Rostysslove Tereshko
Crowds on Kyiv’s Maidan react to Lama’s performance in 2014.
ELLENVILLE, N.Y. – Excitement and anticipation burn in the hearts of all Ukrainian American Youth Association members as they prepare for this year’s 60th anniversary summer season of their beloved campground, popularly known as “oselia.” Preparations are in full-swing for a celebratory summer of festivals, concerts, camping, outdoor recreation and outdoor dances in Ellenville, N.Y.
Dmytro Peretrutov
Lama’s lead singer Natalia Dzenkiv.
George Mykytyn, president of the Ukrainian American Youth Association’s (UAYA) national board, states, “As we celebrate our 60 years, we embrace a unique opportunity to remember our past, to give thanks to God’s presence to those who have gone before us, and to draw strength for our future from those enduring values which have sustained us throughout our history.” Indeed, reflection on the past is easy for Mr. Mykytyn, who grew up at oselia and whose parents were among the original founding members and builders of the campground.
A focal point of this summer’s events is the fifth annual Nadiya Ye! Festival scheduled for the weekend of July 3-5. This year’s guest performer from Ukraine is Lama, an internationally popular and powerful rock/pop group! The main concert is scheduled for Saturday, July 4, at 9 p.m.
Formed in 2006, Lama rose to fame in 2007 when it won the Best Ukrainian act award at the MTV Europe Music Awards in Munich, Germany. Dr. Adriana Helbig, associate professor of music at the University of Pittsburgh, commented: “In her interviews, lead singer Natalia Dzenkiv encourages young people to turn to music to process the trauma in war-torn Ukraine. Lama’s message of healing connects Ukrainian youth around the world and focuses on peace, democratic values, and respect for oneself and others.”
On Saturday, July 25, the 60th anniversary celebration of oselia will culminate with a gala concert featuring Ukrainian folk and rock sensation Taras Chubai and favorite tri-state pop vocalist Olya Fryz. Both artists’ careers span three decades and have spawned multiple award-winning recordings enjoyed by Ukrainians worldwide. The jubilee weekend will include a quad volleyball tournament and much more.
The 2015 summer will also include a golf tournament, a softball tournament, Dibrova Lounge pub nights, and a variety of weekend performances by Ukrainian folk dance groups and singers.
This summer of celebration promises to be exciting and memorable. The enduring values of the past will continue to guide and strengthen the UAYA membership that supports and embraces its beloved campground. Within these facilities, the organization will go forward in the next 60 years with commitment to the values inspired by the organization’s belief in God and passion for inspiring its young members to embrace the richness and beauty of their Ukrainian heritage.
For additional information about UAYA children’s camps or the organization, call 845-647-7230 or visit cym.org/us-ellenville.