ANTIOCHIAN VILLAGE CAMP
DECEMBER 2021
AN UPDATE FROM THE ANTIOCHIAN VILLAGE
Christ is Born! Glorify Him!
Last night on our Alumni Zoom Call, we were blessed to hear from AV Alum, Camp St. Raphael (Yaboy!) program director, youth worker extraordinaire, co-leader of our Department of Youth Ministries, dedicated puppy-mama, and a very dear friend of mine, Erin Ghata. She talked about gifts and how they relate to our camping ministry. She asked us to think of gifts in life we received from our time at camp, gifts we received from others at camp, and gifts we can offer to others - and to God - thanks to camp. Our participants had many wonderful examples to offer, and I encourage anyone reading this to think of gifts that camp has offered you in your life.

As I reflect on these questions, I think of many gifts AV Camp - and all of our camping programs - has offered me over the years. I have been given friends, experiences in Church, learning more about God, learning about our Church's wonderful music, so many wonderful moments and experiences, and the gift of growing closer to Christ. I picture my 9-year-old camper who bought his cabinmate a backpack from the bookstore because he said he wanted one. I have been blessed with many gifts from camp over the years.
As I think about this question today, and as we prepare for the Nativity of Christ, I am reminded of all of you. Every time someone passes through the Arch, we are given a gift of someone to love, someone to serve, and someone to bring us closer to Christ. As we continue through this season of giving, let us be thankful for each other, find Christ in everyone, and be thankful for the gifts God continues to put in front of us.

We miss and love you all. Please keep us in your prayers as we keep you in ours. And please know that you are truly a gift to us here at AV, and we thank God for you every day!

In Christ,
Fr. Chris Shadid
ARCH WEEK - AV'S NEWEST PROGRAM
Introducing AV's newest program, Arch Week!

Arch Week is a 1-week program run by the Antiochian Village Camp, for students who have just graduated high school and are looking to deepen and strengthen their faith as they “bridge the gap” to life after high school.

July 3-9, 2022

Registration opens January 8!
SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATION
Registration opens January 8!
Summer 2022 is right around the corner and we can't wait to welcome our campers and families back for another incredible summer here at AV!

There is so much to be excited for this summer, including the return of 2-week sessions and our Sacred Arts Programs (Byzantine Chant and Iconography)!

Please visit our Summer Camp page to ensure your information is up to date, view our Camper Parent Handbook, ensure any past balances are paid, so you can be sure to register for camp easily when it opens.

Registration fills up quickly, so be sure to register on January 8 at 9am EST to secure your spot!
  • Session 1: June 19-July 1, 2022
  • Session 2: July 3-15, 2022
  • Session 3: July 17-29, 2022
  • Session 4: July 31-August 12, 2022
NURSES WANTED
We are currently searching for nurses who are interested in working at AV for Summer 2022. If you or anyone that you know is interested in a seasonal nursing position, please email Fr. Chris Shadid at frchris@avcamp.org or call our camp office at 724-238-9565.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Winter Family Camp
January 14-17, 2022

Registration is still open!
Alumni Hangout
January 24, 2022 at 7PM EST

We are excited to have guest speaker, Dn. Marek Simon, join us for our January Alumni Virtual Hangout. To join, visit our website!
Winter Camp
February 18-21, 2022

Registration is still open!
Summer Family Camp
May 27-30, 2022

Registration opens January 21, 2022!
ANNUAL APPEAL UPDATE
We are excited to share that we have now raised $80,000 towards our Annual Appeal Fundraiser! As we approach the end of the year, help us reach our $100,000 goal - donate today!

Thanks to a generous donor, all donations up to $100,000 will be matched by the end of the year!

We are so grateful your continued support towards our ministry!
ST. GEORGE CHARLESTON RETREAT
This past weekend, we hosted a Family Camp retreat for the families of St. George Cathedral in Charleston, WV!

Families enjoyed discussions with our guest speakers, church services, and plenty of 4 square-it was a great weekend full of fun and fellowship!

If your parish is interested in a similar retreat, please email us at office@avcamp.org.