Camp St. Christopher is an Orthodox Christian weeklong kids summer camp that takes place in the Central Florida area each year. The camp is primarily organized by the OCA parishes in the Central Florida deanery, but is open to Orthodox kids of any jurisdiction. This page will have information for the 2025 camp season while we are in the process of making a separate site for the camp.
2025 Camp Welcome Letter
Dear CSC Families,
Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory to Him forever!
Welcome to Camp St. Christopher 2025! It is our prayer that this camp experience will draw our youth closer to God, so that they would be transformed by His presence in their lives. Our host this year will be Camp Shalom in Orange Springs, FL. We offer the following information to help you prepare for camp:
DATES: Monday, June 16, 2025 – Saturday, June 21, 2025
AGES: 8 through up-and-coming High School Seniors. Campers should be 8 years old before the first day of camp.
COST: Registration is $600. Early registration (prior to Clean Monday, March 3, 2025) is $550.
SLEEPING ARRANGEMENTS: There are two large buildings with bunk beds – one for girls and another for boys. There are bathrooms and air conditioning with each building. Campers bunk with fellow campers and at least 2 counselors for the week. Each cabin is essentially a family for a week.
MEALS: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are enjoyed together as a community in the Dining Pavillion. It is important for campers to drink water throughout the day as we prepare for hot summer weather and a rigorous schedule of activities. Special requests related to allergies or dietary needs should be referred to Fr. Daniel.
ACTIVITIES: Life at camp includes field sports, gaga ball, swimming, volleyball, crafts, campfires, and more. Rainy days are a frequent occurrence so rain gear (poncho or water proof jacket) is a must.
WORSHIP & TEACHING: The day begins and ends with prayer and teaching led by our deanery clergy. We also have mid-day “Fun with Father” teaching sessions and one day of Divine Liturgy. Prayer is at the center of Camp St. Christopher and campers return home with a deeper knowledge of their faith.
HEALTH: We have a camp nurse on staff who will oversee medications and treat various dumps and bruises collected during the week.
INSURANCE: All campers should be covered by their family policy. Camp St. Christopher will act as guarantor (Orthodox Church of St. Stephen’s insurance policy will initially cover any immediate emergency costs via a temporary rider which has issued to cover all authorized campers/volunteers during the week of camp), but any costs incurred by the Camp in providing required treatment for doctor’s appointments, prescriptions etc., are ultimately the responsibility of the camper’s legal guardians and those costs will be billed accordingly.
CAMPER PACKING LIST:
- Proper clothing for 6 days of camping, with all items marked properly for I.D.
- Appropriate attire for Divine Liturgy
- Proper athletic shoes.
- Shower shoes/slippers.
- Appropriate swimming attire and accessories (no bikini or 2 piece bathing suits)
- Sweater, sweatshirt, or lightweight jacket
- Waterproof gear, coat or poncho
- Sleeping bag or blanket, twin sheets and pillow
- Laundry bag, marked with camper’s name
- Flashlight
- Two towels (shower and pool), washcloth
- Insect repellant (non-aerosol) (be sure the repellent is safe for your child’s age)
- Sunscreen
- Toiletries, such as Comb/brush, toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, deodorant (non-aerosol)
- Bible and prayer books are encouraged!
- Prescription Medication Clearly labeled with instructions for use (if applicable)
- Optional: Disposable Camera (marked with name), journal, hiking boots, water bottle, cards, money for snack shack ($1 chips and candy)
PLEASE DO NOT BRING TO CAMP…
- Food (attracts animals and can be unfair to children who have none)
- Items of value, which can be ruined, stolen, damaged or misplaced, such as jewelry, electronic equipment, etc.
- Cell phones and music related equipment such as Ipods and MP3 players are required to be turned in during registration and will be returned upon departure. This is a standard industry practice. It ensures the safety of the equipment and the focus of the children during their stay. (The Camp is not responsible for valuables not turned in, which is why we ask that they be left home)
- Roller blades, sneaker skates, roller skates, etc. (no place to use them safely)
- Immodest apparel and clothing with suggestive or obscene imagery or words
LOCATION: Camp Shalom: 168 Camp Shalom Trail, Orange Springs, FL 32182
ARE YOU LOOKING TO GET INVOLVED?
- Volunteer: We are always looking for volunteers to assist with camp planning, chaperoning, and administration. We have roles that don’t include physically coming to camp. If you are interested in volunteering, please reach out to Father Daniel (frdaniel@ststephenoca.com).
- Scholarships for campers: We have had to raise the price of camp this year, and we recognize that it may be a hardship for some families. If you are interested in supporting scholarships for campers, please reach out to Father Daniel (frdaniel@ststephenoca.com).
- We also have an Amazon wish list for materials that will be used throughout camp.
Social Media and Web Links
- Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/campstchristopher/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cscfla/
