Over 300 participate in diverse Plast camps at Vovcha Tropa campground (10/01/06)

Over 300 participate in diverse Plast camps at Vovcha Tropa campground

by Adriana Kuzyszyn

EAST CHATHAM, N.Y. - Over 300 children and teens took part in Plast camps held at the Vovcha Tropa campground in East Chatham, N.Y., from July 8 to July 29. Over 80 administrative members and counselors assisted in the organization and facilitation of these camps, which have been held at Vovcha Tropa for 54 consecutive years. As always, all who participated had a memorable summer filled with imaginative themes and engaging activities.

About 30 6- and 7-year-old boys and girls had their first overnight camp experience. Two sessions of a one-week camp that focused on nature were held and introduced these young "novachky" and "novaky" to the basics of Plast camping. The enthusiasm of the counselors could only be matched by the campers themselves. The children frequently sang as they marched to meals, announcing their hunger and confirming the liveliness of their presence. Both sessions visited the Little Brook Farm in Old Chatham and spent a day riding horses, an appropriate complement to the nature theme.

Girls age 7 to 11 ("novachky") spent three captivating weeks on a quest to find a fairy's missing shoe. The campers and counselors immersed themselves in the customs and activities of nine exotic places, including France, Ukraine, Scandinavia and Hawaii. Each "riy" (sub-group) was named after a different kind of shoe and created a song that went along with it. Yoga, a World Cup championship and a talent show were among the various activities that kept novachky, and their "sestrychky" (counselors) busy. Two field trips broke up the daily pace of camp life: a day at the lake at Fox Hill Campground and a visit to the Berkshire Museum in nearby Pittsfield, Mass.

Boys age 7 to 11 ("novaky") followed the adventures of Orion. Each sub-group took on the identity of one of several creatures or objects that Orion encountered during his journey, such as gnomes, golden dragons and enchanted woodsmen. The endless energy of the novaky was rarely suppressed despite hours of activity, sports and forest exploration. The camp song was frequently sung with incredible enthusiasm and instantly became a Vovcha Tropa favorite. The boys accompanied the girls to Fox Hill Campground in addition to taking their own field trip to the Iroquois Indian Museum.

"Yunaky" and "yunachky" (scouts age 11-16) took part in two separate camps. Both camps emphasized the rustic characteristics of Plast scouting and required a great deal of physical and emotional effort by all involved. During the third week, boys and girls were split into several groups and went on three-day camping trips to Pittsfield State Park-Bishop Field, Greylock State Reservation-Pine Tree, Stoney Ledge and the Appalachian Trial, and Green Mountain State Park to Long Trail Division 1-Vermont. The rigorous activities added to the bittersweet feelings that accompany the end of tabir.

Twenty-four 16-year-olds took part in the co-ed two week camp endearingly known as "Supercamp." The tabir's name, "Bud Hotov" (Be Prepared), the theme and the catchy song all reminded the teenagers that this summer was to be their last as campers at Vovcha Tropa. Although more was expected of the participants because of their age and status as "Supercampers," all went home with predominately positive memories.

During the first week the campers took part in a treasure hunt throughout the town of Chatham. During the second week the campers went on a four-day canoe trip on Saranac Lake, N.Y. and rock climbing near Lake Placid, N.Y.

After three weeks of socializing with fellow Plast members, many were hesitant to leave Vovcha Tropa - after all, a fun and engaging camp is always difficult to leave. Despite the necessary packing of belongings and sad good-byes, all were comforted by the thought of returning next summer.

Adriana Kuzyszyn, 20, is a member of the Newark branch of Plast. She was a counselor working with the oldest "novachky" at this summer's camp at Vovcha Tropa. She likes working with novatstvo (children age 7-11) and hopes to continue in Plast as a counselor.

| Home Page |