What were the key facts and legal issues in the 1966 Pocono Highland Camp workmen’s compensation case. How did the Pennsylvania Superior Court rule on the case and why. What precedents were set by this decision regarding injuries sustained on employer premises.
Background of the Pocono Highland Camp Case
The 1966 Pennsylvania Superior Court case of Barrick v. Pocono Highland Camp centered around a workmen’s compensation claim stemming from a fatal fire at a boys’ summer camp. The case highlights important legal considerations regarding injuries sustained on employer premises and what constitutes being “in the course of employment”.
Key Facts of the Case
- The incident occurred on September 13, 1960 at Pocono Highland Camp in Monroe County, Pennsylvania
- The decedent was a maintenance worker at the camp
- The camp’s regular season had ended, but some employees remained to do clean-up work
- On September 12, employees stopped work early due to inclement weather
- The decedent left camp for personal business and returned to his room in the administration building around midnight
- A fire broke out around 2:00 AM, resulting in the decedent’s death from asphyxiation
Legal Issues and Conflicting Testimony
The central legal question was whether the decedent’s death occurred “in the course of his employment” as defined by Pennsylvania’s Workmen’s Compensation Act. This hinged on whether he was required to be on the premises at the time of the fire.
Testimony on this critical point was conflicting:
- A fellow employee initially stated workers were required to remain on premises and were subject to call at any time, but later said they were free to leave after clocking out
- The foreman testified the decedent was not required to be there at night but also said he would have worked if needed after hours
- The camp owner claimed the decedent was not required to live at camp and was not on call
Initial Ruling and Appeals Process
How did the case proceed through the legal system? The process unfolded as follows:
- The referee initially made an award in favor of the claimant
- The case was appealed to the Workmen’s Compensation Board
- The board, as the ultimate fact-finding body, vacated the award and dismissed the claim
- The case was then appealed to the Pennsylvania Superior Court
Relevant Sections of the Workmen’s Compensation Act
The legal analysis centered on Section 301(c) of The Pennsylvania Workmen’s Compensation Act, which states:
“The term ‘injury by an accident in the course of his employment,’ as used in this article . . . shall include all injuries caused by the condition of the premises . . . sustained by the employe, who . . . is injured upon the premises occupied by or under the control of the employer . . ., the employe’s presence thereon being required by the nature of his employment.”
Legal Principles Guiding the Superior Court’s Review
The Superior Court’s review was guided by several established legal principles:
- When compensation authorities refuse to find facts in favor of the party with the burden of proof, the review question is not whether evidence would sustain such a finding
- Instead, the court examines whether the board’s findings are consistent with each other and with its conclusions of law
- The court also considers whether findings can be sustained without capricious disregard of competent evidence
- While the board is the ultimate arbiter of facts, appellate courts may review questions of law
- If facts permit only one legitimate inference, the question becomes one of law
Implications of the Pocono Highland Camp Case
What broader implications did this case have for workmen’s compensation law in Pennsylvania? The Pocono Highland Camp case helped clarify several important points:
- The importance of clearly defining when an employee is required to be on premises
- The complexities of determining “course of employment” for workers with non-standard schedules or duties
- The weight given to the Workmen’s Compensation Board’s findings of fact
- The scope of appellate review in workmen’s compensation cases
Analyzing Similar Cases: Precedents and Comparisons
To fully understand the significance of the Pocono Highland Camp case, it’s helpful to examine similar cases. How does this ruling compare to other workmen’s compensation decisions involving injuries on employer premises?
Newman v. Congregation of Mercy and Truth (1961)
This case, cited in the Pocono Highland Camp decision, established the principle that appellate review in workmen’s compensation cases is limited to determining whether the board’s findings can be sustained without capricious disregard of competent evidence.
Dandy v. Glaze (1961)
Another case referenced in the Pocono Highland decision, Dandy v. Glaze reinforced the standard of review for workmen’s compensation appeals.
Ede v. Ruhe Motor Corp. (1957)
This case established that while the Workmen’s Compensation Board is the ultimate arbiter of facts, appellate courts may review questions of law, including whether the law has been properly applied to the facts.
The Role of Employer Premises in Workmen’s Compensation Claims
The Pocono Highland Camp case underscores the importance of employer premises in workmen’s compensation claims. How do injuries sustained on employer property factor into such claims?
