All Saints Camp here will be the site of the second annual camping experience—the Saint Nicholas Program—for Orthodox Christian youth, ages nine through 19, with disabilities and their families June 19-22, 2017.
Sponsored by the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA [UOCUSA], the camp program is designed for parents and their children with disabilities to spend time together in an Orthodox family environment.
“Campers are introduced to camp life at while parents are given the opportunity to meet fellow Orthodox parents who are tackling the same challenges in today’s world,” explained Natalie Kapeluck Nixon, UOCUSA Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry. “All aspects of the program are designed to give youth with disabilities an optimal experience through sensory friendly daily prayer services, modified learning Church school lessons, parent workshops and discussions, parent/child sports, crafts, singing, dancing, bonfires, quiet activity time, scavenger hunts, and swimming, just to mention a few of the activities.
“We are thrilled to be once again offering this mini-camp to serve our youth with disabilities and their families,” Natalie continued. “Our hope is to provide the campers with a positive camping experience, deepening their faith and a place for the parents and family to find rest and community.”
Among the parent speakers will be Presvytera Melanie DiStefano. A graduate of Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, Brookline, MA and a member of the faculty of Holy Trinity Orthodox Christian Academy, Warren, OH, she is a frequent speaker and author on the topic of family, disability and the Church. Her workshop topic will be “The Image of Christ in Your Child.”
A new feature for this year’s program enables families to have the option to participate in the full four-day program or to attend for a single day.
“We are also looking for individuals interested being on staff for this program,” Natalie added. “Paid and volunteer positions are available and pre-camp training will be required. Please encourage your faithful to participate in this program as campers and staff.”
Further information and registration is available on-line or by contacting uocyouth@aol.com or 412-977-2010. An informational brochure is also available.
