Teen Week 2026 at Saint Andrew’s Camp

Teen Week at Saint Andrew’s Camp brought together nearly 30 teens for a week filled with faith, friendship, service, adventure, and plenty of fun. From worship and religious education to electives, team building, campfires, a day at Seabreeze, and a masquerade dance, our teens had countless opportunities to grow closer to one another and, most importantly, closer to Christ.

Prayer and worship remained at the heart of the week. Campers participated daily in services of the Church, including Matins, Vespers, an Akathist to St. Olga of Alaska, a Paraklesis to the Theotokos, and a memorable prayer walk containing the Akathist of Thanksgiving, Glory to God for All Things. The celebration of the Feast of the Transfiguration was a particularly beautiful part of the week, as campers gathered for Divine Liturgy with Archbishop Michael, and the traditional blessing of fruit.

One of the most extraordinary moments of Teen Week was the opportunity to witness the consecration of a new antimension for the camp chapel. This is ordinarily done privately within the altar and is something laypeople rarely, if ever, have the opportunity to witness. To be present for such a special moment was deeply moving and awe-inspiring for campers and adults alike, giving everyone in attendance a rare glimpse into the beauty and sacredness of the Church’s liturgical life.

This year’s religious education focused on the Major Feasts of the Church, helping campers explore the great events of our salvation and see more deeply how the liturgical life of the Church tells the story of Christ and His saving work. Opportunities for Confession and an evening Q&A with His Eminence Archbishop Michael also gave the teens time to ask questions, deepen their understanding of the Orthodox Faith, and talk openly about the things that matter to them.

One of the most meaningful experiences of Teen Week took place away from camp at the Samaritan Center in Syracuse. Rather than simply learning about Christ’s commandment to love and serve our neighbors, our campers had the opportunity to put that teaching into action. They served hot meals and beverages, collected and washed dishes, wiped down tables and chairs, swept and mopped floors, organized items to be distributed to those in need, and pitched in wherever help was needed. They worked hard and served joyfully, experiencing firsthand that Christian service is not merely something we talk about—it is something we live.

Of course, Teen Week also brought plenty of laughter and adventure. Campers tie-dyed shirts, created stained-glass windows for the chapel, under the guidance of the very talented Dr. Marina Billott, and expressed their creativity further by making masquerade masks.  They also planted trees, enjoyed kayaking, swimming, and sports, gathered around the campfire, and tested their creativity and teamwork in a Chopped-style challenge. An impromptu karaoke night provided even more laughter and some memorable performances.

Midweek, the teens headed to Seabreeze for a full day of rides, attractions, and time together away from camp. After returning, the week continued with more opportunities for fellowship, culminating in a masquerade dance on Friday evening. Some campers went all out with wonderfully creative and elaborate costumes, making the evening especially fun and memorable and providing a fitting celebration near the end of a week spent strengthening old friendships and forming new ones.

Teen Week is always something special. Teenagers are at an age when friendships deepen, questions become bigger, faith begins to become more personally their own, and the relationships they form can have a lasting influence on their lives. At Saint Andrew’s Camp, they are given a place where all of those things can happen together: where they can pray and worship, ask difficult questions, serve others, relax and have fun, sing, swim, dance, laugh until their sides hurt, and simply enjoy being together in a community centered on Christ.