Pyoca, located adjacent to Jackson-Washington State Forest in the rolling hills of southern Indiana, is jointly owned and operated by the Ohio Valley and Whitewater Valley Presbyteries. Daily camp activities are held outdoors, utilizing the 65 wooded acres. The 21-acre lake is also the setting for many camp activities. Meals and some of the evening/rainy day activities take place in the camp's lodge. Three modern cabins accommodate 20 campers and 4 adults and feature a meeting room and kitchenette. The newest Cabin, Spruce is youth friendly cabin with two bedrooms with 5 bunks each, and two accessible bathrooms and a great screened in porch. The two rustic cabins accommodate 16 campers and 4 adults. All of the cabins are equipped with bunk beds, showers, toilets, sinks and electricity. The chapel, where many of the worship services are held, is located next to the lake. Nestled in the woods and overlooking the lake, volleyball court and recreation field is an open-sided craft barn. The pavilion is also a meeting place with a small fire circle and picnic area.
The camp can accommodate up to 126 persons in the winter and up to 175 persons during the summer months. A variety of recreational activities including hiking, basketball, volleyball, swimming, canoeing, picnicking, horseshoes, a climbing tower, a high ropes course and initiatives make it a great place for every camper.
In 1952, the original property was purchased to create a camp that was owned by the Synod of Indiana. In addition to this property, the synod was operating Camp Kosciusko at Winona Lake. Due to deteriorating facilities, that camp was sold in the early 60's, and Camp Pyoca was turned over to the Whitewater Valley Presbytery and Ohio Valley Presbytery in 1977. The camp is still owned by Whitewater Valley Presbytery and operated through a joint agreement between the two Presbyteries. Pyoca is now a year round facility with a year round Executive Director, Program Director, Site manager, and part time kitchen staff. The main priority is still the summer program which has grown to 15 summer staff, and volunteers that make each week an individual experience.
A group of junior high girls counseled by Irene Johns came up with the name, Pyoca P=Presbyterian, yo= youth, ca=camp. The same girls wrote the song set to the Ash Grove.
Pyoca, Pyoca your memories will linger
Of worship and laughter, the things that we love
Whenever we think of the days that we spend here, We think of a spirit, and a love that is dear.
Pyoca, Pyoca the lake and the cabins,
The Lodge and the chapel are all parts of thee.
Pyoca, Pyoca, your name duly honored,
We'll always remember P-Y-O-C-A