'Tabir Ptashat' camp for pre-schoolers focuses on nature, music, crafts and games

by Lesia Naumenko

KERHONKSON, N.Y. - "Rain, rain, go away! Come again another day!" That was the refrain often repeated during the first week of "Tabir Ptashat" at the Ukrainian National Association estate, Soyuzivka. Run by the Plast Ukrainian Scouting Organization's "Pershi Stezhi" sorority under the guidance of Neonila Sochan, this is an introductory camp for Ukrainian-speaking children age 4-6, most of whom join Plast when they turn 7.

As for the rainy refrain, it seemed as if never in the history of Soyuzivka had so much water fallen from the skies as it did during the week of June 25 to July 1. Umbrellas became the new appendage. Wet hair, wet socks, wet sneakers, drippy raincoats and rivers running through the estate became the norm. However, the deluge did not stop the 49 campers from having a terrific week.

The camp, under "komendantka" Lesia Naumenko, was divided by age into five "royi," or small groups. Each had a bird designation. This year's theme was domesticated fowl: geese, turkeys, roosters, hens and ducks. Children made hats representing their group's respective birds and learned an "obriad," or short ritual - a song with movements - about their bird.

Morning activities included a group meeting, during which the children had daily themes such as bugs, birds, camping and nature. After a short break, there were round-robin activities consisting of nature knowledge, games and sports, and singing, all led in Ukrainian. Families were given a long afternoon break to rest, swim (when the sun came out) and enjoy Soyuzivka.

Then, at 4 p.m., the campers participated in various camp-wide activities. Highlights included a visit from musician George Hrab of Bethlehem, Pa., who gave the children a rousing and creative presentation about music. The children loved learning about the three parts that make up music: pitch, speed and volume. They even made their own tambourines and drums earlier in the day, which they played enthusiastically for Mr. Hrab.

Halyna Shepko of Shawangunk Ridge Farm brought her chickens, roosters, ducks and turkeys for the children to see, hear and pet.

During Wednesday's science fair the children went from station to station and made baking-soda volcanoes, mixed colors, created "goop," played with magnets, saw if objects sank or floated, and constructed marshmallow-and-toothpick sculptures, among other things.

During one day's meeting, the children planted flowers into designated baskets, which were later presented to Soyuzivka via the estate's general manager, Nestor Paslawsky.

Thursday was the annual favorite: the "Olimpiyada" (Olympiad). Squeezed in between two torrential storms, the children ran, kicked, tossed, threw and raced their way to gold medals for all.

Another favorite, the campfire, unfortunately had to be held in the Main House lobby due to poor conditions outdoors. Nonetheless, a real fire blazed in the fireplace and all enjoyed hearing the obriady again, singing beloved songs, and laughing at a special guest, the silly Farmer Ivan Olen, who led the kids in an Old MacDonald-type song.

Friday brought treasure maps, hikes and gold doubloons. Each group was sent on a hunt in search of treasure. When the ptashata returned, gold and candies in tow, a small carnival awaited them. Children got to play games, win prizes, eat popcorn and cotton candy, and even have their faces painted.

On Friday night after dinner, on the Veselka auditorium stage, each age group of children performed songs with movements they had learned during the week to the delight of their family members.

Camp ended on Saturday morning under glorious sunshine with the handing out of certificates to all campers who participated. Camp T-shirts were proudly donned for the group photo.

Despite the awful weather, the children, their dedicated and caring counselors, and their families had a wonderful time at Soyuzivka.

Copyright © The Ukrainian Weekly, July 23, 2006, No. 30, Vol. LXXIV

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