Metropolis of San Francisco Summer Camp Focuses on God’s Creation

August 20, 2009

Summer Camp at Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center in Dunlap, CA attracted nearly 300 youth from the Metropolis of San Francisco. This year's theme, "God's Green Earth", focused of caring for God's creation, protecting the environment, and appreciating the beauty of nature. Youth from Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada and Oregon attended camp and formed lasting friendships during their time together at Saint Nicholas Ranch.

His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos visited the camp, and was uplifted by the warmth and love of the children. "It is a special joy for me to be with our youth and watch them grow in their love for the Lord through their experiences at Summer Camp", stated Metropolitan Gerasimos. "We are blessed with a beautiful facility in Saint Nicholas Ranch and the steady growth of our program over these past several years is a testimony to our dedicated staff, and also a clear demonstration that our parents want their children to participate in a Christ-centered camp."

The camp day was filled with many exciting activities: arts and crafts, nature hikes, canoeing, theater, athletics and aquatics. All youth participated in an Orthodox Life session each day, led by Metropolis clergy who offered their time to minister to the campers. Each week to further emphasize the camp theme, campers took a trip to the nearby Kings Canyon Sequoia National Park where they witnessed the majestic giant trees, some of which are estimated to be over 2,000 years old.

Summer Camp wouldn't be complete without the annual Olympic Games which included such events as synchronized swimming, relay races, water balloon toss, and a scavenger hunt. An awards ceremony was held to honor the winning team later in the evening.

The evenings at camp also offered a wide array of events including a Luau, campfire, ice cream social, and a Night with God in preparation for the weekly Divine Liturgy. A highlight of the camp week is the performance of skits where campers showcased their theatrical and musical talents.

The director of Summer Camp was Michael Pappas, who also serves as the year-round director of Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center. Michael was assisted by co-program coordinators Michelle Hawe and Tyrone Emery. Camp counselors included students from Hellenic College/Holy Cross School of Theology, as well as young adults from California, Oregon, Arizona and Illinois.

Plans are already beginning for Summer Camp 2010, including offering an even broader scope of activities, and an expanded camp schedule. For more information, visit the Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center website at www.stnicholasranch.org.

 

PHOTOS

 

Summer Camp 2009 Session II - Metropolitan Gerasimos (center) with campers, counselors and clergy at Saint Nicholas Ranch.

Synchronized Swimming - Campers participate in Synchronized Swimming as part of the Summer Camp Olympics.

Sequoia Field Trip - Friends at camp prepare for their field trip to Kings Canyon Sequoia National Park.

Canoes - Campers enjoy canoeing on the recently restored lake at Saint Nicholas Ranch.

Summer Camp Staff 2009 visiting Kings Canyon Sequoia National Park.