Past Conferences
2012 Conference Recap
The 10th annual Orthodox Christian Camp, Youth Worker, and OCF Chaplain Conference was held January 25-28, 2012 in Ligonier, PA, at the Antiochian Village, hosted by the Antiochian Village. This year's theme was "Presenting the Message of the Gospel to Today's Youth." This conference has had a long history in several different forms. The purpose as it exists today is to bring all Orthodox Christians doing youth ministry at any level and in any form together for several days to further our education, foster brotherhood and provide fellowship. There were several keynote addresses from Fr Bogdan Bucur, Assistant Professor at Duquesne University, a series of workshops that are carved into three tracks (Youth Workers, Camp Staff & OCF Chaplains), daily services and fellowship.
Resources from the 2012 Conference:
- Icebreakers led by Marek Simon (pdf)
- Administrative Resources: Exploring Training, Registration and other Resources led by Natalie Kapeluck Nixon
- Bullying: Love thy neighbor as thyself led by Janet A. Shadid, MSW/LSW
- Accomodating Youth: How can we best serve the ever increasing and various special needs of our campers? led by Doria Saros
2011 Conference Recap
The 9th annual Orthodox Christian Camp and Youth Worker Conference was held January 27-29, 2011 in Dallas, TX, hosted by the Orthodox Church in America at St. Seraphim Cathedral. The keynote speaker was Fr. Meletios Weber of St. John Monastery (Manton, CA), and the theme was "Equipping the Saints."
2010 Conference Recap
The 8th annual Orthodox Christian Camp and Youth Worker Conference was held January 28-30, 2010 in Silver Springs, MD, and hosted by the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA. The theme was "Communicating the Gospel in the 21st Century." The conference was graciously hosted by St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral at 15001 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Springs, MD 20905.
2009 Conference Recap
The 7th annual
Orthodox Christian Camp & Youth Worker Conference was hosted by the
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, and was held at St. Demetrios
Greek Orthodox Church in Ft. Lauderdale, FL (home of OCN - Orthodox Christian
Network) from January 22-24, 2009. The theme
was "Protecting our Youth" led by our keynote
speaker, Dr. Jane Hickerson, Vice-President of Training and Development
for Praesidium Inc., a risk management agency that specializes in sexual
misconduct policies for churches. Conference participants were
introduced to
the latest policies and procedures in safeguarding our youth. Over 85
participants from camps and churches all over the United States and
Canada were in attendance.
Pictures from the 2009 Conference at the Orthodox Christian Network - Follow the link and then click on "Pan-Orthodox Youth Retreat"
Conference Summary by Lis Lourie
2008 Conference Recap
The 6th annual Orthodox Christian Camp Conference was a great success. It was held January 24-26, 2008 in Houston, TX! Over 30 participants from the United States and Canada representing the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America, the Armenian Church of America, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, and the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA were present for a weekend of learning and fun. We were blessed to have as our keynote speaker Fr. James Coles of St. Ignatius Mission in Mesa, AZ who spoke on the topic "Forming Disciples of Christ." We are very greatful to Fr. John Salem and the faithful of St. George Church in Houston, TX for being such gracious hosts to us!
Click here to listen to the 2008 Keynote Address by Fr. James Coles.