His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos is surrounded by campers and staff during Session 3 of Summer Camp
Summer Camp 2010 at Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center in Dunlap, CA attracted over 300 youth from the Metropolis of San Francisco. This year’s theme, “Claim Your Faith”, encouraged campers to actively live their faith in all aspects of their lives. Youth from Arizona, California, Hawaii, and Nevada attended camp and formed lasting friendships during their time together at Saint Nicholas Ranch. This year’s Summer Camp was expanded to four one-week sessions, with the fourth week exclusively for high school campers.
His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos visited the Ranch, and spent time leading the campers in prayer, as well as participating in various activities. “Every time I am surrounded by our youth, I am uplifted by their love for Christ and the Church. Their honesty and genuineness remind us that we must all become like children to enter into the Kingdom of God. The summer camp experience provided by Saint Nicholas Ranch is truly a blessing for everyone who attends, and I look forward to seeing the continued growth and progress of the ministry,” stated Metropolitan Gerasimos.
Each day began with a morning Orthros service, followed by many exciting activities including: archery, canoeing, theater, arts and crafts, aquatics, nature and athletics. Campers and staff gathered for Vespers every night, and then enjoyed a variety of evening activities including campfires, an ice cream social, star gazing, a luau, and skit night. Every Thursday evening was designated “Night with God” where campers participated in a more contemplative evening of prayer and confession in preparation for Divine Liturgy on Friday morning at the Monastery of the Theotokos the Life Giving Spring.
A highlight of each Summer Camp session was the Olympic Games which included such events as synchronized swimming, relay races, water balloon toss, and a scavenger hunt. Following an exhausting but exhilarating day of competition and fun, the winning teams were honored at an awards ceremony in the evening.
The director of Summer Camp was Michael A. Pappas, who also serves as the year-round director of Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center. Michael was assisted by co-program coordinators Yianni Smyrni from Roseville, CA who is attending Holy Cross School of Theology; and Michelle Hawe, Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries at Saint Anna Greek Orthodox Church in Roseville, CA. Camp counselors included students from Hellenic College/Holy Cross School of Theology, as well as young adults from California, Arizona, Illinois and New York. Seminarians and Hellenic College students on staff at Summer Camp from the Metropolis of San Francisco included: Ron Burkhard, George Demos, Sam Johnson, Nicole Smyrni, Mihai State, Demetrios Wilson, and Linda Wilson. Seminarians also led the chanting for the daily worship services.
Metropolitan Gerasimos speaks to the campers following Evening Vespers.
Campers participate in a water balloon toss at the Summer Camp Olympics.
Campers sing around the campfire.
4th Friday after Pascha
