UKRAINIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH OF THE USA
CONSISTORY OFFICE OF YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY
PRESS RELEASE

Teenage Conference 2009 Concludes 51st Encampment on High Note!

Teenagers 13-18 and staff from across our diocese converged on All Saints Camp from July 5-18th to rediscover what “they believe”.  The campers discovered the ecumenical councils of the early church, the formation of the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed, and explored what they and the church believe on life issues.

The program developed by Spiritual Director Fr. John Harvey and Natalie Kapeluck Nixon evolved around the 2009-2010 Office of Youth & Young Adult Ministry theme, “I Believe”.   The campers and staff experienced new and exciting events as well as enjoying old favorites.  Highlights of the two-weeks included: Special visitations by His Eminence Archbishop Antony and His Grace Bishop Daniel, Prayer Trail refurbishment and Saint Workshop, Daily Living Orthodox and I Believe Workshops, 80’s Retro Dance and Dancing with the Stars, Ukie Olympics (with the new water slide obstacle course), game night, Camper’s Choice Night, swimming, Ukrainian Night Performance, Singing with Fr. Hladio, Basketball Finals and Skit night.

The encampment also worked on its contribution to the Camping Programs Liturgical CD project and the I Believe DVD short film project.  Order forms for the CD will be available in August.

TC Unplugged is a camp favorite which was enhanced by a special performance by Ukrainian vocalist/bandurist Nadia Tarnawsky (faculty member of Cleveland Institute of Music) and Brandon Vance (two- time National Scottish Fiddle Champion).  The campers and staff also participated in the open-mic portion of the evening.

A very special occasion for the encampment was hosting Dr. Gayle Woloschak, parishioner of St. Peter & St. Paul in Palos Park, Director of the Zygon Institute for Religion and Science and professor at Northwestern University, as a guest speaker discussing Faith and Science. 

Teenage Conference 2009 will take place July 11-24th with applications available in January.  Our camping season will conclude with Mommy & Me/Daddy & Me Camp August 3-7th. For more information about our camping ministry go to www.uocyouth.org or contact the Consistory Office of Youth & Young Adult Ministry at uocyouth@aol.com or 412-279-1076.