Nestled in the piney woods of East Texas, near the quaint town of Livingston, Camp Cho-Yeh stands as a beacon of adventure and personal growth. This picturesque camp, positioned just an hour north of Houston, is not only a place of natural beauty but also a site brimming with history. Since its inception in 1947, Camp Cho-Yeh, which derives its name from the local Alabama-Coushatta language meaning “land of tall pines,” has been dedicated to fostering development and leadership among young people.

With a mission centered around “Building the next generation of Christian leaders,” Camp Cho-Yeh emphasizes spiritual growth, character development, and community. The camp’s philosophy is rooted in providing a supportive environment where campers can safely explore their faith while engaging in a wide array of activities that challenge and excite them.

Catering to both boys and girls, Camp Cho-Yeh welcomes children and teenagers aged 6 to 16. It offers a coeducational setting that helps campers learn to collaborate and grow together, developing skills that they will carry with them long after their campfires have dwindled. Whether through climbing, swimming, crafting, or team sports, each activity is designed to instill camp values and foster lasting friendships. At Camp Cho-Yeh, the spirit of adventure and the pursuit of personal growth go hand in hand, making it more than just a summer camp—it’s a life-changing experience for all who attend.

Programs Offered by Camp Cho-Yeh

Camp Cho-Yeh offers an enriching array of programs designed to cater to various interests and age groups, ensuring a memorable and impactful camp experience. Each program is carefully structured to provide both fun and educational opportunities that promote personal growth and character development.

Programs and Session Lengths

Discovery Camp: Aimed at younger campers aged 6-9, these sessions typically last one week. They focus on introductory experiences to camping, with activities designed to build confidence and foster a sense of community.
Adventure Camp: For ages 10-16, these sessions can be one or two weeks long, offering more challenging and diverse activities that build on leadership and teamwork skills.
Leadership Development: Specifically designed for teenagers, these intensive two-week sessions focus on developing leadership qualities through advanced camp activities and mentorship.

Specialty Programs

Camp Cho-Yeh also offers specialty programs that focus on specific interests:

Arts Program: Includes creative arts such as painting, pottery, and performance arts, allowing campers to explore their artistic talents.
Sports Program: Features a variety of sports, including archery, basketball, and soccer, aimed at improving physical fitness and sportsmanship.
Science Program: Engages campers in environmental science, astronomy, and other STEM activities that promote curiosity and problem-solving skills.

Typical Daily Schedule

A day at Camp Cho-Yeh is structured to balance activity with adequate rest, ensuring campers are engaged and energized throughout their stay:

7:30 AM – Wake Up & Morning Devotion
8:00 AM – Breakfast
9:00 AM – Morning Activities (rotations between chosen specialty programs)
12:00 PM – Lunch
1:00 PM – Rest Hour
2:00 PM – Afternoon Activities (water sports, climbing, crafts)
5:00 PM – Free Time
6:00 PM – Dinner
7:00 PM – Evening Programs (camp-wide games, talent shows)
9:00 PM – Cabin Devotions and Reflection Time
10:00 PM – Lights Out

The schedule and the diverse range of programs at Camp Cho-Yeh are designed to ensure that each camper has the opportunity to try new things, meet new friends, and grow both personally and spiritually.

Accommodations in Camp Cho-Yeh

Camp Cho-Yeh provides a range of accommodations designed to ensure comfort while maintaining the authentic camp experience. Here’s an overview of the sleeping arrangements, dining options, and bathroom facilities available to campers:

Sleeping Arrangements

Cabins: The primary accommodation at Camp Cho-Yeh consists of well-constructed cabins that house 8-12 campers each. These cabins are equipped with bunk beds and are grouped by age and gender to provide a safe and supportive environment for all campers. Each cabin is also supervised by trained camp counselors who stay in the cabin with the campers.
Tents: For specific programs that involve more rugged outdoor activities, campers might spend part of their session sleeping in tents. This offers a more immersive nature experience and teaches campers basic outdoor living skills.
Dorms: Occasionally, for larger groups or specific events, dormitory-style accommodations are used, providing a slightly different communal living experience.

