Beginnings
The Petroleum Valley Youth Center came into existence when some local leaders had a vision for utilizing the former Penreco Employee Park for a youth ministry. About 1985, Mr. Denny Barger learned that the park was no longer a part of Penreco’s vision and he pursued the owners for donating it to a local ministry to be handled by local church leaders. From there the PVYC was born.

What we offer
The Summer Drop-In program has grown as more people in our area become aware of this great resource in our community. This past summer we had about 75 different kids participate in the program led by 5 full time and 2 part time counselors. We have trained counselors who have at least 1 year of college or post high school experience and are committed to the youth of our community. The average attendance each day during our 8 week program was about 40. The youth participate in various activities throughout the week including basketball, sand volleyball, gaga (a type of dodgeball game), fishing, hiking, low ropes course, board games, pool and deck hockey. They also participated in Fun Friday events including, a Butler Blue Sox game, kayaking, Moraine State Park, two annual Campouts and a trip to the Pittsburgh Zoo. Two days per week we provide free lunches for the kids via a partnership with local churches and families.

Our Campus
Our property boasts 130 acres with two fishing ponds, two pavilions, basketball and volleyball courts, hiking trails, GAGA Pit and a recreational building. Our new amphitheater has allowed us to host summer concerts on the lawn. Beautiful evenings of music and friendship are a highlight of the year. We are in the process of creating a disc golf course. We have cleared brush and cut trees to install 5 goals so far with the dream of eventually getting to a full 18 hole course.

Local Churches
The Youth Center facilities are also utilized by local churches and families for picnics, parties, graduation and other gatherings. Several of the churches combine each year for an Easter Sunrise service on the top of the hill near the 3 crosses.

We feel as though we have been entrusted with this parcel of God’s Creation of wooded ground, ponds and the wildlife give our campers the opportunity to enjoy nature in a guided, meaningful way. We believe that we are making a difference in the lives of area youth and our mission continues to be to reach children & teens so that we may help them find their purpose and direction for life.

The PVYC Mission Statement

The Petroleum Valley Youth Center, in service to the Kingdom of our Lord and Savior,  Jesus Christ and in partnership with local churches exists to enhance the
spiritual, emotional, social, intellectual and physical needs of all youth or our area, and to help them establish their identity and purpose in life.