Nearly 40 children and adults gathered on Friday and Saturday,  August 19-20, at the 2nd Annual Parish Campout at Annunciation Parish in Brick NJ.  Campers began arriving at 5pm, setting up tents on the parish grounds as the storm clouds thickened.  A dinner of spaghetti with clam and marinara sauces along with salad was enjoyed in the church school building as a few rain drops fell.  After dinner, when Bishop Michael arrived through torrential rains from Saint Tikhon’s Seminary, the storm clouds seemed to blow away.

All gathered around the camp fire under a starry night to sing songs, listen to a presentation about Saint Herman’s life, play “Ask the Bishop,” and make and enjoy s’mores.  Before turning in, everyone assembled in the church for evening prayers.  Bishop Michael and Father Gary Breton (parish rector) said a few words, and His Grace gave a blessing to each camper.  Saturday began with morning prayers in church followed by a hearty breakfast of bacon and eggs.  All then listened to a presentation by a parishioner about his recent trip to Project Mexico.   Tents were taken down and plans began for next year’s campout.  A good time was had by all!