CATCHING
THE FAITH
We at the Department of Youth Ministries believe that our
Orthodox Christian Faith is "caught, not
taught". In other words, Christian friendship
teaches kids more about their faith than any book or
class. This Christian friendship is an increasingly
rare thing in the world and becoming harder to find, but
easy to find at camp!
Therefore,
summer camping ministry is critical for the for the life
of the Church today and for your child. Campers will
get to do in six camp days what they may not get to do all
year: pray with their friends, discuss their faith,
create life-long friendships, enjoy God's natural beauty,
experience what it is like to be away from home: all this
in a spiritually safe and familiar environment. Camp
is a place for self-discovery. It is a place to
appreciate the gifts that God gives us. It is a
place to experience Christian joy that will be remembered
for a lifetime.
SUMMER
CAMP: A PLACE FOR
MEANINGFUL
CAMP ADVENTURE
At "the Ranch" our staff works year-round
to create a stimulating, safe, and fun camping
environment. We begin by recruiting and
training young adults to serve as Orthodox Christian
youth ministers. We also recruit several
priests from around the Metropolis who take time
from their parish to serve the camp's sacramental
and educational needs. We work very hard to
make this camp a place of Christian teaching through
meaningful camp adventure. Be part of it!
SUMMER CAMP:
A PLACE FOR
FRIENDS, FUN AND FAITH
Come prepared for adventure: swimming,
hayrides, archery, canoeing, campfires, cowboy ropin',
and much more! Camp is a wonderful opportunity
to make new friends and renew old friendships.
Camp is also a time for young Orthodox Christians to
learn about their faith, values and heritage in a
fun and relaxed atmosphere.
A
TYPICAL SUMMER CAMP DAY
Begins at 7:00 am with the wake-up bell.
Campers, in their cozy dorm rooms, dress for the morning
chapel service. Following the service, a hearty
breakfast is served, kids go onto their first activity.
Throughout the day the kids follow a rotating schedule
filled with activities like arts and crafts, archery,
canoeing,
nature hikes, Orthodox Christian sessions, cowboy roping,
athletics, and the ever-popular swimming in our cool pool
(where life-guards are on duty)! At midday:
Lunch! At 5:00 vespers are held, followed by a
delicious dinner. Speaking of food, campers rave
every year about the food our chefs lovingly prepare:
barbecued chicken, hamburgers, spaghetti, apple pie and
(don't worry, mom) healthy vegetables. After dinner
begins the evening activity, which includes things like a
pool party
or a volleyball or basketball tournament. Every
night a campfire is held, where energetic songs are sung,
wacky skits are performed, and devotionals bring a
peaceful end to a busy day.
Do
you or does anyone you know want to be a paid staff member
at St. Nicholas Ranch Summer Camp 2008?
If you would like to apply to be a counselor at Summer
Camp 2008, please download and fill out the following
forms and mail them to Camp Director, Pete Sotiras at:
372 Santa Clara Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94127
