Get away to enjoy summertime activities and experiences at SUM's camps (05/04/03)

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

Get away to enjoy summertime activities and experiences at SUM's camps

by Andriy Bihun

NEW YORK - Summertime means fun at camp. At camps of the Ukrainian American Youth Association (known as SUM), youth can get away from the stresses of school life to enjoy the exciting activities and adventures of camping at our campgrounds located in Ellenville and Fillmore, N.Y., Baraboo, Wisc.; and Huntington, Ohio.

SUM offers an array of specialized camps that will not only delight young hearts and minds, but also stimulate their spiritual, intellectual, social, cultural and physical development. From preschoolers to teens, there's a camp for everyone!

This year, the Ellenville "oselia" (resort) offers a new transitional camp, called "Perekhodovyi Tabir," for youngsters who have completed kindergarten or first grade and are about to encounter their first sleep-away camping experience. This weeklong camp starts off as a day camp and turns into a sleep-over camp by the end of the week.

Another exciting addition being offered by SUM's national board is a new two-week camp for teens that starts off at the Khortytsia campground in Cleveland and continues in the mountains of West Virginia, featuring hikes through National Parks, mountain biking tours, white-water rafting, rappelling, snorkeling and rock climbing.

This year's SUM summer camp program includes the following.

SUMeniata Camp is a day camp with a complete preschool program for children age 4-6. Come with mom or dad and enjoy your first summer camp.
Recreational Camps offers the opportunity to make new friends, learn crafts, have adventures and lots more. A full camping experience in the Ukrainian spirit that comes in several flavors - for young children and for teens.
Survival Skills River Camp is a two-week rigorous outdoor camp in Ellenville, where we'll be "roughing it." Campers learn about survival skills and leadership, build their own camp and hike the mountain trails.
Starsho-Yunatskyi Camp is a two-week adventure in Ohio and West Virginia that offers great hiking, biking, rafting and mountaineering experiences for teens who love outdoor life.
Counselor-in-Training Camp is a three-year program that includes in-depth studies of Ukrainian language, history, culture, current events and politics, and workshops in counselor methodology, while stimulating social and cultural development among teens and young adults age 14 to 18.
Sports Camp in Ellenville provides concentrated and specialized instruction in soccer, basketball, volleyball, tennis, track and swimming, emphasizing sportsmanlike conduct and discipline.
Soccer Camp in Baraboo is a one-week clinic dedicated to the enthusiasts of this most popular sport, and taught by trained professionals.
Ukrainian Arts Camp is a unique and varied program offering hands-on experience in Ukrainian traditions, heritage and culture. Participants learn Ukrainian dance, bandura and songs, ceramics, embroidery, pysanky, wood-carving, gerdany and theatrical arts. Campers in Ellenville will perform for thousands of spectators at the annual "Zdvyh" Labor Day Festival.

SUM camps have always attracted youths of Ukrainian heritage who come to share the experience of bonding with new friends and partake of summer fun! For more information, contact your local SUM branch or the national office in New York City by telephone, (212) 477-3084, or e-mail, [email protected].

Check out SUM's U.S. website at www.cym.org/US for camp dates, more details, registration procedures and forms ready to be downloaded!

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