The Diocese of Eastern America is excited to open St. Sava Camp in Shadeland, PA, for the 2023 season. We truly are blessed to have another camp season, and we want to thank everyone for their continuous support, love, and dedication towards the camp.

Week One started on Sunday, July 9th, with children in attendance from Serbia, Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, and Canada. The week began with a warm welcome from staff, with counselors and campers running around the field, playing basketball, and making bracelets. At the orientation bonfire, campers were reunited with old friends and started forming new friendships while making smores with their kumovi for the week. Led by Head Counselor Stana Topich, Fathers Rodney Torbic, Saša Nedić and Stefan Đorić, and with the assistance of an amazing group of counselors, campers were able to have a fun-filled, educational time at Shadeland. 

Throughout the week, in preparation for the commemoration of Sts. Peter and Paul, campers learned liturgical music and attended a kolač-making class. In the mornings, campers attend church, then go to their classes for the day: music, religion, kolo, and arts and crafts. Afternoons are scheduled for lively activities such as swimming, boating, and fishing at the lake, sports, and arts and crafts. Our campers finish the day with vespers and some sort of event (bowling, survivor-themed games, movie night, and a basketball tournament). Campers enjoy the end of the week with a full-day trip to Waldameer Park, and they get to show off their new kolo moves at the Friday Night Dance.

On Monday, we celebrated Father Rodney Torbic by declaring it "Father Rodney Day." His Grace Bishop Irinej attended Shadeland Camp and honored Father Rodney for his tremendous devotion to the camp, education and to the Church, on behalf of the Holy Synod of Bishops with the Order of St. Peter of Cetinje. Whether it was a simple "thank you" or a walkthrough with various pictures of Father Rodney, the camp made sure Father Rodney knew how much we appreciated him. We want to thank Father Rodney for being a staple at Shadeland and always putting a smile on our faces. You have made this first week a memorable experience for the camp! Please view the following citation from His Grace Bishop Irinej that speaks to Father Rodney’s many accomplishments:

The Very Reverend Protopresbyter-Stavrophor Rodney Torbich

Retired Priest residing in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania

The United States of America

The Highly Prestigious Award of the Serbian Orthodox Church

THE ORDER OF SAINT PETER OF CETINJE

As a sign of recognition for his active love for the Holy Mother Church,

which he has manifested through his missionary work, evangelization,

peacemaking, as well as his personal sacrifice.

We are grateful to have Teta Millie, Teta Dee Dee, Teta Marija, and Rudley Mrvos as the leadership team, who dedicate their summer to Shadeland’s successful operations. This first week of camp also went smoothly due to the generous volunteer support of the dedicated moms and dads, who cooked, cleaned, and were eager to help with any tasks needed. His Grace also offered an open dialogue lesson with the campers on current issues and the teaching of the Orthodox Church.

The 2023 season will continue with three more weeks of camp, ending with our Shadeland Most Holy Mother of God Monastery Estate Slava and the End of Camp Season celebration on Saturday, August 5th. Please join us for Divine Liturgy and the Picnic that day! There will be a performance with singing, dancing, and musical entertainment to follow. The road to Shadeland has officially opened!