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

Mommy and Me/Daddy and Me Celebrates Largest Encampment to Date!

In its ninth year, the Mommy and Me/Daddy and Me program continued to grow with 72 total participants and staff. Our families (children ages 4-8 and their parents) and staff represented over ten different parishes, several jurisdictions, and two countries. This year’s program was planned by Co-Directors Kira Senedak and Denise Spoganetz, under the guidance of Spiritual Advisor V. Rev. Taras Naumenko and focused on the theme “I Believe…”

Families arrived Monday afternoon and spent the evening getting acquainted and settled into cabins. On Tuesday morning, participants walked the beautiful Prayer Trail learning how the saints depicted on the trail showed their belief in the Orthodox Faith. Wednesday and Thursday mornings were spent in classes for the children and workshops for the adults. The children focused on what it means to believe through stories, crafts, and songs. Parents enjoyed workshops from guest speakers Natalie Kapeluck Nixon, Director of the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry and iconographer, Michael Kapeluck.

Evening events at MMDM are a special treat for parents and children alike. Campfires were held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings where families enjoyed singing, s’mores, and Fr. Taras’s special skits. On Wednesday, families worked together to design and decorate an “illuminated” copy of the Nicene Creed.  This was followed by a special “Parents’ Night Out” in the pool area where adults enjoyed food, fellowship and some much needed relaxation, while their children were under the watchful eyes of the staff.

Other highlights of the week included “bee” bag Olympic events and a recording session for the UOCCP CD project (available later this year). This CD will include favorite church hymns sung by participants of all three UOCCP encampments. Pool time and the adults vs. All Saints Camp Staff basketball game were also favorite activities.

Tentative dates for next summer are August 2-6, 2010. We look forward to celebrating our 10th encampment! 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.