- Injuries on employer premises are generally covered if the employee’s presence is required by the nature of their employment
- The definition of “premises” can extend beyond the primary workplace to include areas under the employer’s control
- Timing is crucial – injuries must occur during the employee’s work hours or when their presence is required
- The purpose of the employee’s presence on the premises at the time of injury is a key consideration
These factors highlight the complexity of determining whether an injury occurred “in the course of employment” when it takes place on employer premises outside of standard work hours.
Evolving Standards in Workmen’s Compensation Law
How have standards in workmen’s compensation law evolved since the 1966 Pocono Highland Camp case? While the fundamental principles remain similar, there have been some notable developments:
- Expanded definitions of work-related injuries to include repetitive stress injuries and certain occupational diseases
- Greater emphasis on workplace safety and injury prevention
- Increased recognition of mental health issues as potential work-related injuries
- Adaptations to cover modern work arrangements like telecommuting and gig economy jobs
Despite these changes, the core questions addressed in the Pocono Highland Camp case – such as what constitutes being “in the course of employment” – remain relevant in modern workmen’s compensation law.
Lessons for Employers and Employees
What lessons can modern employers and employees draw from the Pocono Highland Camp case? Several key points emerge:
- Clear policies regarding on-call status and required presence on premises are crucial
- Employers should carefully consider the implications of providing on-site housing for employees
- Employees should be aware of their rights and responsibilities when on employer premises outside of standard work hours
- Thorough documentation of work schedules and duties can be vital in resolving disputes
- Both parties should be aware of the current workmen’s compensation laws in their jurisdiction
By learning from cases like Pocono Highland Camp, employers and employees can better navigate the complex landscape of workmen’s compensation law and workplace safety.
: 1966 :: Pennsylvania Superior Court Decisions :: Pennsylvania Case Law :: Pennsylvania Law :: US Law :: Justia
208 Pa. Superior Ct. 72 (1966)
Barrick, Appellant,
v.
Pocono Highland Camp.
Superior Court of Pennsylvania.
Argued March 14, 1966.
June 17, 1966.
Before ERVIN, P.J., WRIGHT, WATKINS, MONTGOMERY, JACOBS, HOFFMAN, and SPAULDING, JJ.
*73 Harry B. Goldberg, with him Ronald M. Katzman, and Goldberg, Evans & Katzman, for appellant.
Christian S. Erb, Jr., with him Metzger, Wickersham & Knauss, for appellee.
OPINION BY ERVIN, P.J., June 17, 1966:
This is a workmen’s compensation case. The facts as stated in the opinion of Judge SHELLEY of the court below are as follows: “It appears that the decedent was a maintenance worker at Pocono Highland Camp in Monroe County, Pennsylvania. This was a boys’ camp that operated during the months of July and August of 1960. During the season, employees were paid a weekly wage, together with food and board. At the time of the accident on September 13, 1960, the camp season had ended. The employees were living in the administration building and purchased their food at a local grocery store. They continued at the same wage and did clean up work. The employees, including the decedent, quit work on September 12, 1960 at about 10:00 a.m. because of inclement weather. The decedent left the camp, went to town on personal business and, although there is not a complete accounting of his time, it is conceded that he did not work again for his employer. He returned to his room in the administration building about midnight. A fire broke out about 2:00 a.m., which resulted in the decedent’s death from asphyxiation.”
There was a conflict of evidence as to whether or not the decedent was required to be on the premises at the time of the fire. On the one hand, Alex Washeleski, a fellow-employe, testified on direct examination that they are required to remain on the premises and were *74 subject to call “at any time of the day. ” On cross-examination, however, he testified that after punching out the time clock Barrick was not due back to work until 8 a.m. the next morning and that he was free to go where he pleased. Andrew Dippre, the foreman, testified that the decedent slept at the camp but that he was not required to be there at night, could go wherever he wanted and was not on call at night. On the other hand, he testified that if there was a need for cleaning up or maintenance after 4:30 p.m., the decedent would have worked at those hours.
Earl Weinberg, the owner of the camp, testified that the decedent was not required to live at the camp, could live where he desired and was not on call at any time. Raymond Jacobs, another fellow-employe, stated that they were not required to be back at the camp again until the following morning at 8 a.m. and testified to the decedent’s movements subsequent to his leaving camp until about midnight.
