either adopting a cabin or simply spend the day working, (and get a free lunch!), please contact Rich@pyoca.org.
 
Thank you for your continued support and prayers for our ministry!  We are honored to be part of the faith life of so many youth and adults!  If you have any questions or would like to visit, please feel free to talk with me!

 

In Christ,

 

Rich Swartwood

Executive Director

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frame

 

frameGet a piece of Pyoca!  We have framed prints of the Lodge, Chapel or stained glass window in 4x6 or 5x7 sizes.  The frame is made out of wood from Cabin 2, and recycled glass.  They make great gifts!  Please contact us to order today!
 
4x6 frame - $15.00     5x7 frame $ $20.00       (Shipping is $5.00)

We also have limited sizes of T-Shirts and Hoodie Sweatshirts available.