Orthodox Christian Youth Retreat 2017 Registration Packet

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A Light in Dark Places Living Icons in a Secular World Orthodox Christian Youth Winter Retreat All Junior & Senior High (7th grade+) Orthodox Youth and Friends WHEN: Martin Luther King Jr Weekend January 14th—16th, 2017 WHERE: Cedar Springs Camp, Lake Stevens, WA COST:

$175 ($50 deposit due at registration, payment plan options available)

Registration extended till November 15th Fr. Richard René of Chilliwack, BC joins us in a discussion of how one can represent their faith in their own daily lives in a multi-faith and secular world. We’ll also enjoy fun outdoor activities, games, Fire on Father, dancing, skits and more in the works!! YOUTH REGISTRATION app.campdoc.com/register/stmary Opens: October 1st Deadlines: November 15th

VOLUNTEER REGISTRATION app.campdoc.com/register/stmary Opens: October 1st Deadlines: November 15th

MAIN CONTACT Nia Chopelas [email protected]

VOLUNTEER CONTACT JoyAnn Wise [email protected]

"May it be a light to you in dark places, when all other lights have gone out."—Galadriel's words in The Fellowship of the Ring This retreat is coordinated by the Orthodox Christian Youth Ministry (OCYM) Team from the Antiochian Archdiocese under the arch-pastoral oversight of Metropolitan JOSEPH.

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Introduction

The Orthodox Christian Youth Ministry (OCYM) Team has been hosting annual youth retreats for the past 11 years. The team members (Nia Chopelas and David Mathieson of St. Andrew, Arlington; JoyAnn Wise of St Thomas, Snohomish; Mary Wright, Tina Soubeih, and Tanya Keenan of St Paul, Brier; Marianne Kvamme of Holy Resurrection Tacoma) are overseen by a spiritual advisor, Fr. Michael Gillis from Holy Nativity in Langley BC. The team’s goal is to keep our youth connected to the Church by providing an enriching Orthodox experience. The retreats provide the youth from Orthodox Churches in WA state (and bordering states within a 6 hour driving radius of retreat locale) and their friends an opportunity to grow in their faith, interact with Orthodox priests, strengthen their connection to the Church, form and renew lasting Orthodox friendship bonds, and have fun in a Christian Orthodox setting.

Speakers

Fr Richard Rene was born in Seychelles in 1974. He grew up in the Seychelles, Kenya, Tanzania and Zimbabwe, before immigrating to Canada in 1989. Originally confirmed as an Anglican, he converted to Eastern Orthodoxy in 1993 and attended St. Vladimir’s Seminary, where he attained an M.Div. degree in 2004. Fr. Richard was ordained to priesthood in April of 2005. He served at Holy Martyr Peter the Aleut Church in Calgary, Alberta, for 4 years, before being appointed Rector of Saint Aidan Orthodox Mission in Cranbrook, BC. He is currently attached to Saint Herman of Alaska Church in Langley, BC. Fr. Richard is a professional high school teacher and has published a number of poetry, short stories and novels. He also has a podcast on Ancient Faith Radio entitled Mysterion, featuring regular sermons and reflections from Fr. Richard’s ministry. Fr. Michael Gillis is pastor of Holy Nativity Antiochian Orthodox Church in Langley, BC. He taught English composition for seventeen years, served as a deacon for seven years doing youth work in Southern California and became a priest in 2003. Fr. Michael is married to Kh. Bonnie and they have three grown daughters and seven grandchildren.

Research shows that retreat attendance is a major factor in keeping youth active in the Church into adulthood.

Campers may register online at: app.campdoc.com/register/stmary DEADLINE: Nov 15 2016

Volunteers may register online at: app.campdoc.com/register/stmary DEADLINE: Nov 15 2016

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IMPORTANT STUFF YOU NEED TO KNOW REGISTRATION: For a participant to be fully registered, we must receive these completed forms: Registration form, medical information forms, and payment. Please contact your parish priest if financial help is needed, scholarships are available at most parishes. Participants will be registered on a first come, first serve basis according to the postmark date. PLEASE SUBMIT FORMS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. Forms Received after November 15, 2016 will only be accepted based on availability of space. A confirmation email will be sent to you when your registration information is received.

CANCELLATION POLICY: We appreciate prompt notification if a camper must cancel. Cancellations will receive a full refund less a $30 processing fee. No refunds will be given with less than seven days notice prior to the first day of retreat.

WHAT TIME DO WE ARRIVE & PICK UP?: We will be ready to welcome retreat participants between 12:00pm—12:30pm on Saturday, January 14th . Please DO NOT drop your child off early. Please pick up participants at 12:00pm on Monday, January 16th. Please be prompt. Participants that drive themselves to camp are required to give keys to their vehicle to the director for safety and liability purposes.

CABIN ASSIGNMENTS: Participants are grouped according to grade and gender. If your teenager has special circumstances why they need to be in a cabin with someone else, you may write a request on the registration form in CampDocs. Requests are not guaranteed and will be granted at the discretion of the Director.

DRESS CODE: Please review the suggested packing list for direction in packing. It is suggested that Christian modesty be the guideline in appropriate camp dress. Footwear must be worn at all times when at camp. Expensive jewelry, excessive make up and stylish clothes are unnecessary in the outdoor environment. Clothing should be practical; tube tops, skin tight clothing, exposed mid-drifts and shirts with objectionable slogans or language are not acceptable. Participant’s names should be placed in indelible ink on all personal belongings. Names are especially important on towels. The Orthodox Christian Youth Ministry Team is not responsible for lost articles. It is the responsibility of parents to contact Nia Chopelas 360-435-6264 to inquire about lost items.

