Soyuzivka hosts 38th annual Tennis Camp for youths age 10-18 (07/17/05)

Soyuzivka hosts 38th annual Tennis Camp for youths age 10-18

by Petrusia Sawchak

KERHONKSON, N.Y. - Year after year Soyuzivka's Tennis Camp continues to attract youngsters, age 10 to 18, to learn and develop their game and have fun doing so. The campers also form friendships which many of them continue throughout the year.

This year there were 32 children who came from different parts of the East Coast. They were an eager bunch of enthusiastic tennis campers who played tennis even during their limited free time.

Campers reported to the courts at 9 a.m. every day to participate in a series of conditioning exercises necessary in developing tennis fitness. During the day there were three two-hour sessions of tennis: morning, afternoon and early evening, weather permitting. Campers learned proper stroke production, court movement and game strategy as well as other finer points needed to be proficient in tennis.

Large group instructions/lessons were provided by George Sawchak, director of the camp for 38 years, and instructor of various United States Tennis Association (USTA) youth groups, organizer of tennis events, senior competition director and ranked player.

Other on-court sessions were taught by Yuri Kucina, United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) tennis instructor from California, assisted by counselors Christopher Benoit, John Puhalla, Tanya Skvirska and Marco Czerkas (part time). Mr. Kucina also videotaped the campers' strokes for immediate analysis.

Mr. Kucina noted, "The kids learned a lot from watching themselves play tennis on camera. They can see what they're doing and, hopefully, try to improve."

The staff also included Olha Czerkas, a school teacher from Florida, who provided continual off-court supervision. Additional supervision was given by Petrusia Sawchak, also a teacher, and coordinator and administrator of the camp.

Campers enjoyed three meals a day prepared by Chef Andrij Sonevytsky and served in the newly renovated main dining room of Soyuzivka.

Off court the campers participated in a lot of activities: movies, dances, and day and night swims in Soyuzivka's Olympic-size pool. The occasional periods of rain did not dampen anyone's spirit. For example, on one rainy day Mrs. Czerkas taught youngsters to polka and waltz in the Main House, much to everyone's delight.

The first week of Tennis Camp was devoted to instruction and the second week to actual tournament play, round-robin style, in five groups. This gave the players a better opportunity to put their lessons into action.

"The best way to practice playing in competitive mode is to play many competitive matches," explained Mr. Sawchak.

The winner in the Boys' A Group was Alexander Charchalis, the runner-up was Andrew Klokiw, and Mikey Szczupak placed third. In the Boys' B Group Chris Farion won, second place went to Peter Tylawsky, and Yuri Sendzimir took third. The winner in the Boys' C Group was Daniel Tylawsky, with Christian Rajic as runner-up, and Adrian Burke in third place.

Katherine Charchalis was the winner, the runner-up was Lana Denysyk and third place went to Andrea Kucina in the Girls' A Group. In the Girls' B Group Anissa Boyko took first place, Lydia Kowinko came in second, and Laryssa Boyko in third.

The Boys' A Doubles Group winners were Chris Farion and Mikey Szczupak over Greg Serba and Lesyk Hryhorowych. The pair of Daniel Tylawsky and Christian Rajic won over Julian Chernyk and Paul de Vassal in the Boys' B Doubles Group.

Anissa Boyko and Tatyana Romanyuk won over Andrea Kucina and Larisa Farion in the Girls' Doubles Group.

The coveted Best Camper Awards, chosen by the entire staff, went to Alyssa Kowcz, Lydia Kowinko, Vasyl Hereha and Peter Tylawsky for their exemplary behavior on and off the tennis courts.

The trophies and other awards were presented at a banquet held exclusively for the campers in the Main House where all the participants received their camp certificates and water bottles compliments of Soyuzivka. The Soyuzivka staff gave the campers the red carpet treatment at the banquet complete with Shirley Temple drinks, hors d'oeuvres and a choice of salmon or chicken parmesan and apple pie à la mode for dessert.

Some parents were present during the ceremonies as trophies were awarded to all the winners and runners-up by Mr. Sawchak. The doubles winners were happy to receive Soyuzivka T-shirts, compliments of the management. Campers also received a camp booklet prepared by Mrs. Czerkas with their photos, names and addresses so they can keep in touch throughout the year.

Soyuzivka's manager, Nestor Paslawsky, addressed the campers at the banquet, complimenting them for their behavior and encouraging them to return again next year. Mr. Sawchak thanked the campers for attending this year's camp and the staff for their outstanding contributions. A dance followed the banquet.

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