Summer Camp is an experience that every child should have, and the nearly 270 youth from the Metropolis of San Francisco who attended camp at St. Nicholas Ranch in Dunlap, CA are richer in their faith, friendships and culture because of their participation. The theme for the 2008 Metropolis Camp was "Generation XC: Every Generation Needs its Heroes", with this theme being relevantly applied in the campers' daily Orthodox Challenge sessions where youth learned that they are the heroes of their generation and need to emulate Christ and His good works so that our world can be enlightened by the Gospel of the Lord. Over 260 youth attended the three one-week camp sessions held during July 2008. The Metropolis was well represented with campers coming from throughout the state of California, as well as from Arizona, Hawaii, Nevada, and Oregon. His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos was in attendance during the third week of camp, participating in daily prayer services, camp activities and engaging the youth in dialogue about their faith, culture and their camp experience.
Each camp day began with Orthros, followed by a variety of daytime sessions including: Orthodox Challenge, Swimming, Music, Theater, Games, 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 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.
Summer Camp was led by Pete Sotiras, Director of Youth and Family Ministries for the Metropolis of San Francisco, assisted by Co-Program Directors Deacon Jason Roll and Michelle Hawe, who also served as Camp Administrator. A staff of over 30 young adults served as counselors and activity directors during camp, along with many clergy from throughout the Metropolis who participated in the weekly sessions. Staff members included seven seminarians from Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, as well as young adults from outside the Metropolis from the states including Colorado, Illinois and Virginia.
Dates for the 2009 Metropolis of San Francisco Summer Camp at St. Nicholas Ranch are already underway. Look for more information in the coming months on the Metropolis Youth Website at: www.youth.sanfran.goarch.org.
4th Thursday after Pascha
