St Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary - News Releases

News Release
St Andrew's Camp Holds Strategic Planning Retreat at St Vladimir's Seminary

Crestwood, NY—St Vladimir's Seminary campus was the locale for a strategic planning conference for the Board of St Andrew's Camp and Religious Center during January 3-4, 2005. For the past 48 years, St Andrew's Camp, located in Jewell, NY, has spiritually nurtured well over 2,000 Orthodox Christians via the life-changing experiences possible at summer camp and retreats. The Camp has had a long relationship with St Vladimir's Seminary and its alumni. The founder of the Camp, the late Protopresbyter Alexander Warnecke, was a graduate of SVS and a trustee for many years. Many alumni have been campers or counselors in their youth and have returned to volunteer as well, both during the camping program and through service on the Board.

The conference brought together members of the Camp's Board of Directors and former counselors and campers to discuss the vision of the Camp, its strengths and weaknesses, and strategic options for the future. According to Executive Camp Director Daria York, "the camp is at a crossroads in its life. We have ideas and an eagerness to see programs develop and expand, to see facilities improve and to see many more campers have the opportunity to experience this Orthodox Christian fellowship. These ideas and good will can materialize into concrete improvements if we pray, think and work together." The conference was facilitated by Protodeacon Peter Danilchick, a St Vladimir's Seminary Trustee and member of the Camp Board.

The participants at the conference, in addition to many ideas regarding improved facilities and programs, recognized the need for closer alignment with parishes and diocesan authorities as well as with seminaries, such as St Vladimir's. The Camp was recognized as an excellent venue for developing and practicing youth ministry skills and is thus a valuable resource for the Church and her children. Further strategic plan development will involve reaching out to church leaders and camp alumni to obtain their perspectives and views on the camp and potential strategic options for the future.

The strategic plan "St Andrew's Camp – The Next 50 Years of Service to Youth" aims to be faithful to the camp motto, taken from the words of St John Chrysostom: "Let everything take second place to our care for our children, our bringing them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." For further information, please visit the camp website www.standrewscamp.com.