The first week of the 2024 season began with 76 children arriving from various parts of Canada and the United States filling our camp to full capacity.  The excitement of new and returning campers was a joyous sight to see.  Our head counselor for this season, Stana Topich, greeted the children along with her crew of counselors:  Sara Topich, Gia Vlajkovic, Mia Cirkic, Maria Janiga, Nessa Wright, Ruby Attar, Mira Kunzin, Petar Rabljenovic, Luka Vucak, Michael Trklja, Jovan Bajich, and Luka Djuric, and lifeguards Jelena Dragovich and Liya Sebastian all wearing matching yellow t-shirts that announced the theme of this summer:  #bethekindkid.  Hugs and smiles were abundant as friends, family, and kumovi unpacked and settled in.  

Sunday evening’s dinner began with a prayer led by Very Reverend Protopresbyter-Stavrophor Dr. Rodney Torbic, Reverend Presbyter Stefan Djoric, Reverend Presbyter Djordje Tomic, and Reverend Presbyter Njegos Perkovic, and the campers, counselors, and clergy dined on a delicious meal prepared by the loving hands of many mothers and grandmothers.  The children ended the evening with a bonfire where they gathered together in Orthodox fellowship.  

The sun arose on Monday morning and all campers and counselors headed to celebrate morning matins in our glorious church.  As the children headed down to the A building to sing the national anthems of Serbia, the United States, and Canada, the kitchen crew prepared the first bountiful meal.  Religion, singing, and kolo classes, along with arts and crafts, filled the day.  After evening matins and dinner, the children participated in a Hawaiian Luau full of games, face painting, and activities.  

Tuesday saw another fun-filled day that blossomed new friendships through our Orthodox faith.  After evening matins, the children, counselors, clergy, and parents headed to bowling with a birthday celebration back at camp.  Even though we saw some overcast and rainy skies on Wednesday, it never dampened the spirits of anyone as the children gathered to play games and watch an evening movie together.  

Our Thursday trip to Waldameer water park and amusement park brought even more smiles and laughter giving the children an opportunity to bond with each other as they make lasting memories.  We sadly saw Friday arrive but were able to celebrate the feast of St. Peter and Paul with Hierarchical Divine Liturgy served by His Grace Bishop Irinej.  The children made the most of every minute with classes, swimming, basketball, and arts and crafts and ended our evening with the traditional Friday night dance!  

As our campers departed Saturday morning, there were hugs and smiles through tears because St. Sava Camp Shadeland gives children the opportunity to form lifelong friendships based on a Serbian Orthodox Christian foundation.  For many, many years, children who grew into adults found deep connections to our faith and churches through the spiritual guidance of the many priests and bishops who led the way at our beloved camp.