Last summer, many Ukrainian children and teenagers again had a wonderful time participating in the summer camps organized by the Ukrainian Democratic Youth Organization (ODUM). The mission of ODUM is to teach children about their rich Ukrainian heritage and culture.
Year after year, our campers cannot wait to return to the ODUM summer camps next summer. After the camps end, children continue to maintain their connections and the close friendships they have formed with their ОDUM friends from the United States and Canada. Throughout the year they enjoy singing the Ukrainian songs they learned at camp. In the three months prior to the start of camp, they talk about the upcoming camp program with excitement, they look forward to seeing their ODUM friends again, the new games and sports they will be playing, the hiking adventures to come and the camp dances.
Here’s some important information for parents who would like to instill their love of Ukrainian culture in their children.
ODUM summer camps are held at the resort Ukraina in rural London, Ontario, in July of each year. The Ukraina resort is situated on 110 rolling acres in a beautiful wooded setting with a branch of the Thames River that winds through the property.
There is a large modern pool, and swimming is included daily in the camp program. Campers also have the opportunity to participate in organized water sports. There is nothing better for the campers than the opportunity to cool off in the pool on a hot summer day.
The resort also has wonderful banquet facilities that are used for weddings and events throughout the year. During the summer camp program, these facilities are transformed into the ideal place for the campers to have their meals, learn bandura and Ukrainian songs, enjoy dances and concerts, and participate in various art activities. It is the perfect indoor option for camp activities on a rainy day.
Meals for campers are provided by the professional catering staff that works year-round in the banquet facilities. The meal program is fresh and healthy, incorporates both Ukrainian and American cuisines, and, most importantly, it’s delicious.
If you ask campers what they find most interesting at ODUM summer camp, they will tell you it is the diverse daily program. The program includes Ukrainian songs, dances, various sports and competitions, hiking, fishing, movies, swimming, bonfires and spending quality time with their Ukrainian friends. Beautiful surroundings, an interesting program, good food and making lifelong friends – that is why ODUM campers can’t wait to come back each summer.
The dates for the 2016 ODUM Camp Program are as follows:
• “Malyat” Camp (for children age 3-6, with their parents), July 3-9;
• Counselors Camp (age 15-17), July 3-9;
• Bandura Camp (age 7 and up), July 10-17; and
• Recreational Camp (age 7-14), July 17-30.
If you would like additional information, please go to www.odum.org or send an e-mail to о[email protected].
Oh, and one more thing: ODUM welcomes new campers.