With this conflicting testimony the referee made an award in favor of the claimant. He made six findings of fact and two conclusions of law but made no specific finding as to whether or not the decedent was required to be on the premises of his employer at the time of his death. Upon appeal, the board, which is the ultimate fact finding body, vacated the award and dismissed the claim. It did not disturb the six findings of fact but added two additional findings[1] and substituted a different conclusion of law.[2]
*75 Section 301(c) of The Pennsylvania Workmen’s Compensation Act of June 2, 1915, P.L. 736, as amended, reads: “The term `injury by an accident in the course of his employment,’ as used in this article . . . shall include all injuries caused by the condition of the premises . . . sustained by the employe, who . . . is injured upon the premises occupied by or under the control of the employer . . ., the employe’s presence thereon being required by the nature of his employment.”
It is well established that where the compensation authorities refuse to find facts in favor of the party having the burden of proof, the question on review is not whether the evidence would sustain such a finding but whether the board’s findings of fact are consistent with each other and with its conclusions of law and can be sustained without a capricious disregard of competent evidence: Newman v. Congregation of Mercy and Truth, 196 Pa. Superior Ct. 350, 175 A.2d 160; Dandy v. Glaze, 197 Pa. Superior Ct 218. 177 A.2d 157.
It is also well established that “While the board is the ultimate arbiter of the facts and its findings are binding on appeal if supported by competent evidence, the appellate court may review questions of law, including whether the law has been properly applied to the facts: Ede v. Ruhe Motor Corp., 184 Pa. Superior Ct. 603, 136 A.2d 151. If the facts permit of but one legitimate inference, the question becomes one of law [citing cases].”: Adams v. Dunn, 192 Pa. Superior Ct. 319, at 323, 162 A.2d 42.
In the present case it is undenied that the decedent was upon the premises of the employer at the time of his death. However, whether his presence was “required by the nature of his employment” was a controverted question. The board decided that question in favor of the defendant and, since it can be sustained *76 without a capricious disregard of competent evidence, we are bound by it.
The claimant cites the cases of Delbene v. Pine, 144 Pa. Superior Ct. 353, 19 A.2d 533; Werner v. Allegheny County, 153 Pa. Superior Ct. 10, 33 A.2d 451; Wolsko v. American Bridge Co., 158 Pa. Superior Ct. 339, 44 A.2d 873; Weiss v. Friedman’s Hotel, 176 Pa. Superior Ct. 98, 106 A.2d 867; and Dupree v. Barney, 193 Pa. Superior Ct. 331, 163 A.2d 901, in all of which the present question was involved and in all of which the claimant recovered an award. However, in all of them except the Wolsko case there was a definite finding that the employe was required to live on the premises or was on call at all times. In the Wolsko case the deceased’s employment was to commence at 5 p.m. and the accident occurred at 4:45 p.m. We said: “Deceased was injured about 15 minutes before his day’s work was to begin. It was entirely proper for deceased to be on the premises of his employer a reasonable length of time before the hour fixed for him to commence his duties.”
