MY EXPERIENCE AS A CAMP COUNSELOR

 by Sarah Calamunci

This summer I received an unexpected blessing, the opportunity to serve as a camp counselor at St. Stephens Summer Camp.  Father Stavros asked me if I would be interested in volunteering as a counselor and I accepted, somewhat unsure of what to expect.  Now, I had heard only good things about the camp from Father, several YAL members who served as previous counselors, and some campers, so I knew I would make it through the week.  Despite all of the positive hype regarding camp, I was still anxious and worried about my camping experience.  All of my friends and family thought I was out of my mind agreeing to be a camp counselor for a host of reasons.  First of all, I am not the “camping type,” I’ve never been in my life.  In addition, like many adults in this fast paced world, I am constantly bogged down with the minutia that is life.  This summer in particular has been very hectic; between work, a post-graduate course, planning my wedding, and as selfish as this sounds, preparing to celebrate my birthday.  The idea of putting life on hold for a week was a bit scary. 

I attended camp during the third and final session.  I arrived in Salem, South Carolina Saturday afternoon and met the staff, all of whom were strangers to me.  Sunday arrived and brought all 100 campers with it.  I was a counselor in the senior girl’s cabin with sixteen girls in grades 10-12.  After meeting everyone and getting to know each other through several icebreakers the camp week was well under way. 

Each day was full of activities that we all participated in together as a cabin.  We learned church etiquette, beautiful hymns and fun songs in music class.  The “art ladies” taught us how to make tie-dyed t-shirts, icons, crosses, picture frames, and journals during arts and crafts.  Campers enjoyed swimming and canoeing in the serene lake.  We learned to trust each other and how to work as a team at Father Stavros’ infamous Ropes Course.  Through these activities the campers not only had fun but bonded very much like brothers and sisters.

More poignant than the “fun activities” were the opportunities for spiritual growth provided at St. Stephens.  Every morning after Orthros the whole camp participated in “Alone with God” time, a ten-minute silent prayer.  This time was very peaceful.  Having the chance to be surrounded by the beauty of nature and pray silently to God was a perfect start to the day.  Following breakfast, campers participated in Orthodox life, a Sunday school lesson taught to individual cabins by their designated priest. The small group setting was ideal because the campers were able to ask questions comfortably to a priest.  In the evening the individual cabins participated in “Hangtime,” time spent with a priest learning about Orthodoxy in today’s life.  The greatest moment at camp was Thursday, the day of confessions.  It was very moving to be with the campers as they quietly waited, deep in thought and reflection, preparing to walk down the hill to confess their sins.  Even more touching, was being there to hug them and dry their tears as they walked back up the hill after confession.  I’ll never forget that day.        

Throughout the week, the whole camp bonded.  We became a utopian Orthodox community: worshipping, praying, singing, laughing, crying, sharing meals, all as a family.  My birthday fell on the Tuesday I was at camp.  Having the opportunity to be a part of St. Stephens Summer Camp was undoubtedly the best birthday gift I have received.  I was given the chance to start the year off celebrating my Orthodox faith among new friends.  My hope is that I will remain involved with St. Stephens Summer Camp either directly as a counselor or indirectly through having my children attend someday.

Sarah Calamunci is a member of our church and also of YAL.  She will be getting married this September.   

St. Stephen’s Camp 2008 Reflections-By Diane Norcross, R.N.

“I Believe”:Our Creed and Theme for Summer Camp 2008

When Fr. Stavros asked me if I would consider volunteering as Camp Nurse I wanted to know more.  Maybe I could be both nurse and get to experience life as a camper too. Growing up in the Pittsburgh Orthodox community, there were no youth camps or retreats.  Being a kid at heart, I was eager to go to Camp.  What Fr. Stavros and his Team have created is an experience that no teen should miss.  Arriving at Camp and meeting the committed and very capable staff confirmed that I was meant to be a part of this very special week. 

A strong spirit of faith, worship, learning and sharing was always present.  As Camp Nurse, I had the opportunity to meet many wonderful kids and look after their medical needs-from stings to sunburns to special diets; these kids were there to have a great time in spite of a trip to the infirmary when they needed me. Driving around the Diakonia Center in my assigned golf cart in what became known as my clinic on wheels (ask me about our post-Olympics Excellent Adventure some time!) and watching these campers participate in a tough ropes course, trust games and activities centered around fellowship, athletics, teamwork and lots of fun was a pleasure and an honor.  We can be proud of our kids.  I also enjoyed getting to know our “Tampa boys’ better. 

I talked with campers about their health, home life and Greek heritage, as ice packs soothed sore muscles after Ultimate Frisbee and blindfolded dodge-ball!  Just thinking about the fun had by all brings a smile to my face. Not to mention the hilarious games and challenges during our very own 2008 Camp Olympics!  As I handed out medications at mealtime in the beautiful new dining hall at the Diakonia Center, and helped teach campers how to prayerfully prepare Prosphro. Over 100 loaves were prepared and sent home for campers to share with family or present at their home church the following morning. 

I gave thanks for the opportunity to do my part to make the campers experience special for them. Fr. Stavros can attest that as “Nurse Diane”, I was one busy lady.  I will tell you that as “Camp Mom” I felt more than a little pride as I got to know so many great kids and watch them develop lasting friendships and come to know our faith in a very special way.   I am also grateful for the opportunity to have met meet and worked with a great group of very special counselors, priests and staff members, all there to provide our kids with an Orthodox experience that they will always remember. 

 
Yes, I Believe.  I believe that God brought me to St. John in Tampa to become a part of something very special.  Summer Camp was an opportunity for me to worship in the open air Chapel, spend quiet prayerful moments along a tranquil lakeshore, and be there doing what I love-taking care of people.  I also believe that being Camp Nurse was God’s way to finally give this grown-up woman her own unique camp experience of giving and receiving so much!  Please consider volunteering your time next summer.  There’s plenty to do.  Parents and kids, remember to mark your calendar for Camp 2009.  I’ll see you there!   

Diane Norcross is a member of St. John, where she is a member of Philoptochos.  She works for LifePath Hospice.