Campers of all ages enjoy learning about Ukrainian heritage at Soyuzivka

KERHONKSON, N.Y. – This year’s heritage camps at Soyuzivka took place in July with over 80 children from three countries – the United States, Canada and Ukraine – attending.

Discover Your Heritage Camp (July 10-16) this year focused on Ukraine’s royalty during the Princely Era (Kniazha Doba). The campers learned about the evolution of the tryzub, the distinctive trident that is Ukraine’s national symbol; and about how Princess (Kniahynia) Olha ruled Kyivan Rus’ until Volodymyr the Great became a prince (kniaz)and the father-in-law of Europe. They also learned about Halychyna and King Danylo.

Tania D’Avignon

Amber D’Avignon designs a crest at Discover Your Heritage Camp.

Campers (age 8-15) created their own crests, telling a story about their families. These crests were then reproduced in clay and drawn on a shield. The campers also learned how Ukraine came to accept Christianity under the leadership of Volodymyr the Great.

During the week the campers enjoyed many outdoor activities: taking a hike to the green pool and waterfalls, competing in The Amazing Race and enjoying laser tag on the soccer field. The traditional closing bonfire on Friday night included a talent night in which each camper was encouraged to participate.

Tania D’Avignon

Some of the family crests made by campers.0

The theme for Discover Your Heritage Camp follows a program. Three years ago the theme was current events in Ukraine – the Maidan; last year it was pre-Christian Ukraine; this year it was the royal houses of Ukraine; and next year will be all about the Kozaks.

The camp is fun and exciting because of the hard work of Sandy Lemekha as director, Volodko Lemekha as co-director and the counselors, Alexandra Lemekha, Ivanka Grynyk, Erick Kusmirek and Armen Skulsky. The counselors coordinating the historical and heritage program are Tania D’Avignon, Laryssa D’Avignon, Hanja Cherniak and Bohdana Puzyk. Their talents and dedication created an atmosphere in which the campers had fun while learning about their rich heritage.

Bohdana Puzyk

At Hutsul Night during the second week of Heritage Day Camp, Serhiy Fomenko is seen with the young campers.

At Heritage Day Camp (July 12-16 and July 19-23) the theme was “Lys Mykyta” written by Ivan Franko. The children (age 4-7) learned the story and the animals that played an important role in it. The children were foxes, badgers, wolves, bears and kittens.

Tania D’Avignon

Soyuzivka’s youngest varenyky makers.

Their crafts, created by Anna Marie Kukuruza, were hand puppets, foxes made out of pinecones and traditional wreathes for the girls, to mention just a few. Dancing was taught by Peter Fil during the first week and by Tania Blahitka Jadlicky the second. The first week the children learned traditional Ukrainian songs lead by Lesia Fil Zimmer. During the second week, they were taught current children’s songs from Ukraine by Serhiy Fomenko (Foma), the famed singer-songwriter from Ukraine.

Tania D’Avignon

Peter Fil makes varenyky with the young campers.

In games led by Larissa Krul the children expanded their Ukrainian vocabulary and learned about the animals living in the forest – and not only those in “Lys Mykyta” but also the ones found at Soyuzivka.

Rounding out the program is storytime, led by Olenka Ivaniw during the first week and Christine Lucenko-Chase the second week. The children not only heard the story of the fox named Mykyta but had the opportunity to act out some of the scenes. And each day they had a new Ukrainian tale to learn and re-enact.

Tania D’Avignon

Alex Lemekha and Erick Kusmirek are Kyivan Rus’ royalty at Discover Your Heritage Camp.

The afternoon had them doing water sports, making varenyky, participating in summer Olympics and having an ice cream social. The director for this year’s Heritage Day Camp was Ksenia Olsen, who worked with the counselors to create an interesting and educational program while ensuring that the children had a wonderful and memorable experience.

All are surely looking forward to next year, when the theme will be “20,000 Leagues under the Black Sea.”