With the blessing of Archbishop Anastas, the Children’s Office in collaboration with the Protagonist’s school organized an English Camp. Approximately 45 children from this school, the Children’s Home of Hope and some schools in Durres took part. The activity took place at the beautiful monastery of St. Vlash near Durres from June 17 – 21.

For the third year in a row a group of young people from the USA participated in leading a camp with the theme “Give thanks for all things; family, nature, environment.” The children learned to see the world around them with new eyes and each became aware of their responsibility in life.

The first goal of the camp was to teach more about God and how to give thanks to Him and the second goal was to practice the English language. The program of the camp was spiritual, educational and entertaining. The children took part in art and craft activity, games, dramas, music and discussions regarding the theme of the camp.

Every day the children participated in the spiritual talks where were discussed themes such as “Why creation is important? Why should we take care of the world? How is God present in our lives? What do we do to thank God? How to live in communion with God, with others and the environment? How to use our talents in life?”

They also participated in English class where they had the chance to practice it and in the art and craft class they learned how to draw a portrait which was also related to the idea that we are icon’s of God, how to draw nature that we see every day, how to keep our environment cleaned and the decoration of a dragon fly through which was transmitted the message “if a dragon fly was created to fly, eat or drink, the human beings are created to live with God every day, to love Him and our family, the neighbor and our environment.”

The children, who were separated in three groups: blue, brown and green, were enthusiastic in the preparation for the evening of the talent show where they showed their talents in music, drawing, drama, games. They had to behave well everyday cause they were given points and at the end of the camp one of the groups won the price. This group was blue. They also learned songs like: “This is the day, that the Lord has made..., etc.”

The Vice Minister of Foreign Relation  of Albania Mr. Elton Gurakuqi visited the camp. He expressed his gratitude for those who organized the camp. He said “I see that my daughter is very happy, joyful and her joy is mine too. May all the kids become part of these activities, cause they are spiritual, educational and social and they help in their growth”.

The camp ended with a festival where the parents of the children took part as well. One of the children, Anastasi said that he had a great time, had made new friends and that he would thank God for everything.”

The fathers of the church says that the highest stage of the prayer is giving thanks. Let us not hesitate to thank from our heart, since giving thanks is  essential in our lives, it is the essence of the life of the Church. As St. Paul advises us... Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ... (Efes 5:20)

      By Elena Krakulli

      Translated and edited by Gabriela Hoppe