[Jewell, NY] - In the first week of this month, teens from across the Diocese and beyond gathered at St. Andrew’s Camp for a week filled with faith, fellowship, and unforgettable memories.  

The week began with a Moleben for the Beginning of any Good Work, setting the tone for a prayerful and Christ-centered week. In addition to regular daily services, like Matins and Daily Vespers, an Akathist to St. Olga of Alaska and the Akathist Glory to God For All Things were served. Campers also had the blessing of celebrating a beautiful Liturgy for the Feast of the Transfiguration with His Eminence Archbishop Michael. 

Throughout the week, team-building games, in addition to being fun and often bringing on the laughs, helped campers strengthen old friendships and form new ones. Creative projects like making “God Boxes” encouraged reflection and expression of faith, while the popular tie-dye afternoon left everyone with colorful reminders of camp. Later in the week, campers turned their attention outward, creating heartfelt cards for nursing home residents and shut-in clergy as part of their service project.

There was no shortage of activity during the week! From games and sports and an all-out water war to themed challenges like “Chopped,” there was something for everyone. A special highlight was the day trip to Seabreeze Amusement Park, complete with lots of rides, games, snacks, and laughter. And no camp week would be complete without a campfire and s’mores!

Alongside all the fun, Teen Week offered campers the chance to deepen their understanding of the faith. Daily Religious Education sessions were as fun and engaging as they were educational. Classes even included a live board game to help players learn more about the parts of the Liturgy and how it applies to our lives, and an amazing Orthodox Jeopardy complete with buzzer buttons and sound effects. Also, an evening Q&A with Archbishop Michael, gave teens the chance to ask big questions and explore what it means to live as Orthodox Christians today.
The last night of camp ended with a lively “Groovy”-themed dance that had everyone boogying with their best retro moves. The evening closed with the beloved camp-favorite song, ‘Country Roads,’ as everyone joined arm-in-arm in a great circle, singing and swaying together. In that moment, the spirit of camaraderie and the genuine care for one another was unmistakable, perfectly capturing the essence of the entire week.
Teen Week 2025 was more than just a week at camp—it was a time to grow closer to Christ, strengthen bonds of friendship, and discover the joy of living our faith together. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back next summer for another unforgettable week at St. Andrew’s Camp!