53rd year of summer camps begins at Plast's Vovcha Tropa in upstate New York (07/24/05)

53rd year of summer camps begins at Plast's Vovcha Tropa in upstate New York

by Sonia Bokalo

EAST CHATHAM, N.Y. - The bright rays of the summer sun peeked through threatening rain clouds and shone down benevolently upon campers, counselors, parents and guests as they gathered on Saturday, July 9, to commence the 53rd year of camps at Vovcha Tropa.

Opening ceremonies took place on the vast sports field, where many of the campers anxiously looked around to spot friends from past years, while parents breathed a sigh of relief that once again, or perhaps for the first time, their children were unpacked and ready to begin their three-week odyssey into the magical and mystical world of Plast camp life.

This year Vovcha Tropa is hosting 354 campers, ranging in ages from 7 to 17, with a staff of 80 dedicated counselors to care for them. There is also a support staff of 25 maintaining the infirmary, office, facilities and, of course, the camp kitchen.

The organizer of the camps is the Regional Camp Committee (known by its Ukrainian acronym as OTK) of Vovcha Tropa led by Yurij Huk for the past 12 years. "Komendanty" (directors of individual camps) this year are Tania Huk, Pavlo Mulyk, Ada Helbig, Pavlo Jarymowycz, Laryssa Hud and Lida Moczula.

Campers and counselors were also happy to welcome four counselors from Ukraine who will share their knowledge and experience with Ukrainian American youths and Plast leaders. This is especially important this year when all camps have as their designated slogan "Together we are many and we will not be overcome" and the Orange Revolution figures prominently in many camp activities.

On Sunday, July 10, the sun shone brightly as the campers attended divine liturgy celebrated by the Rev. Ivan Kaszczak, Plast chaplain. Father Ivan, a former camper at Vovcha Tropa, in a very age-appropriate way, spoke to the children about their responsibilities as good Plast members and the opportunities available to them at camp. He wished them a wonderful and memorable camping season.

The blessing of the newly constructed pavilion followed the liturgy. The pavilion is a result of the fund-raising campaign led by Andrij Kozak and the generous donations made by institutions, families and friends of Vovcha Tropa.

Under the direction of Petro Bokalo, the pavilion was constructed in record time, is aesthetically pleasing and large enough to accommodate all the campers.

It is the OTK's hope that the pavilion will be the center of many future gatherings for campers and other groups throughout the year at Vovcha Tropa.

After the blessing of the pavilion, the campers returned to their separate campsites to begin in earnest their camp life. All were looking forward to parents' weekend - the traditional "Den Plastuna" - that takes place July 23-24 so that they can proudly share their experiences with their parents.

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