Camps at Plast's Vovcha Tropa: an appreciation of those who make it possible (10/23/05)

Camps at Plast's Vovcha Tropa: an appreciation of those who make it possible

by Sonia Slobodian Bokalo

EAST CHATHAM, N.Y. - Every July, for more than five decades, the sleepy, little hamlet of East Chatham, N.Y., has been awakened by Plast members from all over the United States, Canada, and Ukraine as hundreds of campers descend upon the Vovcha Tropa campground to hone their scouting skills, to spend time in a Ukrainian environment and to rekindle friendships.

July 2005 was no different as this unbroken tradition continued. Over 350 Plast youths and 80 counselors were the most recent links in this chain of continuity.

It is often said that the more things change, the more they stay the same. In many respects, this is very true at Vovcha Tropa because it's possible that the very activities that grandparents see their grandchildren participating in were the ones in which they partook in as youngsters. The Plast philosophy of helping individuals become healthy in both body and soul, while preparing them to become valuable members of the Ukrainian community, has endured years of flux only to become stronger and more necessary as the process of assimilation continues to impact Ukrainians in the diaspora.

The first week of camp was highlighted by a field trip to a local lake for novaky and novachky (boys and girls age 7-11), a concert by a former Vovcha Tropa camper and camp leader (komendant) the singer/guitarist Stefko Stawnychy for yunaky and yunachky (boys and girls age 11-17).

There was also a liturgy celebrated by Plast's Chaplain, the Rev. Ivan Kaszczak, in memory of deceased Vovcha Tropa activists Eugenia Charchenko, Michael Sawicki and Adam Dombrowsky, and the blessing of the newly constructed pavilion. The novachky enjoyed a playlet in which they participated under the direction of the Chortopolokhy sorority, and the novaky had a good time during a field game prepared for them by Anna Hnateyko with the help of Yurko Bilyk and members of the Khrestonostsi fraternity, most of whom had themselves been campers at Vovcha Tropa.

The following weeks were just as jam-packed with special activities. Each day was full of activities designed to strengthen the campers' scouting skills, instill confidence and teach team-building skills that will remain with them for the rest of their lives.

Novachky under the leadership of Tania Huk went to a farm to see a petting zoo and to pick plums, which fit perfectly with their theme "Sweet Dreams."

Many future hopes of becoming pilots were born when the novaky (boys 7-11 years old) led by Pavlo Mulyk traveled to see an aircraft carrier, which tied into their theme of heroes in the armed forces.

Yunachky and Yunaky under the supervision, respectively, of Ada Helbig and Pavlo Jarymowycz enjoyed many vechirky (mixers) and even had the Hrim band play for them live and in-person. They also had an opportunity to prove their physical fitness as the Spartanky put them through their paces. Another test of physical fitness was their camping and hiking trip. One group hiked the trails near Hunter Mountain in New York, while another group experienced the majesty of Mount Greylock in Massachusetts.

The specialized camp for older yunaky and yunachky with the guidance of Isya Hud took a traditional and much-anticipated three-day field trip to Saranac Lake that included canoeing, rock climbing and spelunking. When they returned, a triumphant look of accomplishment was etched on each and every face.

Added to this mix for weeks one and three, was another specialized camp for 7-year-old novachky and novaky who were just beginning their Plast odyssey. This camp, organized by the Spartanky for the past 10 years, endeavors to acclimate these first-time campers to camp life during a one-week session. This year's komendantky were Lydia Moczula and Marusia Kolodij.

Not surprisingly, the theme of Ukraine's Orange Revolution was easily recognizable in each camp, be it by the T-shirts, the camp songs or the crafts that were exhibited. The yunachky were very influenced by Maria Burmaka's song "Nebiysia Zhyty" (Do Not Be Afraid to Live) and sang that song with great enthusiasm. Yunaky were equally involved in reliving the Orange Revolution via discussions, field games and songs. Lessons of the maidan (Kyiv's Independence Square) were discussed and activities were conducted to emphasize the official chant slogan "Razom Nas Bahato - Nas Ne Podolaty" (Together We Are Many - We Will Not Be Defeated).

The weeks passed quickly and the time to say farewell came sooner than most campers would have liked. After closing ceremonies, tears were shed, hugs and hearty backslaps were exchanged. Promises to e-mail and text message were made as the campers said their good-byes and the words "See you in Wildwood" were often heard.

According to the Regional Camp Committee of Vovcha Tropa, it does take a village to raise a child, as many individuals and groups contributed to the success of the 2005 camps. Emilia Liteplo was responsible for providing delicious and healthy meals for 400 plus campers and staff. Margareta Nycz organized a medical staff that was headed by Regina Mikels, R.N., and included Drs. George Temnycky, Andrij Boyko and Nestor Blyznak, who were ably assisted by Zenia Olesnycky and Darka Halaburda Patti.

Darka Temnycky, Anya Hnateyko, Roma Temnycky and Marta Kachaj Vosbikian assisted Iliana Paslawsky, camp administrator. Orysia Dmytryk Buzetta, who was also the oselia's fire marshal, operated the ever-popular camp canteen.

Frank Salek and Joe Patti installed lighting in the new pavilion and took care of many miscellaneous tasks that needed attention. There was also a maintenance staff supervised by Petro Bokalo that ensured the smooth operation of the physical plant, which this year included a new water system engineered and installed by Lewko Nycz with the help of George Huk.

Lida Huk, with the assistance of Sonia Bokalo, supervised the camp counselors and their programs while Lida Chernichenko tended to financial matters, and Katria Harasewycz took care of registration. Marko Turczan was responsible for maintaining and providing camping supplies for all camps, and George Shypailo supervised the construction of a new volleyball court.

Officer Jeff Cox of the Department of Environmental Conservation and a local long-time friend of Vovcha Tropa, presented a program for all campers that taught them about animals that call Vovcha Tropa home.

Plast sororities and fraternities that contributed time and effort to organize activities included the Chortopolokhy, Chornomortsi, Lisovi Mavky, Spartanky, Khrestonostsi and Khmelnychenky. All these efforts were coordinated for the 12th year running by Mr. Huk as head of the Regional Camp Committee of Vovcha Tropa.

As summer drew to a close, echoes of campfire songs and children's laughter slowly faded in the hamlet of East Chatham, N.Y. The leaves of fall will disappear as winter's snowy blanket covers Vovcha Tropa. However, spring will come, and with the reawakening of nature the campers once again will come to their second home to celebrate Sviato Yuriya - the feast day of Plast's patron St. George - and thus the well-orchestrated cycle will continue.

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