SOUTH CANAAN, PA [DOEPA]
On Friday, July 3, 2026, St. Tikhon's Summer Camp entered its final full day as campers, counselors, clergy, and staff concluded another week of worship, learning, fellowship, and recreation. The day also marked the camp's observance of the upcoming civil holiday of Independence Day.
In the morning, Daily Matins was served by Priest Joseph Sharman, Camp Chaplain and Associate Priest at St. Michael the Archangel Church in Wilmington, DE, gathering the camp community together to begin the day with worship.
Throughout the morning, campers participated in workshops centered on this year's camp theme, "Putting Off the Old Man and Putting On the New." Through age-appropriate discussions, instruction, and reflection rooted in the Orthodox Faith, campers explored the Christian calling to continual repentance, spiritual renewal, and growth in Christ. Emphasis was placed on cultivating a life of prayer, humility, love for neighbor, and the daily struggle to become more like Christ.
Campers also enjoyed the many activities that have become a hallmark of St. Tikhon's Summer Camp, including boating, swimming, iconography, liturgical music, dance, visits to the bookstore, and time spent building lasting friendships with fellow campers and counselors. As the week drew to a close, staff members and older campers also began preparing for the conclusion of camp, assisting with the initial stages of the annual clean-up efforts.
In the evening, Daily Vespers was served by Archpriest Timothy Hojnicki, Diocesan Vice-Chancellor, Dean of the Frackville Deanery, and Rector of Holy Apostles Church in Mechanicsburg, PA. Following the service, campers and staff were offered the opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Holy Confession, with several clergy making themselves available throughout the evening to hear confessions and provide pastoral guidance as everyone prepared spiritually for the celebration of the Divine Liturgy on the final day of camp.
Following dinner, campers, counselors, clergy, and staff gathered in the pavilion for the annual St. Tikhon's Summer Camp Talent Show, one of the most anticipated traditions of the week. Campers from every age group enthusiastically took to the stage to share their God-given talents through musical performances, comedy, skits, dance routines, a dancing hippotamus and other creative acts. The evening was filled with laughter, applause, and encouragement as the camp community celebrated the many gifts and personalities that make St. Tikhon's Summer Camp such a joyful and memorable experience.
The day concluded with one of the most anticipated traditions of the week as the Monastic Brotherhood of St. Tikhon's Monastery hosted its annual Independence Day fireworks display. More than 350 campers, counselors, clergy, staff, families, and guests gathered on the monastery grounds to enjoy the spectacular presentation, as the night sky was illuminated in celebration of the nation's Independence Day and the many blessings of another successful week of Orthodox Christian fellowship.
With hearts filled with gratitude for a week of prayer, learning, recreation, and Christian fellowship, the camp community looked forward to the final Divine Liturgy and the conclusion of another grace-filled year at St. Tikhon's Summer Camp.
Photo credit: Elisabeth Parsells
Glory to God for all things!
Issued by the Diocesan Media Office
