Summer Camps

Summer Camp Dates

Please read carefully the track options for each week of camp. Tracks are not “add-ons” to Amazing Adventure or Extreme Escape. Choosing a track means that camper forfeits Amazing Adventure/Extreme Escape and will attend their chosen track the entire week.

*Now offering all COED weeks*

Week 1 – COED 1 (8-17 yo) – June 16-21, 2024

Our COED weeks have always been our biggest weeks of the summer, so this year we will be offering them more! This is a great opportunity for campers ages 8-17 to be able to interact and form those lasting bonds with everybody. Camp pastors develop messages from Scripture that speak to each of the campers where they are.

Tracks Offered: Amazing Adventure, Reel Fish Real Fun

Week 2 – COED 2 (8-17 yo) – June 23-28, 2024

Tracks: Amazing Adventure, River Riders (formerly saddle sisters but now it is co-ed)

Week 3 – Coed 3 (8-17 yo) – June 30 – July 5, 2024

Be prepared for special week as we celebrate Independence Day on July 4th this year!

Tracks: Amazing Adventure, True North 

Week(end) Mini-Camp – COED Mini Adventure (6-10 yo) – July 5-7, 2024

This is one of the most fun weekends that we have at camp! With just two nights, this is a great introduction to overnight camp and tons of fun. They will have messages designed for their age brought by a camp pastor.

There are not specific tracks available, but campers get to swim in the pool, climb the climbing wall, go canoeing, and have tons of fun!

Week 4 – Coed Youth (13-17 yo) – July 21-26, 2024

*This week is for YOUTH GROUPS ONLY. If you have a youth group and are interested in signing up to come email our summer camp director at kristen.ryan@camppiankatank.org.

Week 5 – Coed 4 (8-17 yo) – July 28 – August 2, 2024

Tracks: Amazing Adventure, Reel Fish! Real Fun!, True North 

Week 6 – Coed 4 (8-17 yo) – August 4-9, 2024

Tracks: Amazing Adventure

*No Camp weeks July 8-20*

 

Day Camp Info and Dates

The Day Camp program at Camp Piankatank is a unique opportunity to provide your child with an outdoor experience like nothing else. Day campers will have an opportunity to swim each day, experience some of our exciting activities, participate in an age-appropriate Bible Study, and so much more. Some of the activities offered are the climbing wall, canoeing and exploring the island, v-swing, and lots of fun games. For more information contact us by phone or e-mail.

Ages: 6-10

Drop-Off: 7:45-8:15am; Pick-up: 4:45pm-5:15pm

Dates:

  • Piankatank Pals 1: June 17-21
  • Piankatank Pals 2: June 24-28
  • Piankatank Pals 3: July 1-5
  • Piankatank Pals 4: July 22-26
  • Piankatank Pals 5: July 29 – August 2
  • Piankatank Pals 6: August 5-9

Cost:

All options include lunch and a snack each day of the week.

  • Tier A – $250
  • Tier B – $225

The higher option (price A) reflects the actual cost of camp. If you choose this price, you are helping us to
maintain the beauty of our camp and to add exciting, new activities each year.
The second option (price B) is our partially subsidized option which allows us to cover the direct costs
associated with summer camp. We provide this option in the hope that families will be blessed by this more affordable price.

Overnight Camp Tracks

 AMAZING ADVENTURE  

Ages: 8–17 

Want to do a little of everything? This is a variety of fun and wild activities. Specific activities include swimming, archery, games, ropes course, rock wall, canoeing, and the island camp-out.

No extra fee.

 EXTREME ESCAPE

Ages: 13–17

Get away from everyday life and escape to the variety of adventures in this Extreme Escape for our older campers. Specific activities include our ropes course, kayaking, sports, archery, just hanging out with friends, and the island camp-out. 

No extra fee.

 REEL FISH! REAL FUN!

Ages: 8–17

Reel in some fun fishing on the Piankatank River. Learn about several different kinds of fishing, kinds of fish and bait, how to safely use fishing equipment, and how to fish. Catch loads of fish on the half-day fishing charter (weather permitting)! 

Fee: $60

 River Riders

Ages: 8–17

Enjoy an awesome week of horseback riding and horse care for the beginner! River riders is for boys and girls who love horses and want a chance to learn more while also getting the camp experience.

Fee: $150

 

TRUE NORTH 

Ages: 12–17

This is a more “in tents” time at Camp Piankatank. These campers will get to do some of the normal camp activities, but the main focus for this week is on learning more outdoor skills and getting to sleep on the island more than one night! They will learn how to pack a backpack, how to build a primitive shelter, how to build a campfire, and more! 

