KERHONKSON, N.Y. – For the past 49 years the Soyuzivka Tennis Camp has been held here in the beautiful mountains of upstate New York. This year it was held from June 21 to July 2 with campers ranging in age from 10 to 16 who stayed at Camp Lviv. In recent years, the camp has grown to include day campers as well, youngsters age 8 to 11.
There are several interesting things about the campers: more than half return for many seasons; a few have parents who attended years ago; and they represent different waves of immigrations, including two boys visiting from Ukraine this summer. What is more wonderful is that they all get together to bond and become friends while learning to play tennis. This is what is so special about the Soyuzivka Heritage Center.
Some may wonder: What is the secret of this successful camp that builds camaraderie and loyalty? The answer is simple: a dedicated caring staff that loves Soyuzivka, experience and knowledge in organizing and teaching tennis, and lots of off-court activities.
Petrusia Sawchak
At the USCAK-East Championships (from left): Molly Bis, Matthew Bach, Pavlo Busko, Nastya Dudaryk, George Sawchak, Tusia Kopach, Ari Louer, Ksenia Lewyckyj and Elli Klim.
The director of the 2015 camp was George (Yurko) Sawchak, a United States Tennis Association (USTA) instructor, player, organizer of tennis tournaments (for both Ukrainian and American events) and present tournament director and senior team captain for USTA Middle States.
He was assisted by Leda Kopach, an accomplished player and winner of many tennis tournaments throughout her career, as well as her husband, Don Kopach, also past champion and winner of USCAK’s tennis tournaments.
The counselors, selected for their abilities and personalities, were Victoria Voronovich, Andrij Cymbal, Molly Bis and Mary Hankewycz.
Another important member of the staff for 15 years was Olya Czerkas, the dorm supervisor who likes to be referred to as “Dorm Mom.” She helped the campers feel at home and included in all off-court activities. Completing the staff was this writer, Petrusia Sawchak, who served as coordinator and administrator. Mmes. Czerkas and Sawchak are public school teachers by profession, so parents can be sure that the children were well supervised.
Special thanks were offered to General Manager Nestor Paslawsky, Office Administrator Sonia Semanyszyn and Assistant Manager Stefko Drabyk for their courteous service, support and friendly assistance whenever needed by the Tennis Camp. This year’s newcomer, Laryssa Liteplo, RN, served as the camp nurse who took care of campers’ nicks and bruises. Soyuzivka’s Chef Andrey Sonevytsky always prepared delicious and nutritious food that he knew would be enjoyed by the campers.
Tennis Camp Staff Members (from left): Olya Czerkas, Mary Hankewycz, Molly Bis, Victoria Voronovich, Andrij Cymbal, Petrusia Sawchak, Yurko Sawchak, Don Kopach and Laryssa Liteplo.
The first week of camp was devoted to learning the basics of tennis: various strokes, correct serves, game strategy and etiquette. Each day began with exercises on the courts made enjoyable with the addition of lively music. All the instructors rotated with all the campers, who were divided into groups according to ability in each particular skill being taught that session. During the second week, the campers applied what they had learned during tournament play.
Off-court activities included swimming in Soyuzivka’s pool, and playing volleyball or soccer. Campers also had time to cheer the U.S.A. during the World Cup and watch some popular movies on rainy days. In the evenings, the campers prepared skits for the feigned bonfire (not the real thing due to inclement weather).
They also dressed up for their teenage zabava/dance held in Veselka Hall. Another special treat for them was attending Hutsul Night (at Mr. Paslawsky’s invitation), a Soyuzivka tradition. Many campers wore their Ukrainian embroidered shirts and enjoyed Ukrainian-style food to celebrate their heritage. After the dinner, the campers showed off their dancing skills, having practiced the polka taught to them by Mrs. Czerkas the day before. At the end of each day the campers formed a circle and sang “Nich Vzhe Ide” (“Night is Falling”), reinforcing the new friendships they made at camp before going to sleep.
Katya Bis
Best Campers with staff. Holding trophies (from left) are Danylo Karkhut, Stefan Sorobay, Yana Skorobogatova and Elli Klim.
During the USCAK-East Championships held at Soyuzivka on June 27-28, campers had the opportunity to participate – and many of them won.
At the end of camp, a gala banquet was held in the Main House dining room with hors d’oeuvres and Shirley Temples served in the lobby. The campers wore their party attire and were given the royal treatment. Many parents attended as well.
Mr. Sawchak thanked everyone associated with the camp for their cooperation and presented the campers with their certificates. The tournament results were announced, and trophies were awarded to the winners in five groups.
• In the Boys’ A Group, Pavlo Busko from New Jersey won first place, Mark Blyznak from New York took second, and Stefan Sorobay from New York took third place.
• In the Boys’ B Group, Adrian Domaradsky from New Jersey won first place, Will Radan from Pennsylvania took second, and Zen Kochanowsky from New Jersey took third.
• In the Girls’ A Group, Nastya Dudaryk from Florida won first place, Ariadna Louer from Pennsylvania took second, and Tusia Kopach from Pennsylvania took third.
• In the Girls’ B Group, Ksenia Lewyckyj from Indiana won first place, and second place went to both Olivia Bereza from New Jersey and Elli Klim from Indiana, while Juliette Louer from Pennsylvania took third. This group was highly contested with only two points between each.
• In the Mixed Group, two boys from Lviv, Marko Klymovskyy and his brother Taras, took first and second place, respectively.
The coveted Best Campers awards, selected by the entire staff, went to Stefan Sorobay from New York, Danylo Karkhut from New Jersey, Yana Skorobogatova from New York and Elli Klim from Indiana.
The counselors presented some “funny awards” to the campers and staff. After all the presentations were done, the campers continued their festivities with a dance in the hall.
The next day the campers met on the tennis courts for some formal farewells and, after some hugs and kisses, all vowed to continue playing tennis and to return again next year. Many of these young tennis players keep in touch all year, with e-mails and Facebook keeping friendships alive.
Petrusia Sawchak
At Hutsul Night. Campers show off their Ukrainian blouses.