On the other hand, the appellee relies on the case of Peoples-Pittsburgh Trust Co. v. Fidelity Trust Co., 149 Pa. Superior Ct. 444, 27 A.2d 445. In that case the deceased was the janitor for an apartment house. He was paid $50.00 a month less $10.00 rent for his living quarters, which were over the garage sixty feet in the rear of the main apartment building. When the furnace was not operating he was free to leave from 7 p.m. until 7 a.m. During the evening of September 10, 1937 he entertained friends in his apartment and then went for an automobile ride with them. They returned at 1:30 a.m. to his quarters. The party broke up at about 2:15 a.m. A fire occurred at 4 a.m. and he was burned to death. The referee disallowed compensation, holding that he was not in the course of his employment. The board substituted findings and held *77 he was in the course of employment because he was subject to call at any time. The court of common pleas sustained the board. However, we reversed, holding that there was no evidence to support the board’s finding that he was on 24-hour duty. We said, at page 447: “Whether deceased met death in the course of his employment is a question of law for the courts: Lewis v. Capital Bakers, Inc. et al., 144 Pa. Superior Ct. 171, 18 A.2d 883; Strunk v. E.D. Huffman & Sons, 144 Pa. Superior Ct. 429, 19 A.2d 539. Even if we assume, as the appellee contends, that the deceased’s apartment was a part of the employer’s premises within the meaning of that term used in our compensation act [compare Brown v. Elks’ Club No. 123, 113 Pa. Superior Ct. 226, 172 A. 408; Dunphy v. Augustinian College of Villanova et al., 129 Pa. Superior Ct. 262, 195 A. 782; and Tappato et al. v. Teplick & Eisenberg Co. et al., 133 Pa. Superior Ct. 231, 2 A.2d 545] there is no evidence to support the board’s finding that deceased was on 24 hour duty subject to call at any time when he died thus warranting the conclusion that he was in the course of his employment at the time of his death. The proof is directly to the contrary. When the furnace was not in operation Ormes’ hours of employment in no instance extended beyond 9:00 P. M. Furthermore, on the evening and early morning in question he undoubtedly removed himself from the course of his employment in acting as host to a drinking party which had nothing whatever to do with his usual employment, being wholly foreign thereto. The fact that he was found fatally burned by a fire, probably of accidental origin, in his home located on his employer’s premises did not warrant the conclusion that he met his death in the course of his employment. This is not a case where an employee after performing his usual duties was found dead on his employer’s premises under unexplained circumstances.”
*78 We agree that the facts in the present case are so similar that a similar result must follow.
Order affirmed.
NOTES
[1] “Seventh: That the deceased, William L. Barrick, was not required to be on the premises of his employer at the time of his death.
“Eighth: That the deceased, William L. Barrick, was not engaged in the course of his employment at the time of his death. “
[2] “Second: Since the death of the decedent was not a direct result of an injury which occurred in the course of his employment with the defendant the claimant is not entitled to recover compensation as provided by the Act.”
Texas Jewish Post (Fort Worth, Tex.), Vol. 26, No. 10, Ed. 1 Thursday, March 9, 1972 – Page 5 of 24
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ENGAGEMENT
■ i
Will Pierson, Specialist in
Professional Education, will ad-
dress the Evening Group of
Hadassah at the regular meeting
to be held at Oak Cliff Savings
and Loan, Preston Center on
Wednesday, March 15, at 6 p. m.
His subject will be “Problems
Common to Minority Groups -
The Challenge and the Solu-
tion.”
STARTS
FRIDAY
3 6 3
7311
[ NONmwIlT HIGH*** * »< III MAN
Mon. —Fri. 6-8-10
Sat. & Sun. 2:00
3:55-5:50-7:55-10
Pierson, who is a Doctoral
Candidate at E.T.S.U., is a
graduate of Bishop College,
where he obtained his B.S.
in Physical Education and
Biology. He is currently active
in the “Up With Education”
program at El Centro where he
drives the Mobile Unit into
lower socio-economic areas to
bring information on the benefits
of education. This enables him
to advise and counsel on avail-
able courses at El Centro. The
program will be introduced by
Mrs. Joseph Schwait, Program
Co-ordinator.
JCC Offers Parent Effectiveness
Training Workshop Starting Mar. 16
The Julius Schepps Com-
munity Center will offer a
course in Parent Effectiveness
Training Beginning Thursday,
March 16, which will continue
for eight consecutive weeks. The
course curriculum, designed by
Dr. Thomas Gordon of Passa-
dena, Calif., a Child Psycholo-
gist, will be of interest to pa-
rents and other adults wanting
to learn how to communicate
more effectively with children.
Parent Effectiveness Training
is a workshop-type course.
There are no educational
prerequisites and no grades or
examinations. The course at.the'
Center will meet between 7:30
and 10:30 for a total of 24
hours of classroom instruction,
including lectures, demonstra-
tions, tape-recordings, classroom
participation experiences, role-
playing, and general group dis-
cussions. Class focus is on
skills, methods and procedures
for improving the parent-child
relationship and resolving
problems in that relationship.
Bernice Waldman (Mrs. Her-
man M.), who will teach the
course, will receive her Master's
of Social Work degree in May
from the Univ. of Tex. at Ar-
lington. Her primary focus of
interest in graduate studies has
been in family counselling and
community mental health.