Fee: $40

 

 

Weekend Retreats

Do you want to have a weekend that focuses on how to grow in Christ as a man or woman? Then checkout our Men’s and Women’s Retreats! These weekends are a great way to grow in your faith, and to experience new activities that you can’t get anywhere else. We have special activities and menus planned for each weekend that are sure to get everybody excited. Come experience Christ in a beautiful setting with fun activities and away from all the distractions.

These weekend camps are recommended for ages 10 and up, but if you have a younger child you think will do well through an evening service they are welcome. Contact us if you would like more detailed information or if you have any specific questions.

Cost: $120/person

Men’s Retreat – TBA

Women’s Retreat – TBA

 

Online Registration

Cabin Buddy Request: Campers may request one cabin buddy each week of camp. Cabin buddy requests must be mutual. If campers request more than one cabin buddy, we will honor the first name listed. Campers must be in the same track and age group for us to accommodate requests.

Online Registration: Our new online registration page makes it easy to sign up for camp and fill out your camper’s health form. You will only need to fill out one health form for the summer for each camper.

Cancellation Policy: All cancellations must reach Camp Piankatank three (3) weeks prior to the scheduled arrival date in order to receive a refund of the camp fee. After the cut-off date, refunds of the camp fee will only be given in special cases of sickness or death of an immediate family member or major unforeseen circumstance. The $100 Deposit portion of all registrations is ALWAYS non-refundable and non-transferable. Refunds will be issued within 15 days of the approved request and are non-transferable. Refunds cannot be given in cases of homesickness or going home early

Registration Confirmation: After registering, you will receive an email confirming your registration. You can also log in to your CampBrain account to review your registration details.

Payment Policy: We prefer that you pay in full when registering your camper, but you do have the following options. All payments must be paid in full by June 1st.

If registering before June 1st – Option 1) Pay in Full. Options 2) Just send the $100 deposit, which must be included with every registration form. Without the deposit, we will not process your registration. The remainder of your balance will be due June 1 st.

If registering after June 1st – You must pay in full to complete your registration.

Info and FAQ

What is your lodging like? Campers stay in bunk style lodging. All of our cabins are air-conditioned and have showers and indoor plumbing.

Can my child request to be with a friend who is also attending? Yes, this is common and we will grant requests when possible as long as both campers are in the same track and the request is mutual. Please make sure you noted your buddy’s name on the registration form.

What are meals like? Our talented kitchen staff cook kid-friendly, nutritious meals for every meal. Meals are freshly prepared daily. We are happy to accommodate dietary restrictions with advanced notice.

Weather Questions: We closely monitor the weather conditions throughout each day. In the event of extreme heat, storms, or other extreme weather we will adjust the schedule and plan special activities to make sure campers still have the experience of a lifetime.

This will be my child’s first time away from home. What will be done if they miss home and what is done to help them feel comfortable at camp? Right away we help each camper make a new friend and get acquainted with the new environment. This helps a lot. It’s natural for kids to miss home a little. Our staff is trained in how to talk the campers through these feelings of missing home. There are many things you can do to help your child be prepared for camp.

Read our homesickness info document (CLICK HERE) for tips on how to prepare for camp (many causes of homesickness are from things that happen before the camper ever arrives at camp). If our efforts to talk your camper through their feelings of missing home do not work and they are not able to enjoy themselves, we will call you and talk with you about what we can do as a next step. Sometimes this is just a little talk with Mom or Dad, and sometimes it’s going home.

What are the worship services like? Interactive and age-appropriate worship services and Bible studies take place in our worship hall.

Does my camper need any extra spending money? The camp store is open to campers everyday. You can add money to their account through your CampBrain account at registration or anytime. We like to discourage campers from carrying money with them or having it in the cabin because we cannot be held responsible if something does happen to it.

How can I talk to my child while he or she is at camp? Family and friends may write e-mails at office@camppiankatank.org, or send mail and packages to their camper (P.O. Box 435 Hartfield, VA 23071). Campers love to get mail! You may also send stamps and stationary with your camper for them to write to you.

To send an email to your camper, you will receive an email on your campers first day with instructions on how to do that. Emails are given out at lunch every day. Any email sent after 11:30 AM will be handed out the following day at lunch. Don’t forget to write your campers name and cabin in the subject line of the email.

Can my child have their cell phone at camp? Cell phones are not permitted at camp. This is a great time for your child to be “off the grid” of technology to experience God and nature. The camp will call you if we need you. We believe in letting parents know what’s going on as much as we can. We will call you if your camper is ill, needs medication you have not previously authorized, is emotionally distraught, or we need to consult you on behavior issues. We do our best to communicate with parents anything we think you will be concerned about.

Getting Ready For Overnight Camp

 Check-in and Pick-up Times:

Check-in begins at 3:30 and all campers should be checked in by 5:00 pm.

