This summer, we were thrilled to bring back our Eparchial Summer Camp after a hiatus caused by COVID-19 and wildfires. With 48 enthusiastic campers from various parishes across the Eparchy, we gathered for a week of fun, fellowship, and spiritual growth at the beautiful Camp St. Volodymyr in Princeton.
Our campers dove into a wide range of activities, from swimming and canoeing to engaging in arts and crafts. The laughter and joy were palpable as they enjoyed waterfront activities and field games, fostering friendships that we hope will last a lifetime.
The spiritual component of the camp was just as enriching. The week commenced with a Divine Liturgy celebrated by Bishop Michael Kwiatkowski, setting a beautiful tone for our days together. Following the theme of Pope Francis’s Year of Prayer – Teach us to Pray, campers delved into the four types of prayer (praise, thanksgiving, repentance, petition) and the Lord’s Prayer, deepening their understanding of faith and prayer.
We were honored to have Fr. Mykhailo Ozorovych and Fr. Yuriy Sakvuk lead our liturgical services. Each day campers had a chance to learn something new at the Catechism lessons led by our priests and Alina Novytska. Singing and prayer around the camp’s fire was a beautiful addition to each of the days of our camp. At the end of the week the clergy of the camp were joined by Frs. Andrzej Wasylinko and Pavlo Myts enabling campers and staff to have a chance to receive a Sacrament of Reconciliation.
None of this would have been possible without the dedication of our incredible counsellers and volunteers, whose time and energy made the week unforgettable. Under the thoughtful direction of Jennifer Calwell, the assistance of Iryna Dzobko and Christina Roth, and the attentive care of the Dr. Vitaliy Kubatskyy the camp ran smoothly and created a nurturing environment for all involved. Their commitment to serving our campers was truly inspiring and greatly appreciated.
As we look back on this wonderful week, we are filled with gratitude for the opportunity to reconnect and grow together in faith, and we can’t wait for next year’s camp!
Jennifer Sawka