Graduate field experience, was
gained by training at Buckner
Children and Family Services,
where Mrs. Waldman worked
with children, families, dorm
parents, and foster parents.
Presently Mrs. Waldman is at
Crossroads Inter-Agency with
special assignment to District
VI Mental Health and Retarda-
tion, which serves the South
Dallas Target Area and Mesquite.
Mrs. Waldman received train-
ing as a Parent Effectiveness
Instructor from Dr. Thomas
Grodon, who trained the first
group of instructors in the Mid-
west, Southwest and; Southeast.
Prior to that time the course
was not available in this area
of the country.
Information about registra-
tion for the course may be ob-
tained from Mrs. Rochell Jay at
the Schepps Community Center.
363-5251.
MISS JANET GREENWALD
Mr. and Mrs. Irving Greenwald, 7425 Wellcrest Drive, for-
merly of Birmingham, Alabama, announce the engagement
of their daughter, Janet, to James Blue, son of Dr. and Mrs.
Irwin Blumenthal of Atlanta, Ga.
The future bride attended Sophie-Newcomb College and
is now attending the University of Georgia where she will
graduate in May. Her sorority is Alpha Epsilon Phi. Her
fiance attended the University of North Carolina and is now
attending the Medical College of Georgia. His fraternity is
Zeta Beta Tau.
The couple will wed on June 4 in Birmingham, Ala., at the
Pinetree Country Club with Rabbi Mark Elovitz of Temple
Beth-EI officiating.
Will Pierson, Educational Specialist
Speaks on 'Problems of Minority Groups'
At Evening Group of Hadassah March 15
Pocono Highland Camps
To Interview Campers,
Representative
Staff Mar. 12-15
Louis P. Weinberg, Director
of Pocono Highland Camps, in
the heart of the Pocono Moun-
tains of Northeastern Penn-
sylvania, will be at the Marriot
Hotel, in Dallas, Mar. 12-15 to
meet with prospective campers,
their parents and interested staff
applicants.
Pocono Highland Camps, “the
ultimate in fine private camping”
features separate camps for
boys and girls on Reflection
Lake. Each camp features
separate athletic and workshop
facilities, a magnificent large
private lake with 3 separate
swimming pools in each camp;
white sand beaches and a full
program of water sports. The
cultural program includes drama-
tics including Theatre Work-
shops, Dance, Music and Fine
Arts; special instruction on 9-
hole golf course on premises
as well as driving range and
special social and athletic pro-
gram for “teenagers”. Complete
activities for pre-camp group
age 4-5 Vi as well as a special
program for 16 to MVz year old
boys es camp waiters are includ-
ed.
Pocono Highland Camps are
members of the American Camp-
ing Association and the Associa-
tion of Private Camps, New
York.
For those unable to meet
with Mr. Weinberg, added infor-
mation can be obtained from
Dallas representative, Mrs.
Robert Rosenthal, 12862 Noel
Road, Dallas 75230, telephone
(214) 233-6128 after 4 p.m.
OBITUARIES
RABBI MORRIS SILVERMAN
Services for Rabbi Morris Silver-
man, 77, one of the great scholars and
Rabbis of Conservative Judaism were
held on March 6 at the Emanu-EI
Synagogue Cemetery in Hartford,
Conn. Rabbi Silverman, father of Dr.
Hillel Silverman, spiritual leader of
Sinai Temple in West Los Angeles
and former Rabbi of Shearith IsraaJ
Synagogue in Dallas, died in Acapulco,
Mexico, on March 2. Serving as
Rabbi and Rabbi Emeritus of Emanu-
EI Synagogue for the past 50 years,
he was widely known as the editor
and compiler of 12 prayer books
now used in 1200 Congregations
throughout the world and in the
U.S. Armed Forces. He served as a
member of the Connecticut State
Commission on Civil Rights for 26
years and had been cited by President
Johnson for his contributions to the
Civil Rights movement. Survivors also
include his wife, Mrs. Athea Silver-
man and another son, Arthur Silver-
man, both of Hartford; six grand
children and a sister, Mrs. Pearl
Silman of Columbus, Ohio.
