On July 28, the much anticipated week 4 of Shadeland began. Campers from all over the East coast, along with campers from Detroit, Canada, and Chicago, began arriving around noon. The excitement was felt everywhere as campers new and old were reunited. The evening began with the traditional bonfire. Head Counselor, Stana Topich, told the campers their rules for the week as well as how the week was structured. Soon after the campers love of kolo dancing and singing was apparent as instead of s’mores around the fire, there was kolo dancing and singing along to our young accordion players. 

Monday morning started like all mornings at St. Sava Camp, in our beautiful church thanking God for our many blessings. Thanks to Father Milan Pajic, Father Dragoslav Kosic, and Fr. Nebojsa Varagic for leading us in prayer each day and night. After a delicious breakfast, the work began. Campers attend classes to learn the songs and dances for the perfomance as well as religious instruction. At lunch, you could hear the campers discussing their excitement about the choices Mia Cirkić, instructor, made for the season. 

The week passed so quickly. The campers were joyful all week learning new dances, singing songs, praying, and doing camp activities like swimming, boating and sports. Bowling and Waldmaeer continue to be a highlight each week. 

On Friday, the campers worked hard all day to prepare for the Saturday performance. It was extremely hot, but they all worked tirelessly toward the common goal of making the 2024 show one of the best. At 7:30, the parents and clergy were treated to a sneak peak into the performance.  Up until this point, parents are not allowed to attend the dance rehearsals. There were many tears of pride as the children showcased their talents. It is a great joy to watch how the campers work together under their directors to accomplish learning a complete dance in four days time. Stana Topich introduced a new song this summer. She and her family vacationed in Serbia this summer and toured Hram Svetog Save. They were able to meet with the choir directress and Stana told her about our camp and asked for a song for the children. Katarina Stankovic shared with Stana the beautiful song “Evo Gospoda” which she taught to our children this summer. 

On Saturday, Hierarchical divine liturgy was served with faithful attending from near and far along with the campers. Toward the conclusion of the liturgy, His Grace blessed a new fire engine and emergency vehicle for the Springboro Fire Department. After liturgy, traditional picnic food was served by members of the Circle of Serbian Sisters.  At 2:00 the much anticipated program began. The children performed beautifully to the roar of the crowd that gathered to watch them. They are our future and we are all so proud of them.

This summer the counseling staff had a unique quality. Every counselor was a former camper at Shadeland. Combined with the clergy that attended camp, Teta Millie, Teta Dee Dee, Teta Maca, and His Grace, Bishop Irinej~ this group had a combined 267 years of camp attendance. A testament to the love we all have for our St. Sava Camp. 

As all other weeks we are grateful to our volunteer kitchen staff that works so hard to prepare the meals for the children. Led by Janice Dean, this group prepared three hot meals a day for 85 campers and also prepared extra food for the picnic on Saturday. Everyone agrees, all food tastes better from the Shadeland kitchen. The kitchen staff, along with the children,also prepared 50 lunch bags each week that were delivered to The Upper Room, a local homeless shelter. During week four we did not have any dad volunteers. We need to give special recognition to our “Camp Dads” for the week who fixed two faucets, mopped the dining hall each night, grilled at the park and took the garbage out regularly. Thanks to Maria Stone, Lori Bajich, and Natalie and Grace Dean for filling this role. 

We are all anxiously awaiting next summer when we reunite at our beloved St. Sava Camp.