AV CAMP

July 2026

Summer Camp Session 2 is complete!

We had a blast the past two weeks with Session 2. Thank you to all the campers and volunteers who made the session so great.

We hope to welcome you all home again soon!

You can find all the photos from this session on our SmugMug and watch the camp video below!

This week over the start of Session 3, our very own AV Alumni Nick Kourey used his skills to paint around the church windows in Saint Ignatius. Thank you so much Nick for using your time and skill to help us make our most sacred spot even more beautiful! Below are some before and after pictures, it really makes a big difference!

Homecoming Weekend

July 31 - August 2, 2026

This is a chance to catch up with old friends and meet new ones during a weekend of fun and fellowship here at AV! Come be a kid once more!

The deadline to register is next week, Thursday the 23rd - no exceptions!

Adult Camp

September 4 - 7, 2026

Adult Camp is for anyone ages 21+ who wants to spend a weekend growing in our Orthodox Faith and become a kid again! We have services daily and something for everyone to look forward to, whether you like outdoor activities or indoor vibes!

Join us and and our amazing guest speaker Kh. Melinda Johnson, CEO of Ancient Faith Radio!

Fort Ligonier Days

October 9 - 11, 2026

Ligonier holds a 3-day festival known as Fort Ligonier Days in honor of the Battle of Fort Ligonier, which was fought during the French and Indian War on October 12, 1758 . Antiochian Village Camp and Conference Center participates annually in the town festival with its popular Gyro booth. We are in need of alumni and friends of the Village to assist in our booth for the weekend. If you would like to volunteer or want more information please email office@avcamp.org

St. Raphael Pilgrimage

November 6 - 7, 2026

Come join us to honor and celebrate a beloved patron Saint of AV, St. Raphael of Brooklyn. Venerate his holy relics, learn more about his life, and spend time in fellowship with others.

Registration Opens TBA

Alumni Reunion in memory of Fr. John Namie (25th anniversary of his repose)

November 6-8, 2026

Take part in a fun and relaxing weekend with other AV Alum. Relive your camp memories at the very place you made them!

Registration Opens TBA

Welcome Jonah Christopher Shadid!

Last month on June 18th, our Camp Director Fr. Christopher and his wife Kh. Sophia Shadid welcomed their 4th child, Jonah! He was welcomed home by his three big siblings Luke, Nora, and Matthew and two fur siblings Belle and Louie.

The Village family couldn't be happier to welcome Jonah into this wonderful community and he is already so loved!

Hi everyone!

My name is Dn. Justin Adolphson. I’ve been a Session 2 deacon for the past three years and am blessed to be the Youth Director & Pastoral Assistant at St. Nicholas Church in Grand Rapids, MI. I grew up in Grand Rapids, went one hour south to attend Western Michigan University, then came right back to GR! After college, I served the church in the choir, as the Teen advisor, on the parish council and by creating a visitor station to greet non-Orthodox guests. I was ordained to the deaconate way back in 2007, but only recently started working full-time for the church. I was a salesman and insurance underwriter for a number of years. But when the opportunity came along to work with our youth, I switched gears and started my new life in Youth Ministry (thank God!).

I’m blessed to have a wonderful wife, Melissa, and our two amazing kids, Olivia and Samuel. We enjoy living in Grand Rapids and the quick drive to the beaches of Lake Michigan in the summertime. We love game-nights, watching movies, and spending time with our church community & all our extended family here in West Michigan. I like being outdoors; fishing, boating, swimming, walking the dog (named June), even doing yardwork. I also love to cook, and will tell anyone who’ll listen how great I am at it!

I was a camper a few times in the 80s, but was one those shyer kids who struggled somewhat. I started to appreciate the Village and its beautiful surroundings in my 20s, coming to young adult retreats and attending the week-long residency for the St. Stephen’s program. It was when I came back to volunteer as a parent that I truly fell in love with AV! The love and support of the staff and the immersion into worship, fellowship, and Christian living kindle the Spirit in our youth. AV gives us a taste of Life in the Kingdom!

I was honored when Fr. Chris asked if I would assist with clergy responsibilities. It’s a joy to be with our youth at camp, teaching Christian Ed, leading Cabin Time discussions or just walking/talking with someone if they need, especially those shyer ones like I was. It has made me a better deacon, a better Youth Director and a better Christian.

Every time I come the Antiochian Village, I leave more impressed than the last time. Can’t wait to get back again!

With you in His Service,

Dn. Justin Adolphson

Sign Up For Our Upcoming Programs!

Stay tuned for registration opening for our programs!

Our Nookstore is online - check out all the merchandise from sweatshirts to Christmas ornaments. AV swag makes great Christmas gifts! Don't forget our new thrift store as well!

AV Thrift Shop!

Hey AV Alumni! Do you love flipping through our photo albums when you come to visit? Well our previous Director of Communications Constantine Kallaur has scanned all of our photos from our photo collection going all the way back to 1981! In an effort to preserve the history of The Antiochian Village, we are in the process of digitizing as much content as we have. Our Director of Operations, Nick Dujmovic, has collected camp videos going all the way back to the 1990s as well.

Check out our SmugMug photo-site and our Vimeo page below to re-live the AV memories!