MINI-CAMP and Men/Women Retreats: check-in begins at 7:00pm on Friday.

Here is how it is going to look:

  1. Check-in. Find the staff member directing traffic. Drive to the first set of tables with staff prepared to help you and your camper get check in. This is where we check your payments, and double check health information.
  2. Medication Station: If your camper has medication you will need to bring it prepackaged. If medication cannot be prepacked it needs to be in its original container with original prescription.
  3. Luggage Drop Off: Drive to the cabin your camper will be in for the week. At the check-in table they will inform parents which cabin to go to. Help your camper get settled in.
  4. Big cheesy good-bye. Extra points for using pet names!
  5. Peace Out. Head home. 

Pick Up times:

1:30 pm on Friday is the pickup time for all week-long camps. We will have a short (goal is 30 minutes long) closing ceremony.

MINI CAMP and Men/Women Retreats: Check-out is Sunday at 10:00 am.

What to pack for camp:

Niki Gourley, one of the Associate Directors, has a quick video about how she packs her kids for camp.

The list:

Printable packing list

We highly recommend using plastic tubs as they are easy to pack, label, transport, and clean. However, tubs are not required and you are welcome to use the luggage you already have at home.

MEDICATION NOTES – Please do not pack any medicine(s) in your suitcase. Please pack all prescribed medications within reach upon check-in.

Clothes – play clothes, write the name on everything. Playing outside means clothes might get dirty. Don’t pack your best clothes.

Shoes – Tennis shoes for the ropes course. Sandals/water shoes for the waterfront, a kind that does not fall off easily.

Bedding – Twin size sheets, pillow, light blanket. Or a sleeping bag on top of the bed will also work.

Towels – 1-2 bath towels and 1-2 beach/pool towels

Bathing suit – 1 is fine for most campers. 2 if doing a water-based track (Sailing/True North Water). One piece only for the ladies.

Sunscreen, bug spray, water bottle.

A Bible

Rain gear – just in case. A poncho or raincoat.

Campout – Either a sleeping bag or a camping hammock (before coming, please practice using and how to put them away). A backpack to bring items to the island. Only for week long overnight camp.

Toiletries – Pack all toiletries in a bag or carrying caddy that can easily be taken to the bathroom and then back to the bunk. Soap, toothbrush/paste, shampoo, etc. Whatever your child usually uses to care for themselves.

Optional items – Camera, stamps/envelopes/paper for writing home, added money for the camp store if it wasn’t added when registering.

THESE ITEMS ARE NOT ALLOWED AT CAMP: (Parents please make certain that your camper does not bring any of these items to camp)

  • Radio
  • Tablets
  • CD player
  • I-Pods
  • Comic books
  • Knives
  • Guns
  • Computer games
  • Walkie talkies
  • Cell phones
  • Laptops
  • Chewing gum, candy, and other snacks

Possession of tobacco products, vapes, drugs, alcohol, or weapons is grounds for expulsion from the camp program.

Email and Picture Link
Email: Office@camppiankatank.org

You may email your camper each day! Please limit emails to 1 email per family, per day. Emails are printed daily at 11:30am and given to campers at lunch along with any mail. Remember to add your campers full name and cabin to the subject time of the email.

Mail

If you’d like to send mail the old-fashioned way you can send it to:

Camp Piankatank
Camper’s Name
PO Box 435
Hartfield, VA 23071

P.S. Singing for your mail is no longer done.

Pictures

We upload pictures daily, starting the first full day of each session (Monday). For camper privacy and
security this is a password-protected site. At the beginning of each session, this password is emailed to
parents. If for some reason you did not receive the password please give us a call or email or Facebook
message.

We partner with a company called Waldo Photos. As always, you can view the pictures for free, and
download pictures. However, Waldo offers a unique facial recognition service that will send you
notifications of new pictures of your camper after you upload a picture. This special service is
completely optional, but your purchase of this also helps to fund our scholarship program.

waldophotos.com

The SALT Program

SALT stands for Servant And Leadership Training. The purpose of this program is to help train campers to lead like Christ, to be a servant leader. We want to prepare campers, not just to serve and lead here at Camp Piankatank but to serve and lead later in life. We believe that godly leaders throughout our society, and not just in religious jobs, will be the ones to truly make the difference and see more people come to a saving knowledge of Christ. The SALT program is a great experience for the young leader looking to grow even more in their natural leadership. It’s also a great opportunity for the shy camper looking to learn and practice leadership skills.

The first week for the SALT students will be similar to other weeks of camp, except they will learn about the activities that they are participating in and how to facilitate a positive growth experience for the campers. They will have opportunities to talk to other leaders and hear from them about what it means to serve in a Christ-like manner. Finally, they will learn how to lead campers in a devotion and how to talk one-on-one with somebody about Christ.