Dining Options

Meal Plans: Camp Cho-Yeh offers a comprehensive meal plan with three well-balanced meals per day served in the camp dining hall. Meals are designed to be kid-friendly, nutritious, and energizing to support an active day of camp activities.
Dietary Accommodations: Understanding the importance of accommodating all campers, the camp provides options for those with dietary restrictions or allergies. Gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, and other specific dietary needs can be catered to upon request. Parents are encouraged to discuss their child’s dietary needs with camp staff before arrival.

Bathroom and Shower Facilities

In-Cabin Bathrooms: Most cabins at Camp Cho-Yeh are equipped with their own bathroom facilities, including showers, sinks, and toilets. This helps maintain hygiene and convenience for the campers.
Central Shower Houses: For cabins without built-in facilities or during tent camping, campers use central shower houses that are gender-segregated and closely monitored for safety and cleanliness. These facilities are maintained multiple times a day to ensure they meet health and hygiene standards.

Camp Cho-Yeh’s accommodations are thoughtfully designed to balance comfort with the rustic charm of camping, ensuring that every camper has a safe, enjoyable, and memorable stay.

Activities in Camp Cho-Yeh

Camp Cho-Yeh offers a dynamic and diverse range of activities that cater to various interests and skill levels, ensuring that every camper has the opportunity to learn new skills and enjoy their summer camp experience fully. Here’s a detailed look at the activities, special events, and skill development opportunities available:

List of Activities Offered

Aquatic Activities: Summer camps, swimming, canoeing, paddle boarding, and water trampolines.
Outdoor Adventures: Hiking, zip-lining, climbing walls, and high ropes courses.
Sports: Archery, basketball, soccer, volleyball, and ultimate frisbee.
Creative Arts: Crafts like pottery, painting, and woodworking, as well as performance arts such as dance and drama.
Nature Exploration: Environmental education, gardening, and nature hikes.
Target Sports: Archery and riflery, focusing on safety and skill building.

Special Events or Traditions

Camp Cho-Yeh is rich in traditions and special events that build community and create lasting memories:

Color Wars: A multi-day event where campers compete in various activities, fostering team spirit and camaraderie.
Campfires: Regular campfire gatherings that include storytelling, s’mores, singing, and sharing experiences.
Talent Shows: An opportunity for campers to showcase their talents to their peers and camp staff.
Themed Dinners and Dances: Special evenings where campers enjoy themed activities and meals, enhancing the fun and excitement of camp life.

Skill Development Opportunities

The activities at Camp Cho-Yeh are designed not only for fun but also for promoting personal growth and skill development:

Leadership Training: Older campers can engage in leadership programs that prepare them for roles such as camp counselors or leaders in their communities.
Character Building: Through various challenges and team activities, campers learn valuable life skills such as resilience, teamwork, and problem-solving.
Personalized Skill Tracks: Campers can choose to focus on specific skills during their stay, receiving more in-depth instruction in areas like sports, arts, or outdoor survival skills.

Camp Cho-Yeh’s comprehensive activity program ensures that each camper can participate in both new and familiar experiences, developing skills and making friendships in a supportive and fun-filled environment.

The staff of Camp Cho-Yeh

Camp Cho-Yeh is dedicated to providing a safe, nurturing, and fun environment for all campers, which is largely facilitated by its competent and caring staff. The camp prides itself on maintaining high standards for staffing, training, and safety, ensuring that every camper has a positive and enriching experience. Here’s an overview of the staff-to-camper ratio, hiring process, qualifications, and training at Camp Cho-Yeh:

Staff-to-Camper Ratio

Camp Cho-Yeh maintains a low staff-to-camper ratio to ensure that each camper receives personalized attention and care. The typical ratio is approximately one staff member for every five campers. This ratio allows staff to effectively monitor and engage with campers, ensuring their safety and maximizing their camp experience.

Hiring Process and Staff Qualifications

Recruitment: Camp Cho-Yeh recruits staff from a variety of sources, including college campuses, career fairs, and referrals from current and former staff members. Potential staff members are often those who have a passion for working with children and a strong desire to contribute to their personal growth.
Selection Process: Applicants undergo a rigorous selection process that includes extensive background checks, multiple interviews, and reference checks to ensure they are suitable for the role and can uphold the camp’s values and safety standards.
Qualifications: Staff members typically have experience in child care, education, or related fields. Many are pursuing or have completed degrees in education, psychology, or recreation management. Familiarity with outdoor activities and leadership experience is also highly valued.

