A JOYFUL FINALE TO SHADELAND CAMP SEASON 2026 –SHADELAND PATRONAL FEAST AND DIOCESAN DAY PICNIC

The fourth and final week of Shadeland Camp 2026 began on August 2, bringing with it the excitement of a special week filled with music, dancing, faith and fellowship. For many campers, this was their second week of camp during the summer, making the week a wonderful opportunity to reunite with friends and counselors, and create even more memories together.

The campers were especially excited to welcome back former Head Counselor Stana, who returned to Shadeland as the music instructor for the week. They were also thrilled to have Mia back as their dance instructor. Under their guidance, the campers worked hard each day learning their songs and dances in preparation for the much-anticipated Saturday program. The musicians practiced late into the evenings, working together to make sure everything was ready for the final performance.

Although the weather was rainy throughout much of the week, the campers' spirits remained high. The rain brought a change to the usual schedule, with the campers visiting Waldameer on Tuesday and heading to Plaza Lanes for bowling on Thursday afternoon. It turned out to be a particularly memorable bowling trip when the campers discovered that they were the only group in the bowling alley. The owner, Ramon, was wonderfully accommodating and played Serbian music for the campers, which soon led to kolo dancing throughout the bowling alley! Ramon was so impressed with the campers’ love of their culture that he came on Saturday to see the program.

In addition to rehearsing, the campers continued with traditions that make Shadeland so special. They prayed together, participated in religious instruction and enjoyed the many familiar camp activities that fill each summer week. Lesson plans for Religious Education classes were prepared by the Dr Srdjan Maksimovic, Diocesan Education Commission Coordinator. In particular, the lesson on AI and Technology from an Orthodox Christian point of view sparked much interest and fascination. The Bishop and clergy were on hand to answer all the questions of inquisitive minds.

Shadeland continues to be a truly special place. There is something powerful about attending church services during the week and hearing 75 children and young adults praying and singing Uskliknimo together. The same spirit can be felt when nearly 100 people gather in the A Building and raise their voices together in the prayers before meals. In these moments, everyone can feel the presence of the Holy Spirit and the loving intercession of St. Sava in this very special place.

On Friday evening, all volunteers, along with His Grace Bishop Irinej and the clergy, were treated to a special sneak peek of Saturday's program. As the campers performed the songs and dances, which they had worked so hard to learn, with a special tribute to America’s 250^th Anniversary of Independence. There were very few dry eyes under the pavilion that evening. It was a beautiful preview of what was to come.

Saturday morning brought clergy and faithful from throughout the Diocese to Shadeland for Hierarchical Divine Liturgy and the celebration of the Shadeland Estate Patronal Feast – Slava, the Venerable Mother Angelina of Krushedol. His Grace initiated the tradition of honoring from among the counsellors and/or senior campers, Kumovi – Patrons for the Slava celebration.  Co-head counselors Nessa Wright and Luke Torbic were chosen by the camp staff as the first in hopefully a long line of Kumovi to stand for our Slava celebration. After the conclusion of the Holy Liturgy, His Grace deigned to bless the newly acquired Springboro Township fire engine and emergency vehicle. Following Liturgy and lunch, the campers gathered under the pavilion dressed in their beautiful narodne nošnje to present the program they had spent the week preparing.

Each group performed wonderfully, and the crowd responded with enthusiastic applause and cheers. The joy and pride on the faces of the campers, instructors, counselors, families and volunteers made it clear just how special this final day of camp was.

If you missed the performance, be sure to visit the Diocese YouTube page to see our talented campers share their music and dances.

All too quickly, the 2026 Shadeland Camp season came to an end. From the first campers arriving in July to the final performance in August, the summer was filled with faith, friendship, laughter, music and memories that will last a lifetime.

Shadeland continues to be a special place—a place where young people grow in their faith, build lifelong friendships, and experience the joy of being part of the Diocesan family. While the 2026 camp season may be over, one thing remains certain: St. Sava Camp will continue to be everyone's favorite summer destination for many years to come!

Until next summer, remember: All Roads Lead to Shadeland!