Week Two began on Sunday, July 14th, with children coming from Pennsylvania, Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, and Canada. The week began with a warm welcome from staff, with counselors and campers running around the field, playing pickleball, 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. 

From traditional games like counselor hide and seek to more creative endeavors such as arts and crafts or kolo and music classes, there was always something to pique the interest of campers. Sports enthusiasts even participated in a counselor versus camper basketball and volleyball tournament. Campers were able to enjoy a hayride around the surrounding area of camp, a tradition Shadeland had over a decade ago. 

Shadeland is cherished for the sense of community and spiritual growth it fosters, and this year's camp was no exception, thanks in large part to the dedicated service of Father Vedran Garbic, Father Dragan Zaric, and Deacon Toso Sokolovic. 

Camp continues to run successfully under the leadership of Teta Millie, Teta Dee Dee, and Teta Marija. We are grateful for their devotion and love for camp, as it allows for campers, counselors, and volunteers to enjoy their time here. The exceptional team of counselors was led by Head Counselor Stana Topich. 

We appreciate all of the volunteers that come to help and allocate their time to camp. We want to thank the lovely group of women who worked in the kitchen and made sure we were never left hungry! There was much work to be done in and around the camp and church, and we are extremely grateful for the dads who helped. In addition to their regular duties, they were seen from morning until night completing extensive repairs and maintenance throughout camp and church: 

• Edged all sidewalks
• Trimmed the trees
• Power washed all sidewalks
• Repaired the freezer room light
• Cleaned out the gutters on all buildings
• Adjusted downspouts
• Fixed a leak in the girls cabin
• Secured a hayride

Shadeland is a place where faith and fun intersect, where friendships are forged, and where memories are made. It's a testament to the joy and vibrancy of living out one's faith in community, surrounded by nature's beauty and guided by spiritual teachings. For those who have experienced it, Shadeland remains a cherished chapter in their journey of faith and personal growth. 

We are now halfway through the 2024 season, which means we only have two more weeks left! We will be ending the Shadeland season with our Shadeland Most Holy Mother of God Monastery Estate Slava and the End of Camp Season celebration on Saturday, August 3rd. Please join us for Divine Liturgy and the Picnic that day! There will be a performance with singing, dancing, and musical entertainment to follow.