St. Elijah Day Camp Continues Since 1977

      Father Stevan Stepanov initiated the first day camp at St. Elijah Serbian Orthodox Church in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania in 1977. The day camp held each June is an effort to bring the children of the parish together to grow in the Church.

    The day camp offers classes on various topics and activities with the priest, church school teachers and knowledgeable adults within the parish. The day camp serves to build relationships within the parish along with learning experiences.

    This year Father Njegos Perkovic has continued the practice of holding the day camp as did his predecessors. The camp was held on June 12-14, 2024. This year’s theme was “God’s Grace.” Lessons focused on the topics of: What is God’s Grace? What are Examples of God’s Grace? God’s Grace in Our Daily Lives, and How to Emulate God’s Grace.

   In addition to the class lessons, the campers played minature golf, went swimming and enjoyed games and other recreational activities. Daily prayers were held and the campers attended Divine Liturgy on the Feast of the Ascension.

    Georgette Osman has organized the camp’s activities for twenty-two years. The camp has had great helpers each year. In addition to Father Njegos and Georgette, this year the following adults helped make the camp successful: Gordana Kodic, Susan Hayden, Adam Loverich, Veda Radakovic, Marianne Rosati, Robert Marshall, Cindy Trkulja and Katerina Ilic.

   Several of the helpers are church school teachers during the school year. The day camp serves to provide continuity and strengthens the Christian education effort of the parish.

   The day camp adds to the healthy atmosphere of the parish and more fully integrates the children and adults into the daily life of the Church. Attending the Divine Liturgy on the Feast of the Ascension added joy to the festal celebration.

   Growing up in today’s world is a great challenge. The day camp is a way to strengthen the campers and prepare them for life’s challenges. The day camp is a great support for parents in their effort to raise their children as Christians.

  God has blessed the St. Elijah Day Camp since 1977 as a healthy part of St. Elijah Church. Father Stepanov, Father Milan Krstic and Father Branislav Golic continued the practice of holding the camp down through the years.

    Thank God for the abundant blessings derived from the camp. Thank God for Father Njegos, Georgette Osman and this year’s adult helpers that made the camp a reality. Thank the parents for wisely choosing to have their children attend camp.

Father Rodney Torbic