The Diocesan children's summer camp which is dedicated to St Seraphim of Sarov took place this year as usual between 28th of July and 8th August. After six happy years on the North Norfolk coast, the camp had to seek a new home following the sale of the campsite. Fortunately, a new suitable site was found in Gloucestershire, at the edge of the Forest of Dean, and a very sucessful camp was held there, attended by some forty children aged between 8 and 17. Fr Stephen and Anna Platt from the Oxford Parish of St Nicholas led a team of helpers and leaders who coordinated a wide range of activities.

In addition to morning and evening prayers each day, the children participated in lessons in religious instruction, led by Fr Stephen and Deacon Matthew Steenberg. There were also many opportunities for sports, games, campfires, music, drama and arts and crafts, such as candle- and prosphora- making. There were outings to the local swimming pool, a 'big walk' - a hike of some twelve miles, a singing contest, the annual 'Camp Olympics' and a medieval theme day.

On August 1st, the feast of St Seraphim, the camp was visited by Bishop Elisey of Sourozh, accompanied by Deacon Sergei Kharitonov of the London Cathedral. Vladyka Elisey was met at the gates of the camp with the traditional bread and salt and escorted to the camp chapel where he presided at the Divine Liturgy. At the conclusion of the service, the Bishop greeted those present. In reply, Fr Stephen thanked Bishop Elisey for this, his first visit to St Seraphim's Camp and presented him with a commemorative platter which had been decorated and signed by the children.

After a common breakfast, Bishop Elisey was given a tour of the campsite and had the opportunity to meet the campers face-to-face.

The parish choir director, Grainne Henry, was persuaded to come and help out for a week. Below are her impressions:

This year was my first time at St. Seraphim Orthodox Youth Camp and I spent a week in the kitchen helping to prepare meals. I was surprised at the relaxed, steady flow of each day and the flexible adjusting to unexpected events. Everyone seemed to know what they had to do and simply did it!

After prayers and breakfast, the day's camp leader (drawn from a group of wonderful Orthodox twenty-somethings) would be greeted warmly and noisily before he or she outlined the day's schedule. Children experienced the discipline of tent inspection and helped to lay tables or clear and wash up after meals. Later the camp leader would allocate points to each tent team, often accompanied by hilarious explanations. There was a daily lesson with the clergy on an aspect of the Orthodox Faith and then activities which gave children a chance to expend lots of physical energy. Through sunshine, showers and the occasional storm, they threw themselves enthusiastically into a talent contest, disco dancing, the Olympics, preparing the campsite for the feast of St. Seraphim, candle making and customising t-shirts. I found evening prayers particularly moving, as the children gathered quietly and reverently in the chapel's candlelight.

My impression is that the camp is an emotionally and spiritually rich experience that children will remember all their lives. They have a rare opportunity - the freedom to hang out with friends for two weeks, sharing responsibility for the domestic sides of things, playing, learning and praying side by side in an Orthodox setting.

Maybe adults could do with some of that too!