The National Association of Russian Explorers (NORR) celebrated its 60th camp in the Catskill Mountains of New York.

On Friday, July 10, Bishop Theodosius of Manhattan arrived at the camp, accompanied by Protodeacon Alexandre Sarandinaki (cleric of St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Howell, NJ), to celebrate the camp’s patronal feast – honoring the Holy Chief Apostles Peter and Paul – and to spend three days with the children and youth. The distinguished guests were welcomed by the camp’s spiritual director, Archpriest Constantine Semyanko (rector of Holy Presentation Church in Stratford, CT). On the first evening, the bishop attended the campfire gathering, where the entire camp sang songs and the children performed humorous skits. The sun set behind the mountains, and a golden-pink glow lingered in the blue sky long afterward.

In the morning, His Grace attended the flag-raising ceremony and morning prayers; throughout the day, he toured the camp and met with youth groups.

That evening, during the All-Night Vigil, co-serving with Bishop Theodosius were: Fr. Constantine Semyanko, Archpriest George Temidis (secretary of the diocesan administration), Priest Victor Ganson (cleric of Holy Epiphany Church in Boston, MA), and Protodeacons Alexandre Sarandinaki and Nicholas Ilyin (cleric of Holy Virgin Protection Church in Nyack, NY). After being anointed with myrrh from the miraculous Hawaiian Iveron Icon of the Mother of God, every camper received a small paper icon as a gift. Almost the entire camp – including the administration, counselors, and assistants – went to confession.

On Sunday, July 12 – the feast of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul – the camp welcomed Bishop Theodosius in the morning, lining up in two rows in front of the chapel. Campers scattered rose petals on the path before His Grace. He was presented with a freshly baked and decorated ceremonial bread with salt. In his sermon, Bishop Theodosius spoke of the spiritual feats of Sts. Peter and Paul and generously sprinkled holy water on everyone who came forward to venerate the cross at the end of the service.

The camp gathered for a group photo with Bishop Theodosius by the tall cross overlooking the pond. This cross had been erected in 1988 to mark the millennium of the Baptism of Rus’. The leadership thanked the His Grace for his visit and expressed the hope that he would be able to return to the camp in the future to spend more time there and participate in camp life.

For the feast of the Holy Royal Passion-Bearers, All-Night Vigil was solemnly served in the chapel on July 16, followed by the festal Divine Liturgy on July 17. Concelebrating with Frs. Constantine Semyanko and George Temidis were Priest Artem Siss and Protodeacons Alexey Pnev (clerics of Holy Dormition Convent "Novo-Diveevo" in Nanuet, NY) and Nicholas Ilyin. Almost the entire camp received Holy Communion. In his sermon, Fr. Constantine spoke about the final days of the Royal Family and urged everyone to follow the example of their courageous steadfastness in the Faith.

From Friday the 17th to Sunday the 19th of July, clergy, former campers, and friends of the camp gathered to mark the 60th anniversary of N.O.R.R. camp in the Catskill Mountains. On Friday, guests began arriving and pitching their tents – about 50 in total – on the old soccer field. That evening, campers and guests gathered around the campfire to sing camp songs and perform humorous skits; afterward, reluctant to part ways, they continued sharing memories and impressions near their tents beneath the starry sky.

Despite the grey, rainy Saturday morning, everyone was in high spirits. Senior Instructor Nicholas G. Ganson gave a talk on the history and mission of the camp, which centers on Orthodoxy and Russian traditions. Ganson spoke about the organization’s founder, Pavel Nikolaevich Bogdanovich; about the Romanov family members who were patrons of N.O.R.R. – Grand Duke Alexander Mikhailovich and his wife, Grand Duchess Xenia Alexandrovna (sister of Tsar-Martyr Nicholas); about the camp’s first spiritual father, Archpriest Seraphim Slobodskoy; and about the camp’s founder, Vasily Feodorovich Zhukov, who led N.O.R.R. for 45 years and worked tirelessly for the camp’s well-being and prosperity. Ganson emphasized the influence of Peter the Great’s ideas on the upbringing of youth.

