# Pilgrims of Hope: A Joyful Encounter with Faith at the 2025 St. Volodymyr Eparchial Youth and Children’s Camp - Link: https://nweparchy.ca/2025/08/pilgrims-of-hope-a-joyful-encounter-with-faith-at-the-2025-st-volodymyr-eparchial-youth-and-childrens-camp/ - Published: 2025-08-29T21:17:36-07:00 - Author: Website [[ This year’s **St. Volodymyr Eparchial Youth and Children’s Camp** was an extraordinary blessing for the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of New Westminster. As we celebrate the **Jubilee Year and the 1700th Anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea**, our Camp became a shining moment of spiritual renewal, community, and joy for the younger members of our Church. Held for the second year in a row at the beautiful **Tulahead Camp near Princeton, BC**, this week-long adventure brought together over 60 children, youth, volunteers, and clergy under the inspiring theme of the Jubilee Year: > **"Hope will not disappoint" (Rom. 5:5).** With hearts open and spirits lifted, we journeyed together as **“Pilgrims of Hope,”** diving deeply into the foundations of our Christian faith through the lens of the** Nicene Creed**. --- [[ **Faith That Inspires: Catechism and the Mystery of the Trinity** One of the spiritual highlights of the Camp was the **Catechism program**, offered over three enriching days. Divided into age-appropriate groups, the children explored the **mystery of the Holy Trinity** and the individual roles of **God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit**. Despite the theological depth of the topic, the young participants were fully engaged, many even calling Catechism their **favorite part of the day**! The seeds of faith were clearly planted in good soil. --- [[ **Prayer, Play, and Purpose** Every day at Camp was joyfully structured, beginning with **morning exercises, prayer, and the ceremonial raising of the Canadian and Ukrainian flags**, accompanied by both national anthems. The children then moved through a full day of activities including: * **Arts and crafts** * **Swimming and canoeing** * **Team games and sports** * **Campfire singing and storytelling** * **Daily reflections and evening prayers** Each day was also marked by special devotions and **Molebens**, connecting the campers to the life of the Church in a deep and tangible way. [[ --- **A Sacred Encounter: The Pratulyn Martyrs and Living Witnesses of Faith** A profound spiritual moment came on **Wednesday** with the **Moleben to the Pratulyn Martyrs**, led by **Fr. Yuriy Sakvuk**, the Spiritual Director of the Camp. He movingly shared the story of the **Pratulyn Martyrs**—laymen of the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church who were martyred in the 19th century for defending their parish against Russian imperial oppression. The children were given the rare opportunity to **venerate a sacred icon and first- class relics** of these heroic witnesses to the faith. It was a powerful moment that touched the hearts of all present. [[ --- **Sacraments and Saints: A Grace-Filled Conclusion** On the final day, the Camp culminated with an invitation to the **Holy Sacrament of Confession**. By the grace of God, **nearly every participant**—children and chancellors alike—received absolution and then gathered around the altar for the** Divine Liturgy**, celebrated by **Fr. Mykhailo Ozorovych**, Protosyncellus of the Eparchy in concelebration with Fr. Sakvuk and Fr. Pavlo Myts, pastor of our parish in Kelowna.   During his homily, Fr. Mykhailo spoke about the inspiring life of **Carlo Acutis**, a modern-day teenager soon to be canonized as a saint on **September 7th, 2025**. This powerful testimony reminded all present that **holiness is possible for everyone— even the young**. --- **Gratitude and Grace: Our Unchanging Team of Leaders** We extend our heartfelt thanks to those who made this Camp such a remarkable success: * **Jennifer Sawka**, Camp Director * **Iryna Dzobko**, Assistant Director * **Dr. Vitaliy Kubatskyi**, Camp Physician * **Alina Novitska**, Catechist * **Christina Roth**, Arts and Crafts Leader * And our amazing team of **18 teenage counselors**, who served as outstanding role models of faith, leadership, and joy. --- **A Fire Ignited** Following the Camp, we received an outpouring of gratitude from parents who shared how their children returned home **transformed, uplifted, and filled with the Holy Spirit**. Many families said their homes were “**ignited by grace**,” as their children shared stories of prayer, friendship, and the joy of Christian community. Every single camper expressed the same wish: **“I can’t wait for next year’s Camp!”** [[ --- **Join Us Next Year!** This year’s Camp was not just a week of fun and friendship—it was a **genuine Christian experience**, touching both soul and body. It reminded us all—children, teens, and adults—that we are **Pilgrims of Hope**, journeying together in faith, love, and joy. So mark your calendars and spread the word: **Come and be part of next year’s St. Volodymyr Camp.**You won’t want to miss the grace, the laughter, and the Spirit that fills this special place. **Hope does not disappoint.** Come and see for yourself! [[