Senior scouts of Chornomortsi prepare for fraternity's 75th anniversary

by Damian Handzy

GLEN SPEY, N.Y. - The senior scouting fraternity of Chornomortsi held its biennial conference on June 22-23 at the Verkhovyna resort in Glen Spey, N.Y. Senior scouts of Plast Ukrainian Scouting Organization typically are scoutmasters over the age of 35.The meeting was attended by 39 members and candidates who operate in crews located in the District of Columbia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Ohio, Michigan and Ontario.

The main topic of discussion was the 75th anniversary of the founding of Chornomortsi in Ukraine by such legendary figures as Roman Shukhevych and Yaro Hladkyj in 1927. Fraternity members are planning several commemorations in each of their operating locations, including those in Ukraine and Australia.

In addition to celebrations such as evening sailing cruises for members and families in numerous cities, Chornomortsi plan to also issue 75th anniversary memorabilia, such as photographic chronicles in print and electronic media. The yearlong celebration was inaugurated at a special campfire at Verkhovyna during which members recounted their own experiences, especially the early years in Ukraine.

Chornomortsi hold their "Velyka Rada" (Grand Council) on even-numbered years during which major planning decisions are made and new officers elected. This year they initiated the transfer of the leadership to the senior fraternity's younger generation with three recently admitted members taking positions as officers. In odd-numbered years, Chornomortsi traditionally gather in June in social settings. The year 2001 saw two such gatherings, one in the United States and another in Ukraine, each with about 35 participants.

The senior Chornormortsi are one of Plast's four sea scout fraternity/sorority groups (known as "kureni"). The Chornomortsi are divided into senior and young adult (age 18-35) units, as is the Chornomorski Khvyli sorority. These four sea scout units coordinate their efforts through the "Chornomorska Rada" (Black Sea Council), their governing body, which is made up of the leaders of the four units and is headed by the "Morskyi Vovk" (Sea Wolf).

The goal of these four Plast units is to promote sea scouting as a means for Ukrainian youth to develop a strong sense of civic duty to their Ukrainian communities.

Copyright © The Ukrainian Weekly, October 6, 2002, No. 40, Vol. LXX

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