St Seraphim Orthodox Youth Camp is an annual opportunity for children and young people to experience Orthodox community living and mutual service. Daily prayer underpins every aspect of camp life, from the very first day when the whole site and each camper is blessed to the last day of camp which ends with a service of thanksgiving. Every day begins and ends with prayers in the camp chapel and grace is sung before and after every meal. The campers keep a modified fast on Wednesdays and Fridays as prescribed by the rules of the Church. On weekdays, there is a period of religious instruction or discussion with one of the resident clergy; at other times the campers are encouraged to participate in the service of the Church by singing in the choir, assisting the priest in the sanctuary, baking the prosphora and decorating the chapel.
The Divine Liturgy is celebrated every Sunday during camp and on the camp's patronal feast of St Seraphim of Sarov (1st August). The feast is celebrated with great spiritual joy, and the campers enjoy a magnificent banquet afterwards. Often the camp is blessed by the visit of our diocesan hierarch. On such occasions, the whole camp enjoys welcoming the bishop with great solemnity.
The campers are encouraged to participate in the Sacrament of Confession at least once during the course of the camp, and gentle guidance is offered to those who have not yet made their first confession. Fr Stephen and the other clergy are always available to listen, advise or simply talk to any camper who desires this.
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