On June 27, this year's Summer camp held by “Putivl,” the Washington chapter of the St. George Pathfinders of America, started. As in past years, camp was held outdoors, under the open sky in a picturesque spot in the Virginia hills practically on the West Virginia border.

Its 65 participants – children, pathfinders, scout leaders, and volunteers live in tents.  The daily schedule includes reveille, assembly, washing up, tidying up the campsite, raising the flag, morning prayers, breakfast, lessons, lunch, relaxation, games, talks, swimming and trekking, dinner, lowering of the flag, evening prayers, and a campfire.

A group of very dedicated adults, headed by scout masters Anna Tschursin, Alexander Zarechnak, and others donated their precious vacation time to make it possible for our children to spend two unforgettable weeks in a beautiful region of the country. 

On July 2-5, Archpriest Victor Potapov, rector of the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Washington, DC, visited the camp.  There, amid the wooded hills an open-air chapel was erected, and Divine services were held. On the eve of the day of commemoration of St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco, a moleben was served. After the prayer service, small icons of St. John were distributed to the campers in commemoration of the 15^th anniversary of the saint’s glorification. On Saturday July 4 vespers were offered.  After the service a great campfire was held which culminated in a magnificent firework display in honor of Independence Day.

On Sunday, almost all of the campers took Holy Communion. After liturgy, the older scouts received an icon of the Holy Royal Martyr Tsarevich Alexei, one of the first scouts of Russia. He is depicted in a scout uniform.  This icon was commissioned by Scoutmaster Alexis Zacharin.  

In his talks and homilies at camp, Fr. Victor emphasized the importance of obeying Christ's Commandment to love both God and man, and he mentioned as examples of such love SGPA's heavenly patron, Great Martyr and Trophy-bearer St. George, and also Holy Hierarch St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco, who was celebrated on the dates of Fr. Victor's visit to camp.

Media Office of the Eastern American Diocese

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