Arts Fusion Week 2025 – A Celebration of Faith, Creativity, and Friendship
Arts Fusion Week 2025 was a beautiful blend of faith, fellowship, and artistic exploration that left campers inspired and ready to use their God-given talents to glorify Him and share their gifts with others.
Each day there were hands-on classes in dance, music, drama, and visual arts led by our talented instructors. Campers learned drawing and sketching basics, explored perspective in Byzantine iconography, worked on intentional stylization, and prepared stunning final projects for our closing exhibition.
Music sessions filled the air with joyful sounds, from vocal warmups to practicing harmonies and dynamics, polishing songs for the final performance. Campers learned and performed a rousing rendition of “Fix My Eyes,” by For KING + COUNTRY, complete with guitars and a percussion section. They also learned a beautiful version of the Cherubic Hymn from Kwethluk, Alaska, where St. Olga lived and was recently glorified, and a lovely Hymn to the Theotokos.
Dance classes got everyone moving—sometimes in unison, sometimes in creative improvisation. Campers and staff enjoyed learning or brushing up on the Mambo, the Electric Slide, and the Chicken Polka, which was definitely a laughter-filled favorite.
The “Arts Fusion Drama Club” met regularly, sparking imagination and teamwork. The group put together a hilarious skit called, “The Case of the Missing Marshmallows,” which they performed for an amused audience at the Talent Show on Friday evening.
Each day was grounded in prayer and spiritual learning and growth. There were chapel services twice daily, which included a Moleben, Matins, Vespers, an Akathist, and Divine Liturgy with His Eminence Archbishop Michael. Religious education, focused on the Sacraments, wove everything together, and helped campers to see how the arts and using our talents can be an offering to God.
Afternoons gave time for swimming, games and electives, including kayaking, sports, crafts, and chanting. On Wednesday, campers also enjoyed a refreshing trip to Green Lakes State park, where they enjoyed a picnic lunch, a hike around the uniquely gorgeous, geological feature, swimming at the beautiful sandy beach, and concessions.
Evenings were full of unforgettable moments such as a joyful opening campfire and cookout by our beautiful lake, a challenging and laughter-filled escape room, a meaningful Q&A session with Archbishop Michael, a tropical-themed luau, with a delectable Hawaain dinner, a beautiful and delicious cake, hula dancing lessons and lots of other dancing and fun. And of course, our culminating event, the Talent & Variety Show and Art Exhibition was a tremendous hit. Campers shared their talents and the fruits of their week’s work—every performance and piece of art a testament to their growth, creativity, and courage.
As we closed the week, it was clear that Arts Fusion Week had done more than teach artistic skills—it had strengthened friendships, deepened faith, and reminded us all that beauty and joy are meant to be shared.
We can’t wait to see how our campers continue to use their gifts to glorify God—until next summer!