Meet our Team: Volunteer Natasha Federinko!

Name: Tasha (Natasha) Malinchoc-Federinko

Nickname: Tash, Nat-tail-ya

Place of Residence: Hickory Corners, Michigan

Church Ministries: I was a youth group leader, and sing in my church choir. I also do volunteer work with individuals with disabilities and with Hospice Grief Recovery programs

Home Parish: St. Elias Orthodox Church, Battle Creek, Michigan

Career: I have two main careers: I am a therapist/counselor who works in private practice in Christian Counseling Center in Kalamazoo, Michigan. I specialize in grief and loss issues, and do general counseling and Equine Assisted Therapy. I also teach riding to individuals with cognitive and physical disabilities in three therapeutic riding programs.

History and Involvement at Camp: I began my long relationship with SAC when I came to came as a five year old with my mom who was volunteering. During my formative years, I spent entire summers at camp, and still cherish those times and memories. I have returned in the last decade as a volunteer..and I LOVE it!

Favorite Camp Song: “Leaving on a Jet Plane”, “Clouds”, “500 Miles”, “Moscow Nights”, “This Little Light of Mine”, “Little Bunny Foo Foo” (also, anything and everything by the Beatles, too)

Favorite Camp Memory: So many, but, from the time I was little:  Campfires and singing, evening swim, canteen, and swinging and singing with my friends on the swings. From teen years: teen trips, waterfights, cool discussions, and friends from NY, (I lived in Illinois), as an adult: hanging out with the kids, and evening special nights!

Favorite Camp Sport: Horseback Riding, of course! And swimming. I love to swim too.

Favorite Book: So many, but “To Kill a Mockingbird”, most anything by Kurt Vonnegut, Roald Dahl’s “Matilda” and “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”, “The Shack”, and “Charlotte’s Web”.

Favorite Saint: St. Nicholas, for his generosity and love of children. St. Natalya, whom I am named after for believing in love..and St. John Chyrstostom for his writings about Lent, fasting, and wealth and poverty, and compassion.

Favorite thing about camp: Walking the same grounds I walked and played on in the 1960′s and 70′s and sharing my love of camp with new friends! Everything, really. And how each year makes wonderful and unique memories abd friends

Other fun facts: I have been married to my husband Dave (who I met at a horseback riding camp in Michigan) for 28 years this May. We have a son, Nick, whom some of you might have met when he volunteered at camp and did teen week. He’s 22. We have two basset hounds, and three horses, two minis and a full size horse named Trixie. I love music and movies and laughing! I live in the country. I feel the best way we can serve God is by serving our fellow man. I love camp, and love meeting new people, laughing, singing, and having fun. St. Andrew’s camp was HUGELY important to me growing up, and I am blessed to help create good memories for the campers of today!

What you did at camp last year: Had a blast hanging out with the kids and teaching them about horses! I was so proud of the work the kids did, and the new friends I made. We had some awesome volunteers too! It was very fun.

What you will be doing at camp this year: The same. Can’t wait!!

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