October 2026 News & Updates
Dear Saint Basil Academy Friends,
Time is flying by! October was a wonderful and busy month at Saint Basil Academy. While soaking in the breathtaking colors of the Hudson Valley, the beautiful fall weather brought many exciting activities, meaningful learning experiences, and plenty of opportunities for fellowship. From apple picking to our successful Walk-A-Thon, there was so much to celebrate! Check out what our Saint Basil Community was up to this past month!
Family Program Field Trip!
Our Family Program enjoyed a fantastic trip apple picking at Hurds Family Farm!
Everyone had a blast. Program members enjoyed apple picking, savoring the beautiful fall scenery, and partaking in many fun fall activities! It was a wonderful opportunity for families to spend time together and make special autumn memories. These experiences are important to allow safe spaces for our moms to bond with their children and explore new things! Thank you to all who make these excursions possible!
Earth Keepers Club
If you are ever on campus and notice a tent, some eager kids, and curious collections of foliage, you might have just stumbled upon our Earth Keepers Club!
Many of our children, led by Ms. Ksenia, meet weekly for hands-on lessons about plants, insects, and nature. The children are learning the importance of caring for God’s creation and protecting the earth. Do not be shocked if you do not receive any forthright responses from an Earth Keepers Club member. They only allow kids who are passionate about learning about the earth into this club!
Fall Sports & Extracurricular Activities
Our youth have been busy outside of campus, too!
We love seeing our children enthusiastically participating in the many fall sports and extracurricular activities offered at their schools. Being a part of a team or school club is so important for building teamwork and leadership skills!
It’s wonderful to see them exploring their interests, developing new skills, and building friendships!
Catechism Classes
This past month, we also started having catechism classes taught by volunteers from St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary! Many of our youth and families come from different backgrounds and are in different places on their faith journeys, so having opportunities for Orthodox Christian education is so valuable. The children have been enjoying chanting lessons, story time, and engaging discussions as they continue to grow in their faith. We are so grateful to our student volunteers who generously dedicate their time to working with our youth!
Pumpkin Painting Fun
What’s fall without some pumpkin fun? All of our programs came together this past month for a festive pumpkin painting activity!
The children had a wonderful time getting creative and decorating their pumpkins, which later became part of the decorations for our Walk-A-Thon. It was a beautiful way to contribute to the beauty of the campus, while flexing individuality through art! What a fun way to bring everyone together and celebrate the fall season!
A Wonderful Walk-A-Thon!
Our Walk-A-Thon was a HUGE success! We had a fantastic day filled with fellowship, fun, and community spirit. The day began with an Agiasmos service to bless the grounds, followed by the beautiful walk through our campus and trails, a bounce house, music, dancing, food, and shopping at our wonderful boutiques! Guests also enjoyed fall crafts, yard games, and some fall photo opportunities. It was truly a memorable celebration!
Thank you to all of our generous donors and all who show support Saint Basil Academy. Your generosity, time, and continued dedication make everything we do at Saint Basil Academy possible. Thank you for being such an important part of our community and helping us create meaningful experiences for the children and families we serve!
Did You Know?
Basilia’s Boutique and Little Blessings Boutique
Did you know that we have two boutiques on campus? Basilia’s Boutique is a sustainable “thrift store” in which there is a give and take amongst the women and girls on campus. Additionally, the Little Blessings Boutique recently opened for mothers with infants and littles! Both were open to everyone at the Walk-A-Thon. The concept of these boutiques are to create safe and warm spaces for residents to “shop” through donated clothing and accessories year-round- and feel empowered and independent while doing so- all without needing to open their wallets! Our incredible staff, Ms. Kim and Ms. Xenia (pictured), have spearheaded these projects. The boutiques also provide opportunities for our residents to gain retail and leadership skills by volunteering and giving back!
Looking Ahead!
Come join our Annual Christmas Celebration on Saturday, December 12th! Please RSVP to Gavrielia Constantine at g.constantine@sbagoa.org at your earliest convenience so that we can ensure adequate seating for all.
Would you like to sponsor a child’s wish this year? Sign up to donate a Christmas gift today! Contact Josephine Tonias at j.tonias@sbagoa.org
We are so grateful for all of YOU for being a part of our Saint Basil Academy Community. We look forward to all that the rest of the fall season has in store!
With Gratitude,
The Saint Basil Academy Family
Follow us on social media!
Support Our Work
As a non-profit 501(c)(3) entity, Saint Basil Academy depends upon the financial support of its beloved friends and donors. Our supporters contribute in many different ways, from monetary and material donations to naming Saint Basil as a beneficiary in life insurance and estate planning. Saint Basil Academy also has several earmarked funds in place for therapeutic art classes and outdoor excursions. Sponsoring a resident, becoming a host family, and/or referring a child to Saint Basil Academy are other vital ways of providing support as well. When you give to Saint Basil Academy, you are helping a child in need in a powerful way.
© Saint Basil Academy
© Saint Basil Academy