During their next two weeks of camp, SALT Students will be paired with a mentoring counselor, they will stay in the cabin with other campers, and they will have opportunities to implement what they learned from the first week. Throughout the weeks they will have discussions about everything they’ve learned and the opportunity to be discipled along the way.

Spacing for the SALT Program is limited. We recommend applying early to the program.

Age Requirements: 15-17 years old

 

More information please contact our Summer Camp Director at kristen.ryan@camppiankatank.org

 

Scholarship Info

Camp Piankatank is happy to offer financial assistance for families who genuinely require help. We only rarely grant full scholarships. Please contact the camp office at 804-776-9552 for an application or email kristen.ryan@camppiankatank.org.

All applications are due June 1, 2023. Recipients will be notified of any scholarship received by June 5, 2023 or sooner. We can also work with parents on payment plans, as needed. It is strongly recommended that you apply as early as possible.

If God has richly blessed you and you would like to help another child come to camp, you can sponsor a child. To sponsor a camper in need please see this link

Your gifts are tax-deductible, and 100% goes towards helping a child come to camp.

Pricing and Payment information

Included in the cost of camp:

Overnight Camp Base Price

  • Price A – $500
  • Price B – $425
  • Additional fees apply for specialty tracks

Mini Camp Base Price

  • Price A – $225
  • Price B – $200

The higher option (price A) reflects the actual cost of camp. If you choose this price, you are helping us to maintain the beauty of our camp and to add exciting, new activities each year.
The second option (price B) is our partially subsidized option which allows us to cover the direct costs
associated with summer camp. We provide this option in the hope that families will be blessed by this more affordable price.

Specialty Track Fees:

  • True North Water–  $65 extra covers the use of the professionally guided water tour in a kayak.
  • True North Outdoor Adventure – $40 extra covers transportation and a professionally guided outdoor experience.
  • Reel Fish Real Fun– $50 extra covers a professionally chartered ½ day fishing trip. Rod/Reel kits are provided for campers who do not have them. Please bring your own if possible.
  • River Riders– $150 extra covers daily trips to the horse farm.

 

Men’s and Women’s Retreats
  • $120/person
  • This price includes all activities

Cancellation Policy: All cancellations must reach Camp Piankatank three (3) weeks prior to the scheduled arrival date in order to receive a refund of the camp fee. After the cut-off date, refunds of the camp fee will only be given in special cases of sickness or death of an immediate family member or major unforeseen circumstance.

The $100 deposit portion of all registrations is ALWAYS non-refundable and non-transferable. Refunds will be issued within 15 days of the approved request and are non-transferable. Refunds cannot be given in cases of homesickness or going home early.

Payment Policy: We prefer that you pay in full when registering your camper, but you do have the following options. All payments must be paid in full by June 1st, 2023.

If registering before June 1st, 2023 – Option 1) Pay in Full. Option 2) Just pay the $100 non-refundable deposit, which must be included with every registration form. Without the deposit, we will not process your registration. The remainder of your balance will be due June 1st, 2023.

If registering after June 1st, 2023 – You must pay in full to complete your registration.

Church Group Info

We love having children’s and youth groups from churches come to camp. One of the great things about Piankatank is that we don’t require any additional chaperones, so you don’t have to worry about finding adults to take off work to come to camp. When church groups come during the summer they stay with all the other campers, so they get an opportunity to make new friends. The experience of coming to a camp like this allows the campers to be a little more natural than they would be around adults from their church that they are familiar with. If you have any specific questions about sending your church group to our summer camp program please give us a call at 804-776-9552 or e-mail us at kristen.ryan@camppiankatank.org

    Our Awesome Summer Staff!

    Camp Piankatank has some of the finest staff around! We choose counselors who genuinely seek to serve Christ in a camp setting. Camper-to-staff ratios are kept low (1:8 or less) to assure that every camper receives personal attention from our staff.

    We select our counselors and program staff based on certain qualifications, but first and foremost, they must be positive Christian role models who are continually growing in their walk with Christ.

    The other things that we look for in all of our staff are:

    • At least 18 years old to work as an overnight counselor.
    • At least 16 years old to work as a day camp counselor.
    • A desire to work with children
    • An ability to relate to children (playing, talking, goofing off, etc.)
    • A willingness and desire to be outside
    • A willingness to learn and work very hard

    If you have any other questions about our staff please don’t hesitate to contact us.

    To apply for Summer employment, click HERE!

     

    Waivers

    Below are all the waivers that are available for summer 2023. Please only fill them out if you chose the track for your child.

     

    If you received an email about uncompleted forms, log back into your camp brain account by clicking the register button above.

     

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