Campers at St. Tikhon's Participate in Prayer, Recreation, and Orthodox Education

SOUTH CANAAN, PA — Campers at St. Tikhon's Summer Camp spent Wednesday immersed in worship, education, recreation, and fellowship as the annual Orthodox summer program continued its 2026 session with a full schedule of activities centered on spiritual growth and community life.

One of the day's highlights was the annual Dodgeball Tournament, a longstanding camp tradition that drew enthusiastic participation from campers and counselors alike. The evening event featured spirited competition, teamwork, and camaraderie, giving participants an opportunity to strengthen friendships through recreation after a day of prayer and study.

Earlier in the day, campers took part in workshops built around this year's theme, "Putting Off the Old Man and Putting On the New," exploring themes of repentance, spiritual renewal, and Christian life within the Orthodox tradition. Older campers, known as the Gray Shirts, attended a special session led by Abp. Michael of New York and New Jersey, who offered guidance and encouragement on living an authentic Orthodox Christian life.

The day also included the celebration of the Divine Liturgy at St. Tikhon's Monastery Church, where many campers received Holy Communion. During the afternoon, participants engaged in a variety of activities, including boating, swimming, iconography, dance, and visits to the camp bookstore.

Campers also toured the Metropolitan Museum of the Orthodox Church in America under the guidance of Fr. Paul Witek, rector of All Saints Church in Olyphant, Pennsylvania, and academic dean of St. Tikhon's Theological Seminary. The museum visit introduced campers to the history and missionary heritage of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA).

The day's activities concluded with the celebration of Vespers, served by Fr. Joseph Sharman, camp chaplain and associate priest at St. Michael the Archangel Church in Wilmington, Delaware.

Previously, the UOJ reported that Antiochian Village launched its 2026 summer season with Family Camp.