Training and Certifications

Pre-Camp Training: Before the camp season begins, all staff members participate in a comprehensive training program that covers camp policies, emergency procedures, conflict resolution, activity leadership, and child development.
Certifications: All staff members are required to be certified in CPR and First Aid. Additional certifications may be required for staff involved in specific activities, such as lifeguarding for aquatic activities or specific training for high ropes instructors.
Ongoing Training: Throughout the camp season, staff receive ongoing training and support to address any emerging needs or challenges. This ensures that they remain equipped to provide the best possible experience for campers.

Camp Cho-Yeh’s commitment to excellence in staffing is fundamental to its mission of building the next generation of Christian leaders. By investing in high-quality staff and rigorous training programs, the camp ensures that each camper not only enjoys their summer but also grows in character, skills, and faith.

Safety and Health in Camp Cho-Yeh

Camp Cho-Yeh prioritizes the safety and health of all campers and staff, implementing comprehensive protocols and maintaining robust facilities to ensure a secure and supportive environment. Here is an overview of the safety protocols, health facilities, and emergency policies at the camp:

Safety Protocols and Procedures

Routine Safety Drills: Regularly scheduled drills for fire, severe weather, and other potential emergencies ensure that both campers and staff are familiar with procedures to safely evacuate or shelter in place.
Activity-Specific Training: Staff and campers receive specific safety instructions for each activity, tailored to address the particular risks associated with activities such as swimming, climbing, or archery.
Equipment Checks: All equipment used in camp activities is regularly inspected and maintained to ensure it meets safety standards.
Supervision: Campers are closely supervised at all times, with staff ensuring that safety guidelines are followed during all activities.

On-site Health Facilities and Staff

Health Center: Camp Cho-Yeh is equipped with a well-staffed health center that operates 24/7 during camp sessions. The center is staffed by licensed healthcare professionals, typically registered nurses, who can handle routine health care needs and respond to any medical emergencies.
Medical Supplies and Equipment: The health center is stocked with necessary medical supplies and equipment, including medications, first aid kits, and emergency response tools.
Partnerships with Local Healthcare Providers: For more serious medical issues, the camp maintains relationships with local doctors, hospitals, and other medical facilities to ensure quick and effective medical response and care.

Policies on Handling Emergencies

Emergency Communication Plan: The camp has a clear communication plan for emergencies, which includes notifying parents, coordinating with local authorities, and managing media inquiries as needed.
Evacuation Routes and Plans: Clearly marked evacuation routes and plans are in place and communicated to staff and campers. Regular drills help ensure that everyone knows how to respond in the event of an emergency.
Allergy and Health Issue Management: Parents are required to provide comprehensive health information for each camper, which includes allergies, medications, and other health concerns. This information is strictly managed to ensure that individual health needs are accommodated safely and effectively.

Camp Cho-Yeh’s commitment to safety and health is integral to its operation, ensuring that the camp environment is not only fun and enriching but also secure and responsive to the needs of all participants.

Cost and Registration in Camp Cho-Yeh

Camp Cho-Yeh ensures that its enriching camp experience is accessible and manageable for families through clear and accommodating cost, registration, and financial support policies. Here’s an outline of the details related to cost and registration:

Cost of Attendance

Cost Details: The cost of attending Camp Cho-Yeh varies depending on the length of the session and the specific program chosen. Generally, fees range from approximately $1,000 for one-week sessions to over $2,000 for two-week specialized programs.
What’s Included: The fees typically cover all costs associated with lodging, meals, activities, and program materials. Extras such as camp merchandise, special trips, or specific crafts may require additional fees.

Registration Process and Deadlines

How to Register: Registration for Camp Cho-Yeh is conducted online. Families are encouraged to register early as sessions can fill up quickly.
Deadlines: Deadlines for registration typically fall several weeks to months before the session starts. Specific deadlines are published on the camp’s and communicated through its marketing materials.
Required Documentation: During registration, parents will need to provide medical information, emergency contact details, and any necessary consent for their children.