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BEN Z. GLASS
Services for former Dallasite, Ben
Z. Glass, 74, were held March 6 at
the B'nai B'rith Cemetery in Albu
querque. Glass, who died on March 3,
was a graduate of Marquette Law
School, a former Wisconsin legislator,
executive secretary and consultant
to the B'nai B'rith District Grand
Lodges Nos. 6 & 7 and a trustee of the
United States Bankruptcy Court.
Survivors include his wife; son,
Charles N. Glass of Albuquerque;
daughter, Rozanne Skoller of Los
Angeles and four grandchildren.
Rabbis Speak
For Chautauqua
Representing the Jewish
ChautauquaSociety as lecturers
at Texas Colleges will be Rabbi
Jeffrey Ballon of Temple Beth-EI
in Tyler who will speak at Wiley
College in Marshall on March l 5
on the subject “The Role ot
Students in the Political Religious
Future of America.” Rabbi Roy
A. Walter of Temple Emanu-EI
in Houston will speak at Wharton
County Junior College in Whartor
on March 28 on the subject
“Idolatries of Our Time. ”
Rabbis lecture on college cam-
puses under the auspices ot the
Jewish Chautauqua Society an
organization which creates better
understanding of Jews and
Judaism through education. The
Jewish Chautauqua Society is
sponsored by the National
Federation of Temple Brother-
hoods.
Presidents Council
Meets March 17
At Pizette Home
Mrs. Sol Saginaw, one of
Dallas’ most versatile and crea-
tive women, will speak on.“Tin
Lizzies in the Grand Prix Race
or Is Your Organization Geared
for Last Year,” when the Pre-
sidents’ Council meets on Friday
morning, March 17, ten o’clock
at the home of Mrs. Murray
Pizette. 6951 Meadowbriar Lane.
Associated with a Dallas
advertising agency and active in
the business field, she has writ-
ten many radio and television
skits and commercials. She is a
member of Theta Sigma Phi,
professional society for women
in communications, and is active
in the American Jewish Com-
mittee and the Dallas Jewish
Welfare Federation’s Women
Division. ;
Kuznetsov.
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PAGE 5 DALLAS THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 1972 TEXAS JEWISH POST
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“St.
Seraphim Camp – the true triumph of Orthodoxy!”
“St. Seraphim Camp – the true triumph of Orthodoxy!”
The Eastern American Diocese has a long tradition of hosting various children’s camps during the summer months. When we talk about summer camps, scout camps immediately come to mind, and, above all, camps of the Organization of Russian Young Scouts (ORYUR) and the National Organization of Russian Scouts (NORR). But over the past 25 years, a new camp has been opened in the Poconos, named after Rev. Seraphim of Sarov. Serafimovsky camp was founded in 1992 parishioners of the Church of Christ the Savior mountains. Wilkes-Barre, pc. Pennsylvania. It has since grown to become the largest summer camp in the Eastern American Diocese and is not going to give up. On Friday, August 4th and Saturday, August 5th, we drove to the Pocono Mountains to learn the secret behind this very popular summer camp.
“The camp was founded in 1992, when I was serving in these places, as a parish project,” says Archpriest Alexy Duncan (rector of Our Lady of the Nativity Church in Albany, New York, and founder of the camp). For two years more and more people wanted to take part in it, and then Archbishop Laurus (later Metropolitan) supported our initiative to open a camp for all youth.” While the organizers were looking for a suitable place for the camp, the news of the new camp was spreading like wildfire. The prayers of the Rev. Seraphim, oh Alexy was able to get in touch with local American scouts, and they kindly offered a place for the newly established Orthodox summer camp at their Akahila camp.
Camp Akahila is located in Blakeslee, pc. Pennsylvania, on a 242-acre peninsula at the confluence of the Lehigh and Tobyhanna rivers. The location is ideal for an Orthodox summer camp, not only because of its proximity to New York, but also because the camp offers a wide range of activities for children, such as rafting, archery, rifle shooting and many others. . The American Scouts even have a chapel, which every year turns into a temporary Orthodox church with a portable iconostasis. All this simplifies the organization of an Orthodox summer camp – and there is no need to buy land and build new facilities. “The first year we came to the Akahila camp, everything seemed to explode,” says Father Alexy. “We had over 100 children, and in recent years the number has been constantly growing.” Currently, an average of 200 children a year come to the camp.
