By Niki Gourley, Camp Piankatank

Camp Piankatank exists as a ministry of BGAV to make disciples for Christ through relationships and adventure. It has been a part of BGAV since October 1960, when it was used as the state RA camp, and it has seen significant changes and growth in the past 65 years. Now, it is much more than a boys’ summer camp—it operates as a retreat facility with 180 beds, all air-conditioned lodging, meeting spaces, and lots of outdoor activities.  

In February 2025, the camp hosted a Winter Blast retreat for teens. The theme of the weekend was “Darkness to Light.” Despite the rainy weather, campers had a blast doing activities, worshiping together, and participating in devotional times. Climbing the rock wall, shooting archery, “Piankatank Auction,” countless rounds of Church Clap, s’mores by the campfire, and two full days disconnected from their phones left the campers exhausted, but they carried home many fond memories.

Camp directors don’t get a break now that Winter Blast is over, though—they stay busy! The camp has about 20 ministry partners renting the property for retreats and events throughout the spring.  

Camp directors Steve and Niki Gourley, along with associate director Cal Hedeen, keep Camp Piankatank going year round. Steve and Niki celebrated 19 years of employment with Camp Piankatank in January of this year. Cal joined the team in 2024. Cal is busy hiring summer camp staff and recruiting campers. Planning for the six weeks of summer camp is an all-year-long process.  

Summer camp at Piankatank is for either church groups or individual campers. Camp Piankatank’s mission is growing disciples for Christ through relationships and adventures. Through relationships Camp Piankatank helps campers bond quickly with their fellow campers and also with their camp counselors, who are hired to be strong Christian role models. The adventures that grow our faith at Camp Piankatank are plenty: ropes course, rock wall, archery, paintball, fishing, a campout on our island, and tons of camp games and songs. The atmosphere is unique for many of today’s kids—a whole week away from technology, playing outside—and is also much smaller than many other camp experiences, with a maximum of 100 kids per week.

Camp always has a spiritual theme for the summer that becomes the emphasis by a different camp pastor each week. This year’s theme is “Pursuit” from 1 Timothy 6:11: “O man of God, pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith.”  

Visit www.camppiankatank.org for more information about summer camp or about bringing your next retreat to the beautiful property of Camp Piankatank.

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