Payment Plans, Refunds, and Cancellation Policies

Payment Plans: Camp Cho-Yeh offers flexible payment plans to help families manage the cost of the camp. These plans often allow payments to be spread out over several months leading up to the camp session.
Refunds and Cancellations: The camp typically provides a full or partial refund if cancellation occurs by a certain date, which is usually a few weeks before the session begins. After this deadline, refunds may not be available or may only cover a portion of the paid fees, unless cancellation is due to medical or family emergencies.
Cancellation Insurance: Families are often given the option to purchase cancellation insurance, which provides a refund under broader circumstances than the standard policy.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Scholarships: Camp Cho-Yeh offers scholarships based on financial need, merit, or both. These scholarships can significantly reduce the cost for families who qualify.
Application for Financial Aid: Families interested in applying for financial aid or scholarships must typically submit additional documentation demonstrating financial need, along with their registration. The camp may require forms such as tax returns or income verification.
Availability: The number of scholarships and the amount of aid available can vary each year based on the camp’s budget and donations designated for this purpose.

Camp Cho-Yeh’s structured cost and registration policies, combined with its commitment to providing financial assistance, make it possible for a wide range of families to enjoy the transformative experience it offers.

Parent and Camper Preparation in Camp Cho-Yeh

Camp Cho-Yeh provides detailed guidance to ensure both campers and their parents are well-prepared for the camp experience. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of what to pack, rules and policies, and helpful tips for first-time campers and parents:

Packing List

Clothing: Pack enough comfortable clothing for the session, including t-shirts, shorts, jeans, and swimsuits. Include a jacket or sweatshirt for cooler evenings and a raincoat for wet days. Don’t forget hats and sturdy shoes for hiking and sports.
Bedding and Toiletries: Bring a sleeping bag or sheets and blankets, a pillow, bath towels, and personal toiletry items.
Sun and Insect Protection: Sunscreen, insect repellent, and a reusable water bottle are essential.
Special Equipment: Depending on the activities chosen, specific items like sports gear, musical instruments, or art supplies may be required.
Label Everything: Ensure all items are clearly labeled with the camper’s name to avoid mix-ups.

Rules and Policies

Technology Use: Camp Cho-Yeh generally discourages or restricts the use of personal electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, and gaming devices to encourage engagement and interaction among campers.
Visitation: Parents and guardians are allowed to visit on specific visitation days, which are communicated ahead of time. Unscheduled visits can disrupt the camp program and are usually not permitted.
Behavioral Expectations: Campers are expected to follow the camp’s code of conduct, which promotes respect, responsibility, and cooperation. Serious infractions such as bullying, the use of prohibited substances, or violence can lead to dismissal from camp.

Tips for First-Time Campers and Parents

Familiarization: Discuss what camp will be like focusing on the exciting activities and opportunities to make new friends. This can help reduce any anxiety and build excitement.
Communication: Explain how and when campers can communicate with home. Camp Cho-Yeh may allow letters, emails, or scheduled phone calls.
Independence and Responsibility: Encourage campers to take responsibility for their belongings and choices at camp. Practicing these skills beforehand can be helpful.
Homesickness: It’s normal for some campers to experience homesickness. Parents can prepare by discussing it openly and encouraging their child to talk to camp staff, who are trained to help.

By providing these details and tips, Camp Cho-Yeh aims to ensure that both parents and campers are well-prepared for their camp experience, setting the stage for a rewarding and memorable summer.

Camp Cho-Yeh in Livingston, Texas, offers a remarkable blend of adventure, learning, and personal growth set against the backdrop of the beautiful East Texas pine forests. With its comprehensive array of activities ranging from aquatic sports to creative arts and its commitment to building leadership and character, Camp Cho-Yeh creates a nurturing environment where young people can explore their potential and strengthen their values. The camp’s dedicated staff, robust safety protocols, and welcoming community ensure that every camper experiences the joys and challenges of camp life in a supportive setting.

For parents looking for a summer camp that prioritizes both fun and developmental growth, Camp Cho-Yeh stands out as an exceptional choice. Through its thoughtful programs, meticulous preparation guidelines, and financial assistance options, the camp makes sure that every child has the opportunity to thrive. Whether it’s their first summer or they’re returning veterans, campers at Cho-Yeh are sure to leave with lasting memories and skills that will benefit them for years to come.