August 7, 2009
Poconos, Pennsylvania: St. Seraphim Camp concludes its 15^th year

St. Seraphim Camp concluded its 15^th 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.

Media Office of the Eastern American Diocese