EAST CHATHAM N.Y. – Plast Ukrainian Scouting Organization is dedicated to developing character, citizenship and leadership based on time-tested scouting principles of love of God and country, and assistance to fellow citizens. This scouting organization’s summer programs are key to its educational approach.
Summer is quickly approaching, and children of Ukrainian descent are making plans for their summer vacation. Plast scouts have many choices. There are regular three-week camps with a variety of offerings, including sports, pioneering, hiking and other activities culminating in merit badges, as well as counselor-training and special-interest camps. Each camp has its own special charm whereby a lifetime of memories is created.
Laryssa Czebiniak
“Shkola Bulavnykh” participants on a hike to North Point in Haines Falls, N.Y.
Plast has three flagship campgrounds in the United States: Vovcha Tropa in East Chatham, N.Y. (near Albany), Novyi Sokil in North Collins, N.Y. (near Buffalo), and Pysanyi Kamin in Middlefield, Ohio (not far from Cleveland).
Camps for “novatstvo” (cub scouts age 6-11) and “yunatstvo” (scouts age 11-18) will be taking place at each of the campgrounds on July 8-29. The age-appropriate programs, in addition to achieving merit badges, include hiking, sports and swimming, arts and crafts, pioneering, singing and bonfires. All activities are focused on developing outdoorsmanship and team-building within the context of the campers’ shared Ukrainian heritage. The experience is rustic; it allows children to connect with nature, make lifelong friends and, in line with Plast’s mission, become greater contributors to society.
Zenia Brozyna
“Novachky” during traditional “Ivana Kupala” activities at Vovcha Tropa in East Chatham, N.Y.
Additionally, the campgrounds hold specialized camps during July. Vovcha Tropa has two specialized camps during the summer season: a co-ed camp for older teens (age 16-18) on July 8-23 with a unique program focused on leadership and teamwork, as well as pioneering, hiking, canoeing and rock climbing. For novatstvo not quite ready for a three-week camp, there is a one-week “Pochatkovyi Tabir” (beginner’s camp) for children age 6-7.
Pysanyi Kamin (July 16-22) and Novyi Sokil (July 15-22) hold a one-week camp for “ptashata” (age 4-6). Accompanied by their parents, children at this day camp enjoy their first Plast camp experience and are prepared for future summer camps before they become official members of Plast.
Although not located on Plast camp premises, a “Tabir Ptashat” is also held at the Soyuzivka Heritage Center in Kerhonkson, N.Y. (two sessions: June 25-July 1 and July 2-8). In fact, it was at Soyuzivka that the “Tabir Ptashat” concept was initiated back in 1989.
For 2017, training for Plast counselors of novatstvo will be held at Pysanyi Kamin on June 24-July 4. “Shkola Bulavnykh,” on June 24-July 7 in Hunter, N.Y., will provide training for female scout counselors. In addition, on June 29-July 2, there will be a unique four-day alumnae camp for “Shkola Bulvanykh” participants of past years at which all female senior-age Plast members are also welcome.
For those scouts who want to develop advanced leadership and teamwork skills, the “Zolota Bulava” camp on July 1-9 in Canada offers a very challenging, and rewarding, experience.
Marko Bej
At Great Allegheny Passage Trail, campers from Pysanyi Kamin in Middlefield, Ohio, during their 105-mile biking trip from Cumberland, Md., to Ohiopyle, Pa.
Plast also sponsors a variety of special-interest camps during the summer months. For the cycling enthusiasts, Bicyling Camp will take place July 30-August 6 with the starting point in Pittsburgh and the finish in Washington, D.C. For those who want to challenge their bodies and minds, there is an Olympic Camp at Vovcha Tropa on July 30-August 6. For the water sports enthusiast, there’s Morskyi Tabir, which is being held this year at Putt’s Camp on Raystown Lake in Saxton, Pa., on August 5-12.
This year, members of Plast worldwide have an opportunity to participate in the organization’s 105th anniversary international jamboree (“YuMPZ”) on August 12-19 in Jugendsiedlung Hochland, Germany (near Munich).
To attend any of the aforementioned camps, a prospective participant must have been a member of Plast for a minimum of six months and must meet the age/scout level requirements associated with each camp. For more information about the camps or to become a member of Plast, readers may visit www.plastusa.org.