Ukrainian American Youth Association camps to celebrate 50th anniversary (05/02/99)

A Ukrainian Summer: where to go, what to do...

Ukrainian American Youth Association camps to celebrate 50th anniversary

by Petro Kosciolek

NEW YORK - The Ukrainian American Youth Association (SUM) has been a vital factor in the life of Ukrainian American communities since its founding on American soil in 1949. During the last half century it has guided Ukrainian youth toward becoming knowledgeable and active members of their Ukrainian and local communities.

Among the objectives of SUM are to offer Ukrainian youth opportunities for social interpersonal contact and mutual support and to stimulate their spiritual, intellectual, social, cultural and physical development. From September to June, "sumeniata," "molodshe yunatstvo" and "starshe yunatstvo" attend weekly meetings at which a structured educational program is conducted by trained instructors. The program includes instruction on Ukrainian culture and history; arts and crafts; sports and recreational activities. Many chapters offer other organized activities such as sports teams, choirs, theater troupes, dance ensembles and even marching bands.

During the summer months the youth attend camps ranging from recreational and sports to cultural and counselors' training camps. In this way, young Ukrainian Americans are able to meet their counterparts throughout the country to exchange experiences and to make lasting friendships. SUM campgrounds are located in New York (two sites), Ohio, Michigan, and Wisconsin.

The 1999 summer camp season will be the highlight of celebrations of the 50th anniversary of SUM in the United States. Each camp will be dedicated to the golden jubilee, and every camper within the SUM camp system will have a camp shirt bearing the official logo of the anniversary commemoration.

SUM camps this summer include:

SUMeniata Camp - A day-camp setting with a full and complete Ukrainian preschool program for children age 4-6, at campsites and resorts in Ellenville, N.Y., Fillmore, N.Y., and Baraboo, Wis.
Overnight Recreational Camp (Vykhovno-Vidpochynkovyi and Perekhodovyi) - A full camping experience in the traditional Ukrainian spirit (available in Ellenville, Fillmore, Baraboo and Khortytsia in Huntington, Ohio).
Survival Skills/River Camp (Vykhovno-Praktychnyi) - The first week is spent learning practical survival skills (in the woods at Ellenville) that are implemented during the second week on a canoe trip at Mount Tremblant National Park in Quebec. Variations of this survival camp are offered also at Kholodnyi Yar in Fillmore and in Baraboo (Mandrivnyi).
Counselor-in-Training Program (Vykhovno-Vyshkilnyi) - A three-year program, consisting of three weeks each year. The program includes in-depth studies of Ukrainian language, history, culture, current events and politics, while stimulating social and cultural development among 14 to 18 year-olds. This camp is offered only in Ellenville.
Sports Camp - The staff of instructors teaches soccer, basketball, volleyball, tennis, track and swimming, while emphasizing sportsmanlike conduct and discipline. This camp is open to children age 10 and up, in Ellenville and Baraboo.
Soccer Camp - Soccer taught by trained professionals, only at the Baraboo campsite.
Ukrainian Culture Camp (Vykhovno-Mystetskyi) - A unique program offering a hands-on experience in Ukrainian traditions, heritage and culture. Children learn Ukrainian dance, bandura, songs, ceramics, embroidery, pysanky, woodcarving, gerdany-making, group theater and traditional cooking. Participants of the two week camp being held in Ellenville will perform at the annual Labor Day festivities, "Zdvyh," in front of thousands of spectators.

All Ukrainian children are invited to come and share the fun and excitement of a SUM camp. For additional information, contact your local SUM branch or the central office in New York: (212) 477-3084, e-mail, [email protected]; for Baraboo: (773) 486-4204; e-mail, [email protected]; for Kholodnyi Yar in Fillmore: (716) 872-1955; e-mail, [email protected]; for Khortytsia in Huntington: (216) 328-0743.

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