KERHONKSON, N.Y. – The time is now to start planning and registering for Tennis Camp at the Soyuzivka Heritage Center this summer. The camp – where participants can learn the sport of tennis from knowledgeable and dedicated teachers while also having lots of fun – has a long history, going back 50 years.
The Tennis Camp, nestled at rustic Soyuzivka in the beautiful mountains of upstate New York state, begins on Sunday, June 25, and ends on July 6. The overnight campers stay at Camp Lviv; day campers, who stay with their parents at Soyuzivka or nearby, are also accepted.
The campers come from many different parts of the United States, as well as Canada and also Ukraine in recent years. They come from not knowing each other to becoming friends and experiencing “the magic of Soyuzivka,” a special place for Ukrainians.
The staff is headed by George (Yurko) Sawchak, a longtime United States Tennis Association (USTA) player, teacher, organizer and captain of the Middle States USTA sectional teams. He is assisted by other professional instructors and counselors. The supervisor of Camp Lviv is Olya Czerkas, a teacher who helps the campers adjust and feel at home. Another teacher by profession, Petrusia Sawchak coordinates activities.
The beautiful Ukrainian heritage is always emphasized, and campers are encouraged to bring their Ukrainian embroidered shirts for Hutsul Night.
The camp has a carefully planned and executed program of tennis instruction stressing specific skills to be learned and developed each day. This also includes the importance of sportsmanship and tennis etiquette. The first week is devoted to daily instruction in tennis, and the second week concludes with a tournament for the campers, during which they put to use what they have learned.
Although the focus is always on tennis, there are many off-court activities, such as swimming in Soyuzivka’s pool, playing soccer or volleyball after sessions, enjoying games, watching movies, or dancing to the campers’ own music or Soyuzivka’s live “zabava” band.
Campers may also participate in the USCAK-East Tournament held on the weekend of July 1-2, which gives them more opportunities to compete in the game of tennis.
At the end of the camp, there is a gala banquet for which campers get dressed up to enjoy a special dinner. All receive certificates, and trophies are awarded to tournament winners. The coveted “Best Camper” awards are also presented to boys and girls for their exemplary behavior. A dance follows the program.
For Soyuzivka Tennis Camp registration and more information, please call Soyuzivka, 845-626-5641, or register online at www.soyuzivka.com. Make your reservation soon to guarantee your place at the camp.