by Niki Gourley

‍

Winter Blast at Piankatank: Summer Camp Fun in the Cold Days of January

Just as the New Year began, on the weekend of January 16-18, teens gathered for two nights of fun and faith growth at Camp Piankatank’s Winter Blast youth retreat. New activities this year included sock hockey and a scavenger hunt. Campers braved the cold to participate in favorite camp classics like climbing the rock wall, shooting archery, and the polar plunge. Some new camp foods were introduced such as “bird dogs” (very yummy, like a chicken tender-hot dog) and “sm’acos” (s’mores tacos). Messages this year centered around the theme Revive, based on Ephesians 2:4-5. The staff is eagerly planning next year’s Winter Blast already, so plan now to be there!

‍

Piankatank Staff Launches Initiative to Invite Schools for Field Trips at Camp

The staff at Camp Piankatank is excited to announce a new Piankatank Learners educational program, which is aimed to invite schools to have field trips for grades 3-8 at the beautiful property of Camp Piankatank.  

Camp staff will run 4-6 classes that small groups rotate through for science and physical education content. The camp’s location on the Piankatank River creates a perfect atmosphere for environmental exploration. The classes are aligned to Standards of Learning requirements to reinforce what students are learning in the classroom. While Camp Piankatank shares faith boldly with summer campers, the Piankatank Learners program will be neutral, unless the school requests faith integration. Designed to increase exposure to and awareness of the camp, this new program will encourage parents to send their children to summer camp. Learn more about this new initiative.

Niki Gourley is associate director for retreats and food services at Camp Piankatank, a ministry of BGAV.

‍