Between 20 - 25 August 2018 took place in Vancouver at St. Nicholas and St. Prophet Elijah Parish, the seventh edition of the summer camp.
The camp was held in the presence and with blessing of His Grace Bishop Ioan Casian. The hierarch was received Sunday morning August 19th with bread and salt. The Divine Liturgy followed, followed by the picnic.
Here below it is the Saturday's synthetic presentation by Robert Cioatã and Daria Gârboan during the final show with adapted plays by the four groups: VE-RO-NI-CA:
Robert Cioatã:
The success of last year’s camp drew up the anticipation and excitement for 2018 and a new camp experience. Through every year, we grew closer and learned about each other and I hoped for this year to be the same. While we may have been smaller in numbers we are just as big in spirit. Starting off the camp, we enjoyed each other's company on Monday around a big breakfast. We shared stories with no shortage of laughter, all while nearly forgetting we were there to eat. We played games and posed for photos and I was elected leader, thankfully, by choice. We got to know each other through some icebreakers, which tested our memory and got us to describe ourselves as concisely as possible. We went to Port Kells Park and hopped in the pool. We shivered out and got loaded with snacks. And all throughout the day, we never forgot to laugh. Despite all the smoke, we connected with nature and convinced each other that we had walked the same bridge 4 times. Then we ended the day with another delicious meal, and of course with no shortage of laughter and forgetting to eat.
I didn’t realize how much we did on Monday, it went by so quickly. I’m not even sure I remember Tuesday. Daria interrupts.
What are you talking about? Tuesday felt packed!
Tuesday, just like the first day, started off with a morning prayer, the idea of this is to start our day with God, because we can't do anything without him. Later on, that day, we went to Whonnock Lake where we all had lots of fun swimming, kayaking, playing volleyball and lots more. We spent lots of time laughing and watching our friends’ kayak, the adventurous of us trying it out for ourselves. We had fun running through the water and jumping off the docks. We explored and got to look up and enjoy the blue sky. To thank God for the second day’s amazing experience, we ended off with the evening prayer and that was the end of an amazing second day. How about you Robert?
Robert: Oh yeah! That refreshed my memory, I think I can remember Wednesday now, especially that it was my brother Patrick’s birthday. And for his birthday, we went to the zoo, which seemed like the perfect match for an animal lover like him. We prepared with a scrumptious breakfast and then it was off to the zoo. We had an awesome tour guide, which took us to see animals like Lions, Giraffes and even Hippos up close and personal. To the detriment of the two people who put their hands up, we did the regular tour in place of learning about special animal adaptations. As we moved through the tour we met exotic animals at every turn. Some small like the turtle or tortoise as we learned it is called, which luckily, Nico didn’t bring his buttercups to feed it. As we moved through the park we found coins wedged in gaps and had Cristi wedge them out. We saw bears eating peanut butter and hippos as big as a car. The entertainment didn’t end there, because even animals as sweet as little goats would pull moves that seemed like they belonged in wrestling. As we returned from the fun, tired, but happy, we ate mac and cheese, which of course was a welcome treat and we all made new memories that I’m sure we won’t forget for a long time to come.
Daria: So you do remember!
Robert: Yeah, but Thursday’s still a little flaky, all I remember is getting a bunch of water in my ears.
Daria: Then let me tell you about Thursday. We had the Divine Liturgy, which made us all feel closer to God, then it was all fun from there. Speaking about fun, we all were going to Cultus Lake Waterslides. Some of us built up the courage to go on the valley of fear for the first time, but I think for me, it was definitely my last. We spent the whole day in water, enjoying all Cultus had to offer and when we were done we had the Pyjama party to look forward to. We ate delicious smores and even had to break frozen T-Shirts, isn’t that crazy? Thursday went by so quickly that I wonder what happened on Friday.
Robert: Well at least I remember why I got water in my ear, but I don’t remember what happened on Friday either.
Daria (To audience): Does anyone remember what we did yesterday?
(Audience Responds)
Robert: Oh yeah, now I think I remember. We went to the Honey Bee Center right?
(Audience responds)
Robert: Ok, I think I can tell you now. So on Friday we went to the Honey Bee Center and learned about how important bees are! Does anyone remember what kinds of bees are endangered? (Audience) Robert: That’s Right! The Bumblebee. We learned all about bees and we even got to taste their honey, how was that? (Audience) Robert: I thought so too! We enjoyed dressing up like bees and we even got to plant our own flowers and take some honey home too. And when we got back we learned (Audience) Judo! Which I hear Patrick really enjoyed. Who else did Judo? (Audience) Wow! And after that do you remember what happened? I remember something smelt really good! (Audience) Robert: That’s Right! Parintele made Fettuccine Alfredo, How was that?! And eating it was a great end to the day and a great day to remember camp. And of course we couldn’t have had the camp experience we had without Parintele and Cristi and everyone who helped!
Daria: Can we get a big hand for our volunteers and everyone who helped us have an awesome camp!
Like Daria, thanks have been addressed to the volunteers, parents and all those involved, especially Dr. Magda Silvana Hinta, Mrs. Doina D., a former Olympic champion and her sister Elena, for physical training and tatami games, as well as Mrs. Valerica Mihăila, who along with Cristi Mihăilă - and in the team with the Presvitera Ligia, helped offering a new stage of knowledge, friendship, play and good pleasure in the atmosphere of prayer and care, under the motto of the year: "union makes power."
Also the same thanks were addressed to older young volunteers: Alexandra Bonciu, Victoria Ioana, Paul Stratulat, Paul Hinta as well as to those who helped with the transport and sport equipment.