The most notable difference between the Seraphim Camp and the Eastern American Diocese scout camps is the use of English in the first language. While in the camps of scouts they mainly speak Russian, in the St. Seraphim camp they speak English. “When we started organizing the camp, we wanted to give children who do not speak Russian the opportunity to also attend an Orthodox summer camp,” said Father Alexy. “But St. Seraphim’s camp always opens after scout camps, and we began to notice that many “Russian-speaking children also enroll in it. This year we can say with confidence that most of our camp is bilingual children.”
“This is not a scout camp. I grew up in a camp of Russian scouts, where we wore uniforms, raised flags, marched, etc. But this is not suitable for everyone,” says Archpriest Andrey Sommer (Deputy Chairman of the Synodal Youth Department). “Some children prefer one camp over the other, while others go to both camps, but as the Russian Orthodox Church continues to grow and embrace people of diverse non-Russian backgrounds and traditions, it is important for us to reach out to them as well and create a camp that will respond to them specific needs. This camp is special because it is the only purely Orthodox ROCOR camp in America, with no specific patriotic or Scouting focus.”
Priest Richard Reid (rector of St. Joseph of Optina Church in Virginia Beach, Virginia) has been coming to the camp for six years and believes that “this is the place where children can be in an Orthodox environment 24 hours a day. When we are here, we are not really in the world, but in an Orthodox oasis where children can practice their faith and learn what it means to be Orthodox.”
St. Seraphim’s camp, according to custom, takes place in the first week of August to celebrate the feast of St. Seraphim of Sarov (August 1, NS). Every day begins with morning prayers, then breakfast and classes on the Law of God. Classes are led by a group of 8-10 priests from the diocese who take time out of their busy schedules to spend time with the children. Classes are held in an informal setting and usually outdoors, where children are divided into groups by gender and age. “We try not to repeat the knowledge that they can get in their home parish, such as the basics of the Law of God. Since most of these children already have a basic understanding of the Orthodox faith, we can delve into more complex and relevant topics,” says O. Alexy.
When we visited different groups, we heard topics such as the Orthodox approach to suicide, same-sex marriage, transsexuals, etc. being discussed. “We can’t get away from some of the modern questions our kids are facing in school. These topics make them really ‘digest’ at school, so when they come here they ask us these questions – which is great! We can guide them the way the Orthodox Church teaches,” explains Fr. Andrey.
While the older children are talking about these serious and topical topics, the younger ones are discussing the lives of saints such as St. Seraphim of Sarov and St. John of San Francisco, myrrh-streaming icons and how to live life in Christ.
After the young campers finish their lessons on the Law of God, they devote the rest of the day to what Fr. Alexy calls “entertainment”. In the camp, children can swim in the turbulent clear waters of the Lehigh River, play sports, shoot with rifle and archery, participate in such interesting projects as making T-shirts and writing-decorating stones, making camp fires, they also organize talent shows and dances, swim in the pool and do many other things. But no matter what activities children participate in, one thing remains the same – there are always priests next to them. Each priest is given a group of children with whom they communicate in addition to studying the Law of God. “During the day, children constantly come up to me and ask personal questions that they don’t want to ask during group classes,” says Father Andrey. “Through this kind of communication, we can establish close relationships with each teenager in our group – and this is wonderful! ”
Such a personal relationship with the clergy is the key to the success of the camp, as a result of which the children finally begin to speak openly about the problems facing the Orthodox in the modern world. One of these conversations was remembered by Priest Gabriel Weller (rector of the Church of St. Myrrh-bearing Women in Harrisonburg, Virge). “Some senior assistants told me that when they go to a restaurant and eat there, they don’t cross themselves and don’t pray, because they are being looked at. Then I told them: ‘We need to pray! People need to look at you. “Bearing witness about Christ is what we are all called to do here. We are not of this world. We also talk about St. Seraphim and what he taught about the acquisition of inner peace, through which thousands around will be saved. We explain to the children, that they never know in advance what effect they can have on others if they are bold enough, if they love God and are not ashamed of their faith. ”
At the end of a fun week, everything suddenly stops, and calm and silence come to the camp. As we approached the main dining room, we heard the familiar words of the pre-communion prayers read over a loudspeaker. All 250 campers and helpers stood quietly in line for confession, while the older children read the rule for communion. The little boys who recently played in the forest were joking with each other, standing quietly in line, thinking about their sins and transgressions. Near them stood girls, all with their heads covered. The priests scattered around the dining room, listened to confessions and gave instructions to the children. Then came the time for the akathist to St. Seraphim Sarovsky, who wonderfully performed the youth choir.
