Ukrainian Homestead in Poconos is the setting for a variety of events (05/01/05)

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

Ukrainian Homestead in Poconos is the setting for a variety of events

by Borys Prokopovych

LEHIGHTON, Pa. - Located in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania just 75 miles north of Philadelphia and 90 miles west of New York City, the Ukrainian Homestead offers visitors a wide range of activities in a beautiful country setting. Founded in 1957 by the Organization for the Democratic Rebirth of Ukraine (known by its Ukrainian acronym as ODVU), the Homestead is dedicated to the celebration of Ukrainian heritage and culture.

Five miles from the Pennsylvania Turnpike (NE Extension, Exit 74), the Homestead has been a unique gathering place for friends and family for over 47 years. Over the past year, the Homestead has been busy renovating the old building known as "Gengalivka" into facilities for overnight guests; the boys' and girls' camp buildings have new roofs, as does the main dance hall, which will also get a new coat of paint. There are also plans to rebuild the bath house next to the pool - all before the start of this summer season.

On August 20 and 21 the Homestead will attract thousands of visitors to its two-day cultural Folk Festival featuring the Ukrainian dance ensemble Kashtan, bandurists, the Kazka Folk Ensemble, singers, musicians, and arts and crafts vendors. The festival also includes an evening of dancing until dawn.

Ukrainian youth organizations such as Plast Ukrainian Scouting Organization and the Ukrainian American Youth Association (SUM), and other organizations hold weekend outings, meetings or conferences at the Homestead. Weddings and special family gatherings are another reason to get together at the Homestead. From picnics or formal events to soccer or volleyball tournaments, this country place has the room and the facilities for small or large groups to hold whatever events they choose.

The Ukrainian Homestead is occupied year-round by skiers, bikers, campers, rafters, hunting and fishing enthusiasts, conventioneers and vacationers enjoying nearby attractions such as the historic town of Jim Thorpe and the many ski resorts. The Homestead hosts the Ukrainian Gold Cross Children's Camp, the Kazka Dance Camp, a Mountain Bike Camp and a Paintball Camp.

While camping is not permitted, the Ukrainian Homestead offers motel rooms and bungalows year-round. Barbecue areas, a swimming pool, a dance hall and a social club are also available. An open-air chapel provides the opportunity to attend liturgy throughout the summer months

For more information or to make reservations, call the Ukrainian Homestead at (610) 377-4621 or (215) 235-3709 or e-mail [email protected]. The website www.ukrhomestead.com has a complete schedule of events.

A Ukrainian Summer (main page)

| Home Page |