From July 20-27, 2024, with the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop and Metropolitan Nicolae, a special camp for boys was held at the Protection of the Mother of God Monastery in Allegan, Michigan. During the camp, the boys had an unforgettable educational and spiritual experience, harmoniously blending prayer with a variety of recreational and educational activities.
The camp’s program included catechesis sessions with various themes: The Fruits of the Holy Spirit - the central theme of the camp, and Explanation of the Divine Liturgy and the Rite of the Proscomidia, where the children learned about faith, moral values and the rites of the Orthodox Church, as well as about various prayer times including: the Divine Liturgy, the Eucharist, Vespers, Matins, Akathists, Evening and Morning Prayers, giving them the opportunity to strengthen their own spiritual life.
In addition to the religious activities, participants enjoyed nature walks exploring the beauties around the monastery and participated in music classes and movie nights, developing their artistic skills and cultural sensitivity.
Logic and math games were also part of the program, stimulating children's critical thinking and creativity. In the plastic and decorative arts workshops, the boys expressed their artistic talent and created beautiful works: the Icon of the Protection of the Mother of God, clay crosses and bracelets, in developing their skills and appreciation for arts and crafts.
Sports activities were not missing, giving the children the opportunity to participate in exercise and learn the importance of an active and healthy lifestyle. A special highlight of the camp was a visit to a nearby farm, where the boys had the opportunity to learn about farm life, interacting with the animals and discovering agricultural processes.
The campfire was a special highlight, giving the participants the opportunity to socialize, share stories, enjoy the warm, friendly atmosphere and taste the wonderful chocolate marshmallows.
The event was honored by the presence of His Eminence Archbishop and Metropolitan Nicolae, who offered words of encouragement and blessing to the participants, emphasizing the importance of spiritual and moral values in the formation of young people. On the eve of the feast of St. Panteleimon, the hierarch celebrated the Akatist of the Saint Panteleimon together with the boys participating in the camp and explained to them what it means to be a holy unmercenary saint, along with other pilgrim aspects of the life of St. Panteleimon.
The camp ended with a deep sense of fulfillment and joy for all participants, who went home with precious memories, new friendships and a better understanding of spiritual and moral values. The organizers expressed their wish to continue this camp, thus giving children the opportunity to grow harmoniously, both spiritually and intellectually.
