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August
7, 2009
Poconos,
Pennsylvania: St. Seraphim Camp concludes its 15th year
St.
Seraphim Camp concluded its 15th year on Sunday, August 2,
2009. The camp is located in the beautiful Pocono Mountains of Eastern
Pennsylvania and has served the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad since
its founding by the blessings of the ever-memorable Metropolitan
Laurus. This year, Metropolitan Hilarion visited the camp for two days
and Bishop George of Mayfield participated in the camp and its
activities for four days. In addition to the hierarchs, five priests
and three deacons spent the entire time in camp teaching the Law of
God as well as serving, hearing confessions and having a wonderful
time with the youth of the Church. The camp, due to the active
participation by the clergy and the enthusiastic support of Orthodox
families, has grown to be the largest youth organization of the
Russian Church Abroad. Over 160 children were campers and over 50
volunteers, counselors, junior counselors and staff gave their time to
work very hard for the young people of the Russian Church.
Each
day started with morning prayers, breakfast, and the Law of God. Then
usual camp activities were enjoyed. The children made beautiful arts
and crafts, turned wooden items on lathes and printed T-shirts. After
lunch, many sports were enjoyed. River tube rafting and swimming in
the Lehigh River are always a hit. A hike to the local waterfall with
swimming in the cascading waters is an incredibly good time. Each
year, the camp sponsors Olympic Games and a soccer tournament. The
highlight of the year is always the Great Bonfire. Children roast
hotdogs and prepare skits for all to enjoy. The festivities go on late
into the night with the older campers.
The
final weekend is always a joyous time. This year, the feast of St.
Seraphim of Sarov and St. Elias were combined into one celebration.
The children’s choir was perhaps one of the best choirs in all the
Russian Church Abroad. They sang the services in English and Slavonic
under the direction of Matushka Eugenia Temidis. The services were
truly moving and everyone felt the presence of St. Seraphim as we
served in this beautiful woodland. The presence of St. Elias was also
with the camp as it began to rain very heavily on his feast! Almost
all those present communed from three chalices. After a sermon from
the director of the camp, Archpriest Alexis Duncan, and after the
dismissal from the Divine Liturgy, the campers and staff bade a
sorrowful farewell from each other until they will all meet again.
Next
year’s camp will be held from Sunday, July 25, through Sunday,
August 1, 2010. Registration will begin during Great Lent. The camp is
always seeking volunteers to assist. The camp is also seriously
considering ways to expand both length of stay and facilities. Any
suggestions or assistance toward further serving the youth of our
Church would be appreciated. The camp is independent in administration
and supports itself only through registration fees and donations. All
staff are volunteers and are not paid. Interested faithful may contact
the camp director, Fr. Alexis, at fralexis@bellsouth.net.
Click
here
for a photo-report by Fr. Alexis Duncan.
Media
Office of the Eastern American Diocese
