Camp

Published by GreekNewsOnline.com, July 25, 2005

Metropolis of Chicago Fanari Camp

Chicago.- For thirty-four years the Metropolis of Chicago has provided an opportunity for our Orthodox youth to further progress spiritually and socially under the guidance of expert teachers at Fanari Camp. During the third week in June, 330 young people ages 10-16 gathered at Fanari Camp on the beautiful shores of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Each year a theme is selected to aid in discussions and is used to frame that years camp’s message. The Fanari 2005 theme was “The Apostle Paul, Christ’s Great Athlete, A Champion to Imitate.” The camp’s spiritual guidance was provided by over 10 Priests, 4 non-ordained Seminary graduates, and 2 current Seminary students. The Fifty-Five volunteer counselors from all over the Metropolis, provided their campers, in addition to daily supervision and friendship, devotionals every evening before lights out. His Eminence Metropolitan IAKOVOS and the Metropolis of Chicago recognize all who have been instrumental in providing such a wonderful experience to our young people for so many years.

The activities the camp provided for its campers were stimulating mentally, spiritually, creatively and athletically. Each day each age group travels together from one activity to the next. In Bible Study, the groups are broken down to facilitate more active discussions and to offer a greater opportunity to ask questions. In the Arts and Crafts program this year the campers all wrote letters and made bandanas with uplifting messages to be sent to members of a National Guard Troop in Iraq. The daily session on Orthodox Life offered reflection on aspects of Fanari’s theme and was also an arena for campers to discuss contemporary church issues with clergy. As part of Orthodox Life, on Wednesday, the Priests offered the sacrament of Confession to everyone involved in the camp. Afternoon free time is filled with activities at the beach or on the athletic fields. Each night a different group activity is organized including Skit Night and the much anticipated boat trip around Lake Geneva.

The counselor’s role is an important one for both the campers and the Clergy. The ratio of campers to counselors is ideal for the increased bond that continues outside of Fanari. The counselors have an open forum with their campers and understand that no question is a “silly” question. These counselors provide a valuable conduit from the campers to the clergy.

The legacy of Fanari Camp continues as many counselors that were campers at Fanari and now are there with their camper. That enduring Legacy is a true testament to the power of Fanari Camp.



Volume 7 Number 31 - Tuesday, August 2nd, 2005	A Publication of the ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN LAITY