Holidays with God (Perechyn)

Summer is a wonderful time for making vacations, distant trips and having a rest in the mountains. Such a splendid opportunity called on our Uzhanska Dolyna as well, where children of the parishes of Turia Remeta, Perechyn, Velyka Berezna, Onokivtsi and Huta had a chance to rest in a summer camp that had the brilliant title of “Holidays with God”.

We were lucky to visit again the village of Vovche in Svaliava district. The camp was held in three goes, which is it consisted of three weeks. The first go were our youngest parishioners aged 8-11. The second one were those who had had received their First Communion (children of different ages). The summer camp was concluded by teenagers aged 12-17.

The arranging team involved Fr. Adam Strochynskyi, thanks to whom we were able to participate in the Holy Liturgy every day, Sr. Anastasiia Shybaniova and animators: Mykhailo Tovtyn, Erik Kominotto, Daniela Senych, Liuba Melechynska, Natalia Podriez, Marian and Tetiana Opalenyks. Those moms who acted as animators were able to rest together with their young children of 4-5 years.

Title “Holidays with God” was not accidental, because it concentrated on the formation and spiritual revival of our priceless youth. There was time for fun and prayers, games and reflections. Moreover, it was a great chance to bear witness of one’s faith and to live in a community. There was fun and interesting group work, where our dear Sister covered all the bases. Camp participants were able to feel responsible and integral parts of the team.

There were games that did for everyone. “Indian stick”, “Water volleyball”, “Defend your friend”, football, badminton and “Secret angel” were among the most favorite. Quite often boys went for diving into a waterfall that was nearby. Children also twined rubber bracelets and made photo frames from mosaic. One cannot conceal that animators themselves took delight in the program they had compiled, since the main task was “playing childhood”.

Between breaks, children reflected a lot on God’s Commandments and the Sacraments. Several days were spared to direct the glance of the eldest children at the figure of St. Christopher, his personal story, search for God and the applicability of his life in our times.

We also slightly touched an important topic, with which Ms. Vira Fediva helped us by delivering a lecture on “Partnership relations”. Ms. Vira told us about the way Christian youth should build up their relations, experience their infatuations and find their real love.

A trip to the top of the mountain Stoi turned out to be much-anticipated. Young and quick boy Poli helped us to accomplish it. The road turned out to be not so easy, but thanks to Poli’s knack, our youth managed everything. Although the outing lasted almost the whole day, beautiful scenery and nature’s grandeur around us were our rewards.

With great gratitude, we think of the location of “U Valentyny”. Due to the warmhearted hospitality of Mr. Volika and Mr. Feria, we had a very good time and enjoyed home feel there.

During several evenings, we had a chance to enjoy baked potato, which had been cooked for us by animator dad Marian.

We thank sincerely to those engaged in arranging that camp, to everyone who helped bring into action plans and for joint work for the sake of our youth formation. We are grateful for love and patience. May Lord reward you for your work and give you strength to guide the youth to the bright and holy future. God bless you!

Tetiana Opalenyk, Chervona Huta parish

                                                                                               23/09/2015