MONEY AND VALUABLES: Money is not needed at camp. There is no need for your teenager to bring cell phones or other valuables to camp. This is important in loss prevention. Keep cell phones and valuables safely at home. Unless needed for transportation, then those that are brought will be kept with the Camp Director during the weekend.

FOOD AND CANDY: We ask that you do not send any food (exceptions allowed for special food needs, Retreat Registrar must be notified on registration form in CampDocs) or candy with your teen to the retreat. Please review this policy with your teenager and support our effort to limit sugar and junk food intake. Please note any food restrictions and allergies in the registration and a camp cook may call you for clarification.

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MORE IMPORTANT STUFFSTUFF-PLEASE READ! DO NOT BRING THE FOLLOWING: FOLLOWING • •

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CELL PHONE POLICY:

Alarm Clocks (cabin staff will awaken youth) Cell Phones, I-pods/MP3 players, Portable DVD Players & DVD's, Radios, Computers, PSP, Game boy or other Electronic games, Laser pointers, Knives, Firecrackers, Explosives, Weapons of any kind Food or candy (exception: special food needs)

We ask your cooperation in encouraging your child to leave their cell phone at home. It is the camp policy to not allow participants to have cell phones during camp or retreats. We appreciate your cooperation in this matter.

PLEASE NOTE: BRINGING THESE ITEMS TO CAMP IS CONSIDERED A VIOLATION OF THE CAMPER AGREEMENT. CELL PHONES OR ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT NEEDED FOR THE TALENT SHOW WILL BE COLLECTED AND STORED AT REGISTRATION. ANY ITEMS FOUND AFTER REGISTRATION WILL RESULT IN THE CAMPER BEING WARNED AND/OR SENT HOME.

VISITATION & CORRESPONDENCE: Spontaneous visits by parents, friends, or other visitors are STRICTLY PROHIBITED.

INSURANCE: Prayer and Support:

All participants must be covered by a medical insurance policy.

The Orthodox Christian Youth Retreat is a time for our young people to learn and grow in their Orthodox faith as they share lasting memories with each other. Please pray for out participants, staff, directors and clergy to have a successful, safe and memorable experience.

Preliminary Activities Schedule: Saturday, Jan 14

Sunday, Jan 15

Monday, Jan 16

12:30 pm 1:00 pm 1:45 pm 2:00 pm 3:00 pm 4:30 pm 4:45 pm 5:45 pm 6:45 pm 7:45 pm 9:00 pm 9:45 pm 10:00 pm 10:15 pm 10:50 pm

7:00 am 7:45 am 10:15 am 10:50 am 12:15 pm 3:00 pm 3:30 pm 4:30 pm 4:40 pm 4:40 pm 5:50 pm 6:45 pm 7:30 pm 8:15 pm 9:00 pm 10:00 pm 10:30 pm 11:30pm 12:00 am

7:45 am 8:30 am 9:30 am 10:45 am 11:15 am 12:00 pm 12:30 pm 1:00 pm

Youth Registration Lunch Rules Icebreakers Speaker Snack Games Speaker Dinner Vespers Singing Prayers Snack Prepare for bed Lights out

Wake up Orthros & Liturgy Brunch Speaker Camp Activities Snack Fire on Father Break Sr Hi Fire on Father Jr Hi Activities Skit Prep/Confession Dinner Skit Prep/Confession Skit/Talent Show Dance/Flex time Snack Early bird bedtime Evening Prayers Lights Out

Wake Up Orthros Breakfast Camp Photo Closing Check out Departure lunch out

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WHAT TO BRING! RETREAT PACKING LIST Be sure to mark clothing and all equipment you bring to the retreat with the Participant’s Name.

Retreat Items Camera (NO cell phone cameras allowed) Talent Show Props Pants, Shirts, Socks and Undergarments for 2 days (Liturgy on Sunday, dress pants or skirt) Waterproof Jacket Sweatshirt or fleece jacket Hat for warmth Gloves Chap stick Deodorant Tooth paste & Toothbrush Brush or comb Hair bands, clips etc. Soap & Shampoo Wash cloth Hand towel Towel Waterproof comfortable shoes for indoor and outdoor Flip Flops for shower stalls For Night time Sleeping Bag Pillow Pajamas (Robe, optional) Slippers or warm socks Ear Plugs (if noise from other people disturbs you) Book Flashlight Personal Items Medications in the original bottle & placed in zip-lock bag labeled with participants name Special food needs—Please label, all food will be collected and stored in the camp kitchen. Prayer book Bible

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DIRECTIONS TO Cedar Springs CEDAR SPRINGS CAMP 4820 State Road 92 Lake Stevens, WA 98258 425-334-6215 Retreat Questions? Nia Chopelas 425-263-0731 or via email at: [email protected]

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Take I-5 towards Everett

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Take Exit #194 (US 2 East)

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Turn Left onto Hwy 9 North

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Turn Right onto Hwy 92 East drive 3.2 miles

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Watch for Cedar Springs Sign on left and turn left onto Cedar Springs Camp driveway

Cedar Springs Camp

To Seattle