Ruskoka children’s camp, August 3-16, 2003

On Saturday, August 16th, the Russian and Canadian flags were solemnly lowered for the last time this year as Ruskoka, the only Russian Orthodox camp for children in Canada, came to a close.
This year was the third year for the Ruskoka camp–Rus in Muskoka–a beautiful 120-acre wilderness property along the scenic South Branch of the Muskoka river, about 200 kms north of Toronto. The camp was extended from one to two weeks for the first time and grew to just over thirty children, aged 11-16, who came from our parishes in Toronto, Ottawa and London.

In 2003, the campers were fortunate to have a visit during the first week by Bishop Gabriel of Manhattan. Vladyka served the divine services including Liturgy on the feast of the Dormition of the Righteous Anna, blessed the camp territory and buildings, and conducted a discussion with the children. Fr. Stelian Liabotis came for all of the second week and served the Sunday services as well as for the feast of the Protomartyr Stephen, when he was joined by Deacon Vassily Milonov. Fathers Vladimir Malchenko and Vladimir Morin also visited the camp.

Particularly touching was a photo presentation on the life of Alexei Vasilievich Kosachov, who donated the property for the camp to Ruskoka. Mr. Kosachov passed away in May of this year. Following the talk and slides, where he was remembered for his generosity in establishing the camp, all the campers and volunteers went to the chapel where Fr. Stelian served a candlelight Panikhida for the servant of God Alexei.

Besides hiking, volleyball and soccer, Ruskoka campers were fortunate to participate in exciting sports such as mountain biking; canoeing and tubing down the river and through rapids; rock climbing and rappelling; and this year for the first time--thanks to Matushka Elena Liabotis--archery. Campers have regular morning and evening prayers, religious instruction, choir practices and lessons in wilderness skills. Evenings bring either campfires, with Russian songs and skits, or night games.

Next year Ruskoka will likely expand further as it will possibly permit younger children to register. Plans are being made to eventually construct a permanent church for the camp chapel, whose patron is St. Alexis the Royal Martyr.

Please help support Ruskoka through volunteering at work weekends and during camp, by sending your children, or through your kind donations. For further information visit our website www.ruskoka.com