September 2, 2007
Metropolitan Gerasimos (center) is surrounded by campers at St. Nicholas Ranch. The 2007 Metropolis Camp emphasized the theme "Embrace Your Faith" and was attended by over 230 youth from throughout the Metropolis.
Another summer has come and gone, but the young people who attended the Metropolis of San Francisco Summer Camp at St. Nicholas Ranch in Dunlap, CA will never forget their experience. The theme for the 2007 Metropolis Camp was "Embrace Your Faith". Over 230 youth attended the three one-week camp sessions held during July 2007. The Metropolis was well represented with campers coming from throughout the state of California, as well as youth from Arizona, Nevada, and even 13 from Hawaii. His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos was in attendance during the third week of camp, affording these youth the opportunity to spend quality time with their Bishop and Spiritual Father of the Metropolis of San Francisco.
Each camp day began with Orthros, followed by a variety of daytime sessions including: Orthodox Challenge, Swimming, Archery, Theater, and Arts and Crafts. Following lunch every afternoon, campers enjoyed Siesta and Free Time as a respite from all the day's activities. During the week, campers had the opportunity and blessing to visit the Monastery of the Theotokos the Life Giving Spring, and enjoyed a conversation with Abbess Markella. Campers marked the setting of the warm California sun with a Vespers service each evening, which was followed with a variety of evening activities including a campfire, skit night, sports activities, and the traditional "Night with God" in preparation for the weekly Divine Liturgy. The campers were encouraged to participate fully in the worship services and it truly was a leitourgia, a work of the people.
The last day of each camp session was markedly different from the preceding days. Following Divine Liturgy, campers went back to their cabins to prepare for a day of Olympics. The evening concluded with a Luau, and campers began saying "farewell" to their new friends. Saturday morning was always a bittersweet time as new friends said goodbye; however it was very uplifting to see the spiritual and emotional growth that took place during their week at camp. Campers formed new friendships, nurtured existing ones and grew in their relationship with Christ and His Church. These youth truly learned to "Embrace their Faith", and they are undoubtedly sharing it with others.
Summer Camp was led by Pete Sotiras, Director of Youth and Family Ministries for the Metropolis of San Francisco. A staff of 25 young adults served as counselors and activity coordinators during camp, along with many clergy from throughout the Metropolis who participated in the weekly activities.
Because of the popularity of this program, youth are encouraged to enroll early to secure their spot at Summer Camp 2008. Camper registration forms and Counselor Applications will be made available on the Metropolis Youth Website at: www.youth.sanfran.goarch.org.
4th Thursday after Pascha
