Week 1 of St. Sava Camp began on Sunday, July 13, with Divine Liturgy celebrated by our beloved priest, Fr. Rodney. The service was enriched by the singing, altar serving, and chanting of our camp counselors. As check-in time approached, the excitement was unmistakable—campers hugged and laughed as they reunited with friends.

An industrious group of volunteers from St. Nicholas Church in Monroeville provided meals for the afternoon. This hardworking team is raising funds to support our monastery grounds, and their efforts were greatly appreciated.

Throughout the week, children from across the Eastern American Diocese and Canada came together to pray, learn about their Orthodox faith, and enjoy a variety of camp activities. Our dedicated team of young counselors, led by Stana Topich, included Sara Topich, Dara Barach, Nessa Wright, Maria Janiga, Anastasija Vukalo, Ana Winowich, Jelena Dragovich, Jovi Bajich, Petar Rabljenovic, Luke Malich, Philip Malich, and Michael Trklja. Lifeguards Jeli Dragovich and Milana Winowich worked diligently to keep all the children safe at the lake and pool each afternoon.

Daily lessons were led by Fr. Christopher Rocknage, Fr. Branislav Golic, Fr. Vladislav Golic, and Fr. Djordge Tomic. Each evening offered a new activity for the campers, including a carnival, bowling, a hayride, a trip to Waldameer Park, and the always-anticipated camp dance.

We were especially blessed to have His Grace, Bishop Irinej, with us on Monday and Tuesday. He brought beautiful altar covers, which he designed, crafted by Axios Atelier in Belgrade, which added to the beauty of our camp church. One of the highlights of that week was a religious education practicum. The eager teen campers, following a lesson on the Church and Holy Eucharist, assisted the Bishop and clergy in steaming and placing the new altar covers. 

Saturday is always bittersweet as campers prepare to return home. But we are comforted knowing that our beloved Shadeland will be waiting to welcome everyone back next year.