“Every athlete excercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an
imperishable one.” [1 Corinthians 9:24-27]
“An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.” [2 Timothy 2:5]
This summer at St. Andrews Camp was our first ever fully sports-themed week, where campers
enjoyed a wide variety of athletic activities on campus. God blessed us with beautiful weather and good
health so that campers and staff could learn and develop their skills without any interruptions from the
weather.
Each day at camp included services in the chapel such as daily Matins and Vespers, Divine
Liturgy with Abp. Michael, and an Akathist to the recently glorified St. Olga Matushka of All Alaska,
followed by extended elective periods which offered an opportunity for greater skill building. Many
campers enjoyed time practicing Archery, others on our kayaks on the lake, as well as variety sports on
the athletic field, and arts & crafts. Camp wide games occurred daily including wiffle ball, volleyball,
soccer, flag football, kickball, and Australian football, as well as a rousing game of Capture the Flag
with water guns and water balloons!
Tuesday evening's fishing trip in the camp rowboats saw 10 campers casting their lines in hopes
of reeling in some fresh fish, which unfortunately yielded no catches but was still a fun time for
fellowship and learning. Then the campers had the opportunity to sleep in tents around the campfire
and share stories and s'mores into the night.
Throughout the camp dining hall were posters of Orthodox Christian professional athletes from
around the world, showing campers that even athletes at the top of their sport were able to share their
faith with the world, give back to their communities, and glorify God for the great gifts of talent that
they have received. Campers learned about Orthodox athletes such as tennis star Novak Djokovic,
Olympic gymnast Nadia Comeniece, NBA basketball champion Giannis Antetokounmpo, NHL hockey
star Jaromir Jagr, NFL star Troy Polamalu, and many others.
The camp field trip on Wednesday had campers enjoying a round of miniature golf, an
adventure maze, and a treasure dig, before returning to camp for Great Vespers with Abp. Michael. The
campers and staff had the opportunity to learn from a variety of clergy throughout the week in the daily
religious education classes, including his Eminence Abp. Michael, Fr. Paul Federoff, Fr. Joel Brady,
and Fr. Vasil Dubee, where they made icons of the Theophany and had them blessed, learned about the
Sacraments, and turned the camp Chapel into a vineyard with wild grape vines.
Overall it was an incredible week at St. Andrews Camp full of activity and fun, with lots of new
friendships made and new experiences for all of the campers!