Our Mission

Since 1967, we have been changing lives by fostering intentional time for Campers to build relationships and seek God in the piney woods of Northeast Louisiana.

OUR HISTORY

1967

The Founding Year

Alton Howard had a dream to build a summer camp for kids. With several volunteers who shared that dream, the camp opened in 1967. Alton is pictured to the left with Lloyd Williams, the first director, in the middle.
1970s

The Formative Years

Camp was led by Director Lloyd Williams and established itself as a place parents could trust to send their children to camp. Kids came from all over the southeast of the US. During these years, many of the traditions, activities, and values were formed that are still in place today.
1980s

The Growing Years

Camp continued to grow. New directors made their mark. Buddy Barwick, Tim Jennings, Steve Deloach, Howard Karbo, Mike Kellet, and Chrys Howard served during these years.
1990s

The Bounding Years

Camp was led in the 90's by Howard Karbo, Chrys Howard, Alan Robertson, Mike Kellet, and Willie Robertson. The camp now had a history and past campers began to come back to serve as counselors and Bible teachers.
2000s

The Thriving Years

The camp grew to new heights. By 2004, record numbers had attended the camp. Sadly, founder Alton Howard passed away in 2006, and the camp was sold, but God was not through with his mission.
2005-2008

The Restructuring Years

During this time, the camp operated on a smaller scale as a new board was being prepared to reopen under a new non-profit. Many volunteers worked tirelessly to ensure its reopening.
2009

The Restart Year

Camp officially reopened under the leadership of a new board and under the direction of David and Karen Bromley, Chrys Howard, Missy Williams, LinDee and Billy Loveland, Carrie Spence, and several other faithful servants who love camp.
2017

The 50th Anniversary

Ch-Yo-Ca celebrated 50 years during the summer of 2017. Over 500 people gathered to celebrate this milestone and pledged to keep camp going another 50 years and beyond.
Present Day

The Bell Still Rings

Camp is ready for new campers! We still sing around a campfire, paddle canoes, play ping-pong, and go to arts and crafts, but we are not stuck in 1967. We welcome Campers from all over the country and our community to build lifelong friendships.

TELL US YOUR CAMP STORY

Our Impact

“Camp CH-YO-CA is seriously the best summer job of all time! The community you are embraced by is like no other! The summers I spent at camp affirmed my spiritual gifts while challenging me to grow! One summer at Camp Ch-Yo-Ca will change your life!

Previous Summer Staff, Presley Williams
“Camp CH-YO-CA has an excellent faculty and staff in Reeves and Bryant that do a great job of paying attention and staying on top of things for us.”

Director of Previous Retreat.
“Camp CH-YO-CA was such an amazing experience for me as a staff member! I built relationships with other students and campers that will last a lifetime!”

Previous Summer Staff, Dixie Marie
“Being at camp Camp CH-YO-CA was a blessing of joy and fun every day with the campers. From morning bible to campfire, there is never a dull moment. Games, deep conversations, and shared love for Jesus make CAMP a special place to spend your summer!”

Previous Summer Staff, Stone Nix

Our Mission

Since 1967, we have been changing lives by fostering intentional time for Campers to build relationships and seek God in the piney woods of Northeast Louisiana.

1967

1970s

1980s

1990s

2000s

2005-2008

2009

2017

Present Day

“Camp CH-YO-CA is seriously the best summer job of all time! The community you are embraced by is like no other! The summers I spent at camp affirmed my spiritual gifts while challenging me to grow! One summer at Camp Ch-Yo-Ca will change your life!

“Camp CH-YO-CA has an excellent faculty and staff in Reeves and Bryant that do a great job of paying attention and staying on top of things for us.”

“Camp CH-YO-CA was such an amazing experience for me as a staff member! I built relationships with other students and campers that will last a lifetime!”

“Being at camp Camp CH-YO-CA was a blessing of joy and fun every day with the campers. From morning bible to campfire, there is never a dull moment. Games, deep conversations, and shared love for Jesus make CAMP a special place to spend your summer!”