Metropolis of San Francisco Summer Camp

11/14/2024

Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center is pleased to announce the hiring of Stefan Metrakos as its new Executive Director. He brings with him experience in business strategy along with a deep personal commitment to his new role, and he is ready to help the Ranch grow and thrive. His skills in leadership, data analysis, and communications will be a tremendous asset as he works to broaden programming and outreach.

As the son of a Greek Orthodox priest, Stefan has been immersed in church ministry his entire life. He has participated in summer camp programs for the Metropolis of Atlanta and the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco. During his high school years, he was active in the Metropolis Oratorical Festival, and later served as a counselor for four years at Saint Nicholas Ranch and Camp Angelos. His involvement also transcended borders during his time as a homebuilding intern and volunteer at Project Mexico and Saint Innocent Orphanage.

Stefan has also served as a youth retreat leader in the Bay Area and Southern California, Sunday school teacher at Holy Trinity in San Francisco and Saint John in Anaheim, and is an active church musician. Currently, Stefan is pursuing an online Master’s degree in theology from Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, further strengthening his foundation in Orthodox theology and ministry.

“We welcome Stefan into this new role, and are eager for the opportunities that his leadership will bring to our beloved Saint Nicholas Ranch,” stated His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos. “The Ranch is now in its 45th year and Stefan’s vision and energy will be instrumental in the ongoing growth and success of this cornerstone ministry in our Metropolis.”

As he steps into this role, Stefan looks forward to fostering a welcoming and enriching environment for all who come to the Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center for spiritual renewal and growth. He and his wife, Leah, are happy to be living in the immediate vicinity of the Ranch, and worshipping at the Monastery of the Theotokos the Life Giving Spring. Stefan succeeds Michael Pappas who served as Executive Director from 2007 until his passing in the summer of 2024.

Photo: Courtesy of Stefan Metrakos.

05/19/2024

50 DAYS UNTIL SUMMER CAMP 2024!
Register for Session 2 of our summer camp at https://gosfyouth.org/summer-camp

03/11/2024

WE NEED YOU! Calling all young adults - apply to join our staff this July and experience a summer with friendships that will last a lifetime!

https://gosfyouth.org/summer-camp #/staff-applications

11/07/2023

06/02/2023

Aloha! Our 2023 Summer Camp Friday night evening activity will be a luau! Get your Hawaiian shirts, leis, tropical dresses, or underwater themed outfits ready!

06/02/2023

Our 2023 Summer Camp Tuesday Night Campfire theme will be WESTERN! Get your flannel shirts, bandannas, jeans, cowboy hat and boots ready for a fun night around the campfire! Get excited… Summer is BACK!

02/06/2023

Online registration for our Metropolis Summer Camp opens tomorrow, Tuesday, February 7 at 9:00am!

https://gosfyouth.org/summer-camp

02/05/2023

BREAKING NEWS:
Our 2023 Metropolis Summer Camp online registration opens next Tuesday, February 7, at 9:00am PST at https://gosfyouth.org/summer-camp

01/24/2023

STAFF APPLICATIONS are now open for our 2023 Metropolis of San Francisco Summer Camp at St. Nicholas Ranch & Retreat Center! Apply by March 18!
https://gosfyouth.org/summer-camp

07/10/2022

INTRODUCING OUR CAMP DIRECTOR

This will mark Johanna’s 28th year attending summer camp at St. Nicholas Ranch as a camper, counselor, management team member, and Director of the camp. She was born and raised in the Bay Area and spent ten years in Southern California where she graduated from Long Beach State in 2006. During her professional career in Long Beach she worked in the wedding, corporate, marketing, sales, and restaurant industries.

She has now been our Metropolis Director of Youth & Young Adult Ministries for 8 years, and is extremely thankful to God for guiding her in this beautiful ministry. She met her husband Alex at summer camp a few years ago and their son, John Michael Carter, will be turning 1 year old during Session 1 on July 11. Johanna worked hard to prepare for a fun summer back HOME at the Ranch, and she’s so excited for you all to meet the incredible staff! Glory to God for all things!

07/10/2022

INTRODUCING OUR PROGRAM DIRECTOR

SUMMER IS BACK, and so is Father Christian Burkhard, formerly known as Ron. It has been too long since we have all been together at the Ranch experiencing God's beauty and fellowship. Father Christian is so excited to make the long drive all the way from Fresno just to see your smiling faces. Father loves all things outdoors and is always up for a new adventure, especially when his wife, Presvytera Maria, is there with him. He knows that this summer is going to be awesome because he will be spending it with all of you!