With the blessing of Metropolitan Methodios, the Metropolis of Boston Camp began its staff training period on Wednesday, June 23, 2022.
Over the course of the summer, just over 100 young adults will volunteer their time at MBC to offer this most important camp ministry to hundreds of campers that will pass through the camp’s doors. Metropolitan Methodios visited the staff on their opening day where he encouraged them to offer the embrace of Christ’s love and that of the Church to the youth of the Metropolis who desperately need it. The Metropolitan thanked the staff for the various and unique gifts they each bring to camp and highlighted the need for all of their talents within the Church.
Throughout the course of the staff training, staff members will have the opportunity to hear from clergy, educators, mental health clinicians, professors of theology, law enforcement personnel, and veteran camping experts who will offer them tools for success in ensuring the campers’ spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical health while at camp and beyond.
Of special note this year, is a unique offering that was made available through a grant from the US Department of Education. Through this grant, the NH Governor’s office partnered with the state’s ten community mental health centers to develop and offer a mental health training for camp staff members in light of the rise of mental health concerns in children brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.
With the blessing and at the encouragement of Metropolitan Methodios, MBC immediately secured access to this training for the benefit of its campers. Melissa Colby, Director of Children’s Programming, and Terri Holland, Clinical Manager, at the Riverbend Community Mental Health Center of Concord, NH joined camp staff to offer their insight and tools for management in a cabin setting.
MBC’s Summer theme this year comes from Matthew 6:33, “Seek first the Kingdom of God.” As such, staff is spending much time deeply praying and reflecting on their journey towards Christ’s Kingdom in preparation to receive hundreds of campers this summer.
Source: Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America
