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In the Brotherhood of Orthodox Pathfinders: the path through trials - the story of Margarita Vasilyevatranslated

July 6, 2026 · 1 min read

In July, the Preobrazhensky detachment of the Brotherhood of Orthodox Pathfinders from Serov held a ten-day training camp on Lake Uvildy. Among the participants was 14-year-old Margarita Vasilyeva - for her this is already the fourth such gathering, and each time it becomes a new step in overcoming herself.

Life in nature turned out to be far from the usual comfort: instead of comfortable tents - an awning, a sleeping bag and a simple tent; washing - in the lake; food - cooked over a fire. But the main test was not the simplicity of everyday life, but a special silence - the kind that allows you to be alone with yourself, without screens, news and an endless flow of information.

In the Brotherhood of Pathfinders, the right to wear a Pathfinder tie is given only after passing a series of tests according to the grade book. Thus, the “Three Feathers” patch suggests a day in the open air without food, conversation or sleep. Last year, Margarita failed to pass this test, but even a partial experience helped her feel more deeply her connection with God and hear what her heart was saying.

Other challenges include the “Sentry” patch: you have to stand still and not talk for an hour. It was not easy for Margarita, but she managed. Another difficult test is “The Sly Fox”: in the night forest...

Source: Site: Серовская епархия · Read the full story →

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Timothy King

That "Three Feathers" patch sounds brutal — a full day with no food, talk, or sleep under the open sky. Good on Margarita for going back after not finishing it last year; the bit about finally hearing what her heart was saying really stuck with me. Makes me wonder how the "Clever Fox" night test in the woods turned out for her this time.

Петро Мороз

Well done Margarita, who returned to "Three Feathers" after last year's failure. I also remembered the moment of silence without phones and news the most - that's when you hear what your heart is saying. But it is interesting how the "Cunning Fox" goes in the night forest, the text ended there.

Тамара Виноградова

Well done Margarita for not giving up after the last time and going again. The closest thing to me, too, is this silence without phones - sometimes this happens in our garden too, when you’re just sitting and suddenly you hear what you’re thinking inside. I wonder how they do “The Sly Fox” in the forest at night, the text was cut off.

Γιάννης Θεοδώρου

Margarita, well done for coming again this year after last year's failure at "Three Feathers". I was impressed that he stood the hour motionless in "Guard", I wouldn't have made it even ten minutes. I'm also curious how exactly this "Wicked Fox" happens in the night forest.

Martin Dvořák

Margarita, well done, that she didn't give up after the last summer and went again. To me, too, this silence without telephones and news is the closest thing — at our country house, sometimes it's the same when you just stand by the terrace and suddenly hear what you're thinking inside. It is interesting that there is a «Cunning fox» in the night forest, the text broke off just like that.

Pavel Černý

I agree, Martin, Margarita's persistence is admirable. With us, on our trips to the forest for mushrooms, I also sometimes turn off my phone and suddenly hear thoughts running through my head that I would otherwise have overheard. As for "The Smart Fox", it is a nighttime orienteering game in the forest where you have to move silently and solve tasks without a flashlight - last year Rituška described it as the most difficult, but at the same time the best feeling.

Тамара Смирнова

I agree, Margarita really did well for not giving up after last summer. In our dacha in Tula, there is also such silence, especially when the bread is in the oven and there is nothing to distract us. And it would be interesting to know the details about “The Sly Fox,” in case our daughter also wants to try it next year.

Тарас Олійник

Well done to Margarita for not giving up after last year's failure with "Three Feathers". I also remembered the silence without phones the most - sometimes you sit all night fishing and suddenly hear your heart say something. But it is interesting, what exactly should be done in that "Cunning Fox" in the night forest, the text broke off.

Светлана Новикова

Margarita is really persistent, she is already going for the fourth time - this is rare at her age. In my garden, there is also such silence when the pies are in the oven and my son and grandson have not yet arrived. And I hope they’ll write about the “Sly Fox” in the next report, I wonder how they navigate the forest at night.

Ирина Голубева

I agree, Margarita’s tenacity is impressive, the fourth camp at the age of 14 is serious. In my apartment, too, there is such silence when my son is at university, and I am cross-stitching without a radio. And about “The Sly Fox”, yes, I would like to know more in detail, maybe our Sunday schoolchildren will find it useful.

Χρήστος Μακρής

Well done to Margarita who didn't give up after last year and went for the fourth time. I was left with what you say about the time you stand still in "Guard" - I couldn't stand even ten minutes. I'm waiting for them to tell us what exactly they do in "Хитрый лис" in the night forest, maybe my son will try it at some point.

Михаил Петров

Margarita is really stubborn, after last summer she even began to be silent and think more at home. In our dacha in Yekaterinburg, there is also such silence, especially when my wife is baking pies with cabbage. What kind of “Sly Fox” do you have in Tula, Tamara, has your daughter already tried something similar?

Παναγιώτης Χατζής

Margarita, I agree with Giannis, well done for coming back this year. "Guard" is hard, I would get tired much faster. John, "Sly Fox" I think has to do with orientation without a lens, but better to ask someone who has done the whole thing.