NEW YORK – Given the health and safety concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the National Executive Board of the Ukrainian American Youth Association (UAYA, which is also known by its Ukrainian acronym as CYM) said it had made the difficult decision to cancel in-person summer camps in Ellenville, N.Y. Summer camps are also canceled at other CYM campgrounds nationwide, including Beskyd in Baraboo, Wisc., Kholodnyi Yar in Fillmore, N.Y., and Khortytsia in Huntington, Ohio.
At every step of this decision, the UAYA National Executive Board and Camp Committee emphasized that they worked to keep the health, safety and enjoyment of campers and the community paramount.
This year has been unprecedented in the history of the organization and this pandemic has deeply affected the CYM community, the National Executive Board noted, adding that it has been closely monitoring the news during this pandemic and has been in direct and regular contact with frontline health-care workers and physicians.
The camp experience is irreplaceable and remains in our memories forever. The National Educational Council of UAYA, working with the Camp Committee, will be organizing virtual summer camps for “sumeniata,” as well as recreational (“vidpochynkovi”) and educational (“vyshkilni”) camps. The National Executive Board is encouraging all members nationwide to make CYM a part of their summer schedule.
Over the next few weeks, CYM will be holding online Q & A sessions to answer questions and listen to suggestions regarding the virtual camps. “We look forward to working with all of you to create a unique and memorable summer season. This year, camps will be held in a different format, but the goal will remain the same. Sincere thanks goes to the counselors and educators …for their diligent work with youth and adjusting to these unusual circumstances,” the National Executive Board noted.
For additional information, readers may visit the CYM website (http://cym.org/us/ellenville-camps-2020) or e-mail the CYM National Executive Board at [email protected]. Readers are encouraged to follow the organization’s developments on Instagram and Facebook (www.facebook.com/CYM.USA).
Source: UAYA.