Over the weekend, soccer matches took place on the field, accompanied by the spirited cheers of fans and the engaging commentary of game organizer and instructor Ilja J. Jarostchuk, with younger campers competing for the "N.O.R.R. Mini-Cup" and older campers for the "N.O.R.R. Cup."

Guests continued to arrive. Tours were organized to the new campgrounds, acquired in 2022, which had significantly expanded the forest area belonging to N.O.R.R.

Archbishop Gabriel of Montreal & Canada arrived in time for dinner. The weather remained rainy, and just before the All-Night Vigil began, a sudden storm warning was issued regarding the possibility of a tornado and the need to evacuate from outdoors to indoor shelters – a measure the camp promptly carried out. The tornado bypassed the camp, though a fierce storm with torrential rain and gale-force winds swept through. Meanwhile, Vigil had begun in the chapel, and as soon as the storm warning was lifted, everyone headed there, as well.

Following Vigil, the traditional annual "Roll Call" took place, held inside the chapel this time due to the stormy weather. The ceremony was particularly solemn, as many camp alumni joined the ranks to commemorate deceased members of the organization. A subdued campfire gathering was also moved to the dining hall because of the weather.

Archbishop Gabriel celebrated Liturgy, co-served by Frs. Constantine, George, and Artem, as well as Protodeacon Eugene Kallaur (cleric of St. Seraphim Memorial Church in Sea Cliff, NY) and Deacon Nicholas Solovieff (cleric of Holy Epiphany Church). Senior Instructor Irina V. Stepanov directed the choir, which was composed of campers and guests. Nearly the entire camp received Holy Communion.

Nothing remained of the previous day’s storm but puddles; the sun was shining brightly! Breakfast included a serving of everyone's favorite – semolina porridge. Guests continued to arrive while the camp prepared for the parade and performance.

Shortly after breakfast, the Ceremonial Parade took place, featuring the presentation of the camp banners and the taking of the Solemn Pledge. The entire camp participated, joined by camp alumni who formed their own separate unit and marched smartly in the Parade.

Everyone present – campers, clergy, leadership, alumni, parents, and guests – gathered by the flagpole for a group photo.

After lunch, a performance prepared during the camp’s first two weeks took place; the dances were choreographed by Julia A. Winward, while the choral performance was prepared by Andrei V. Rudenko, who has dedicated many years to the camp and returned this year to work with the children and youth.

Natalia Karuna-Renier, a representative of the SGPA camp, congratulated N.O.R.R. on its 60th anniversary and read out a congratulatory message.

Exhibitions featuring the children’s work from calligraphy and handicrafts classes were held in the School and Club buildings. Alexei S. and Maria O. Slobodskoy brought along surviving issues of the "Forest Newspaper," published in the early 1990s by Alexei’s mother – "Aunt Yolochka" (Matushka Elena Slobodskoy), wife of the camp’s first spiritual father, Fr. Seraphim Slobodskoy, who authored the now world-famous textbook The Law of God. Historical photographs of the camp from various years were shown on a large screen in the school building.

Over the weekend, the camp highlighted the need for a major project and requested donations – within one’s means – for the construction of a new infirmary building. After many years, the old building had fallen into a state of disrepair, and the infirmary was temporarily relocated to the Main Building. In addition to providing better medical facilities for the camp during the summer season, the new infirmary project includes the option of using the building for winter camp gatherings. Those wishing to join in and make a contribution can do so here.

After the performance, everyone relaxed, enjoyed socializing, and strolled around the campgrounds. As they said their goodbyes before departing, many expressed a desire to return to the camp in the future, cherishing the memories and impressions of the days spent there. The celebration of the camp’s 60th anniversary was a joyous occasion that the participants will long remember.