ORPR Camp offers Russian Orthodox youth a unique month-long experience. Campers delve into faith, culture, and history through engaging instruction, while also participating in classic summer activities like swimming, hiking, scavenger hunts, campfires, sports, and arts &  crafts. Each week brings a fresh set of tasks and activities, designed to progressively build teamwork and problem-solving skills. These skills intertwine within intricate friendships and family-like relations in peer group settings; ultimately, achievement in mastering the art of pathfinding as a united group.

Campers are divided by cabins. Cabins consist of campers ranging in age from 8 - 14 years old.  Thus, a cabin is nicknamed “a family” as each individual, while responsible for themselves, must also be responsible for their peer cabin member. Cabin members that are younger are just as much an integral part of the teamwork in the cabin as the elder members. The cabin runs on keeping a balance in responsibilities for tasks, timeliness, competition, and peer motivation.

Some of the activities that the camper participates in weekly are based on a point system for their cabin. At the end of the last week of camp, the winning cabin is treated to a reward. The following are the weekly routine activities which campers participate in:

КИМ (KEEM) 📸

This is a memory game that will test the camper’s recollection of their senses, as well as their ability to communicate with one another. An example of this game is to remember objects represented in a quick time frame, whilst silently observing

ВАРКА (VARKA) 🍲

The campers are trained and tested on their ability to successfully light a fire and cook a meal as a team. In this exercise, all cabin members perform tasks that fit their age. For example,  younger kids will collect sticks. This is an important task to maintain the fire. The older kids will be responsible for lighting the fire and creating the meal. All cabin members then collectively create a skit to present their meal to the judges. 

БЕГ (BEG) 🏕️

Cabin Leaders navigate their cabins through the woods. Campers observe and record their surroundings as they go through a unique obstacle course filled with hidden objects and unlikely characters. This exercise requires silence and keen observation. During this exercise, the campers will experience distractions along their paths, created to amuse with a goal to sidetrack their concentration. The cabin with the most points in this exercise has proven that no amount of distractions can get in the way of keen observation. 

ТРЕВОГА (TREVOGA) 🆘

Campers live in cabins that are situated on the property of the camp. However, campers live in an open environment. This environment can have dangers that come from weather conditions,  animals, or human conditions. To keep all safe, the campers are taught safety and survival measures. These measures include waking up at night to a ringing of an SOS bell. Campers learn to quietly gather at the designated spot and listen for further instructions. In the case of inclement weather, they are instructed to head along the evacuation route to a safe spot.  Cabins follow strict protocol of silence, listening to instructions and proceeding in a timely manner. As this is a safety drill, the campers are not made aware of this exercise prior. To make their good efforts worthwhile, the “Trevogas” are finished off with a fun element of surprise which leads them on a short adventure prior to returning to their beds. Some might even think it was just all a dream!  

The following activities are not point based. These are practiced either daily or weekly for spiritual, physical, and mental uplifting. 

ЗАКОН БОЖИЙ (LAW OF GOD) ☦️

Through lively discussions and interactive activities with clergy, campers gain a deeper understanding of Orthodox traditions and practices. Law of God sessions primarily are a daily activity. The Church services that the campers attend are the  “hands on” class sessions. Clergy are available daily throughout the camp session for one-on-one pastoral conversations or confessions. Many a time the campers will see the Priest join in the fun activities listed on the page. 

РАЗРЯДЫ (RAZRYADI) 📝

Campers' minds expand with History, Scouting skills, Religion, and Cultural Traditions, all of which are learned during “RAZRYADI” time. New Campers learn the entry-level skills and materials to pass a test. This test gives them the reward of the Camp’s crest (a pin that is worn on their uniform). More seasoned campers learn according to their levels and also take the respective tests. Awards and recognition for these tests are held during the third weekend, also known as  Vladimirovo, when parents are encouraged to visit so they can witness their campers’ achievements. 

ПOХОД (POHOD) 🥾

A weekly hike consisting of 4 miles around the camp property. These weekly hikes also serve as a primer to the "long hike", which is typically held during the 4th week of Camp. This hike takes place on Sunday evenings after dinner. The campers learn safety rules for walking outside of the camp property. If they are lucky with timing, a GORGEOUS sunset meets them along the horizon!

ТАНЦЫ (TANTSI) 💃🕺

Campers have a chance to dress up in their best outfits and let out their energy on the dance floor! Songs varying from today’s radio favorites to our parents’ disco nights to traditional folk songs all liven up the young at heart and move the physiques in rhythm. The new and young campers always remember their “first dance” as their best dance! 

КОCTEP (KOSTYOR) 🔥

Campers gather around a large bonfire, present theatrical skits to one another, and participate in singing Russian folk songs. Even on a chilly evening, laughter and cheer bring warmth to each camper. The bonding moments that evolve from “Kostyor” time are memories that last a lifetime!

ВЛАДИМОРОВО (VLADIMIROVO) 👩‍👩‍👦‍👦

The month-long camp session has a culminating point on the third weekend. Traditionally, the third Sunday is historically and lovingly called "Vladimirovo " as it usually coincides with the same or close to the date of St Vladimir Day. During the camp month, campers attend a church named after St Vladimir. This becomes a double holiday as the church parishioners are celebrating their Feastday and the campers are welcoming their parents. After Divine Liturgy,  the campers line up for their parade to the raising of the flags. At this ceremony, the aforementioned awards are distributed. Following the ceremony, campers attend lunch and prepare for their performance. They put on traditional Russian and Ukrainian costumes - girls braid and intertwine colorful ribbons into their hair and boys wear "kaftans" with a multitude of designs. The campers have learned intricate dance steps to various folk songs and sing harmonious lore. The program delights the parents who are visiting their children, some for the first time since they bid them goodbye on the opening day. Vladimirovo is a welcome moment for all parents, grandparents, and family friends to join in enjoyment of the campers’ showcase of talent.