First Orthodox camp for youth with disabilities to begin in 2016

SYOSSET, NY [OCA]– April 2016

All Saints Camp here will be the site of the first camping program for youth, ages nine through 19, with disabilities and their families—the Saint Nicholas Program—June 17-20, 2016.

“We are delighted that the camp, which is being sponsored by the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA’s [UOCUSA] Camping Ministry, is open to all Orthodox Christians,” said Andrew Boyd, Youth Director for the Orthodox Church in America.  “We hope that those from OCA parishes for whom the camp will prove beneficial will take advantage of this excellent and unique opportunity.”

According to Natalie Kapeluck Nixon, Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry for the UOCUSA, “We are thrilled to be offering this mini-camp to serve youth with disabilities and their families.  Our hope is to provide the campers with a deeper experience with their faith at their level and a place for the parents and family to find rest and community.  Our program directors, Father Vasyl Sendeha, and Tracy Galla are working to make this an amazing experience for all who participate.”

The camp is “designed for parents and their child with disabilities to spend time together in an Orthodox family environment,” Natalie said.  “The campers are introduced to camp life at All Saints Camp and the parents are given the opportunity to meet fellow Orthodox parents who are tackling the same challenges in today’s world.”

All aspects of the program are designed to give youth with disabilities an optimal experience, Natalie added.  The daily schedule will include sensory friendly daily prayer services, modified learning Church school lessons, parent workshops and discussions, parent/child sports, crafts, singing, dancing, bonfires, hayrides, scavenger hunts, swimming, and other activities.

“We are also looking for individuals interested in being on staff for this program,” Natalie said.  “Paid and volunteer positions are available and pre-camp training will be required.”

For further information about the program or to register, please visitwww.uocyouth.org, contact uocyouth@aol.com, or call 412-977-2010.  A flyer is also available.

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