Later that day, the youth gathered for the All-Night Vigil in the open-air chapel. The youth choir prayerfully sang the service, and the clergy continued to confess until late in the evening. After the service, the campers returned to their tents and spent the rest of the evening in quiet prayerful contemplation in anticipation of the Divine Liturgy. The last camp day was truly the triumph of Orthodoxy! After spending a week with their brothers and sisters in Christ, confessing their sins, all campers partake of the Holy Mysteries of Christ.
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“St. Seraphim’s camp – the true triumph of Orthodoxy!” – 08/05/17
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But the beauty of the St. Seraphim camp is also that it does not end with the end of the camp. Communication between the campers usually continues throughout the year on social networks and at various events such as St. Herman’s Youth Congresses. Friendship that originated in the camp of St. Seraphim, lasts for many years, and some even get married and get married. “That is why we invite our youth here,” says Fr. Gabriel. “So that they can meet Orthodox friends from all over the country and, in the end, they can find an Orthodox life partner. who to meet, unless of course they want to meet someone from the non-Orthodox. Here we can create a network of friends, resulting in marriages, which began in this camp. Three weddings have already been played this year.” Father Richard confirms Fr. Gabriel and says that “the number of marriages born here is a kind of test for the camp of St. Seraphim. All this indicates that we are doing the right thing.”
The opportunity for young people to communicate with the clergy and with each other in an Orthodox environment is considered the main goal of the camp of st. Seraphim, but how effective is it? Despite the fact that more and more children are constantly coming to the camp, can we be sure that the children are growing spiritually? “Of course they are growing,” Father Richard says. “I notice it when I return here every year. The children talk about their lives and how they have grown over the past year while we have not seen each other. So even if I don’t see I will notice their spiritual growth next year when they return. And this is a great spiritual joy for me. As a priest, I see that I am doing what God expects from me. I can influence the children – the future of our Church and our country”.
St. Seraphim Camp is an unforgettable experience for our children, but it also gives the clergy the time they need to get closer to each other. Father Andrei says that “for the clergy it is almost like a continuation of pastoral congresses.” And about. Richard explains: “Together, the clergy gather around the fire at night and discuss topics that we don’t get our hands on during conventions. It’s a great place; here we can come together, be honest and open with each other, and learn from each other. The secret camp is that the clergy take out of the camp no less useful than children.
Living in the forest for a whole week is not easy, but Fr. Gabriel believes that the benefits are worth the sacrifice. “Life in the camp is connected with stress, but it’s worth it. Here we meet people from all over the country, and this kindles such warm and inexpressible feelings in our hearts.” Love for children is what unites all volunteers who take time out of their busy schedules to work hard so that our children have a place where they can have fun and, at the same time, learn to live as Orthodox Christians. The best thing to say about this is Fr. Andrei Sommer: “The biggest plus for us who come here is the joy of giving. How wonderful to feel that you have the opportunity to give everything you have to these children! Giving – what could be better!”
Subdeacon Peter Lukianov
Eastern American Diocese Press Office
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Mountain camp: hiking with accommodation at the camp site
Mountain camp: hiking with accommodation at the camp site | Prices and routes for active recreation
Summer has come! It’s time to go to the mountain camp! Now everyone can visit the heart of real mountains ! With any level of physical fitness!
But this does not mean that the mountain camp is easy! This is also a GO! Hike in which we live at camp site and every day we walk lightly through the picturesque surroundings: we climb peaks, make our way along mountain paths to waterfalls, admire canyons and gorges.
We have easier and really physically difficult programs in the mountains of the Caucasus, Crimea, Montenegro and in the Khibiny .
Mountain camp is:
- comfortable accommodation in a hotel or camp site;
- walking light in the mountains, to waterfalls, caves and other most remarkable places;
- clean air and always amazing views;
- a company of people of different ages, but the same in spirit, here it is always fun and friendly ;
- awesome photos! You can even take a dress with you for a photo shoot;
- not a resort! This is the REAL HIKING! Only more comfortable.