His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos recently visited the Metropolis of San Francisco Summer Camp at Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center in Dunlap, CA. This program has been a pillar of youth ministry for over 40 years and brings together hundreds of youth for a transformative experience, surrounded by the serene foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Each summer, the Metropolis offers three one-week sessions that become the center of youth ministry for children and teens from across the west and beyond.
Campers started each morning in prayer, followed by a hearty Ranch breakfast. Daytime activities included arts and crafts, aquatics, archery, sports, canoeing, fishing, faith and culture, and Orthodox Life. During the evening following Vespers, campers enjoyed a Star Wars themed scavenger hunt, a luau, western-themed campfire, and a reflective Night with God. Every week, campers also visit the adjacent Monastery of the Theotokos the Life-Giving Spring, enjoying the hospitality of Gerontissa Markella and the sisters, and joining in worship for the Divine Liturgy.
“Being with these youth brought me great joy, especially as I witnessed their vibrancy in the faith and the deep bonds of friendships they were forming. Summer Camp is a unique program that truly provides an immersive experience and has a lasting impact on the spiritual and emotional development of the participants,” remarked His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco. “Thanks to the generosity of Leadership 100 which provides an annual grant to support the ongoing development of Summer Camping ministries across our Archdiocese, these children have the opportunity to be enriched in their faith and empowered to live a life in Christ, strengthened by His love and grace.”
Campers came from the states of Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, and Utah. The Metropolis Summer Camp is under the direction of Johanna Duterte Carter, Director of the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministries. She and her leadership team guided a team of 45 staff who implemented the various activities and served as mentors and role models for the campers. This year’s staff came from the states of Arizona, California, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, Oregon, and Washington.
For more information on programs and activities offered by the Metropolis of San Francisco Office of visit the Youth and Young Adult Ministries website.