Youth – Shen Vlash

Help administer a summer camp program at a children’s home. Under the supervision of the Albanian staff of the Children’s Home of Hope in Shen Vlash and OCMC missionaries, Team members will teach arts and crafts and English lessons as well as lead sports activities for children ages 3-13. Participate in the ongoing renewal of Orthodoxy in Albania after decades of persecution.

The 2013 Albania Youth Outreach Team will be working with the children (ages 3-13) at the Children’s Home of Hope on the grounds of the Shen Vlash Monastery and Resurrection of Christ Theological Academy. The Team will offer a youth summer camp under the supervision of the Albanian staff and OCMC missionary Pamela Barksdale. Team members will share life experiences and fellowship, and provide a visible witness of the Holy Orthodox Faith. The Team will have an opportunity to visit the ministries of the Church in Albania and meet other OCMC missionaries.

Shen Vlash was the first victim of the Cultural Revolution in Albania over five decades ago that proceeded to outlaw Christianity in Albania. Today it is the Center of renewal and resurrection of the Orthodox Church in Albania. Be a witness of the Orthodox Christian Faith in a country that is over 60% Muslim.

Under the Ministry of Social Work of Albania, the Children's Home of Hope officially opened July 2003. At present they care for approximately 40 children in a foster care environment providing a home model for the children. The Children's Home of Hope is open to children that may be orphaned, come from single parent families, or from families with some type of hardship with hope that eventually they may be re-unified.

Team members who have experience in youth work and youth camps, teaching, (catechism, English, etc.), arts & crafts, and sports are needed. Families with children are welcome.

Provide a positive witness and share the richness of Orthodoxy.

Dates: June 14 – July 1, 2013
Cost: $1,300 + airfare

* Airfare not included in Team costs. Team members must travel on scheduled dates; air travel to be coordinated with OCMC; ground transportation will be provided. Team members are encouraged to raise the additional funds to cover the cost of domestic and international travel.