Memory Eternal Picnic Bench at Camp Saint Sava

In March of 2021, we lost one of our dearest Serbian sisters, Michelle George Blasdel, daughter of Dennis and Georgia Polich George and middle sister to Melinda George Karchem, Pamela George Banta and brother, Paul George.

Our ‘Meesh’ spent her childhood summers at Saint Sava Mission Camp in Jackson, a quaint gold rush town in Northern California. Each year, the George Family van would make the 370 mile journey with four excited campers heading to camp for two weeks.

At camp, Meesh learned many things. She learned to kolo. She perfected the art of making a bed. She tried her best to keep her elbows off the table. And she learned to appreciate her family's rich culture and traditions. It was at camp that she forged lifelong friendships that have stood the test of time. Meesh became a camper at age three (which her first counselor, Milena, can confirm :-), evolving over the years to become a counselor, spirited sports director, and eventually a mother as part of the kitchen crew, sleeping in the Baba's dorm.

One of the most cherished memories in her later years at camp was gathering on the “perch” in the late afternoon before dinner, where laughter and conversations flowed freely, bonds were strengthened, and the beauty of friendship, culture, and community was truly appreciated.

In honor of Meesh’s legacy and the profound impact she had on all who knew her, we aim to install a MEMORY ETERNAL picnic table at this special place we call the perch, to honor ALL of our St. Sava Camp Serbian sisters and brothers that have passed on. It is our hope that this table will serve as a lasting tribute, providing a space to gather for comfort and healing through conversation, laughter, reflection, tears, and memories shared.

We extend an invitation to all those that knew and loved Meesh, or have lost loved ones of their own, to join us on this journey of healing, and continue the tradition of love and camaraderie that Meesh held so dear.

*Any contributions made beyond the goal will be donated to the additional programs or needs of the Camp